Ocean World

The evening begins with an optional social hour and pot luck supper at 6:30 pm,
followed by the film at 7:30 pm, followed by a discussion at the end of the film.

OCEAN WORLD

The blue whale is a perfect symbol for the oceans: the vast blue expanse that dominates our planet while still remaining largely unexplored and mysterious. We actually know less about the oceans than we do about the surface of the moon, yet they cover 2/3 of our world. They are an integral part of the Earth's life cycle, influencing weather systems and supporting an enormous range of life. Explore the sheer scale, power, and complexity of the mysterious oceans that govern our blue planet by watching this documentary film series on the oceans, Blue Planet. This episode of Blue Planet, narrated by David Attenborough, looks at how ocean life is regulated around the globe by currents and the varying position of the sun. Near a Pacific seamount, there is a large concentration of marine animals because when the current makes contact with the submerged rock, it forces upwards plankton and other edible organisms. This in turn attracts other fish to the area that are higher up the food chain, like tuna, and those that are higher still, such as silky sharks. Off South Africa, a similar situation occurs every June when sardines migrate and are pursued by a caravan of various predators. The South Atlantic waters are the roughest, and storms also churn up nutrients to the surface there. These feeding grounds have led to the world's largest albatross breeding colony, on Steeple Jason Island, west of the Falklands. Phytoplankton forms the basis of all sea life, and every night some 1,000 million tonnes of creatures ascend from the deep to search for food. Lunar phases can also have a bearing on events and the mass arrival of Ridley sea turtles on a Costa Rican beach is shown in this awesome film. Herring initiate the most productive food chain, providing sustenance for humpback whales, and Stellers, and California sea lions. In addition, their eggs are nutrition for many, both above and in the sea. Grey whales make one of the longest migrations of any marine mammal (some 19,000 kilometres) and are ambushed by killer whales, which have learned their journey routes.

Wheelchair accessible around the corner at 411 28th Street

$5 donations are accepted