Have a whale of a good time: Sitka WhaleFest boasts scientific findings, wildlife sightings.

• Author: Pounds, Nancy
• Position: Alaska This Month

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The powerful enchantment of the ocean lures many people to scan for birds or the blow of a whale hole. This month, marine fans and others will converge on Southeast Alaska for the 12th annual Sitka WhaleFest set for Nov. 7 to Nov. 9.

The event features a three-day scientific symposium at Harrigan Centennial Hall, where scientists will present their current research on marine wildlife.

"The symposium is scientific in content but geared to a general audience," said Phyllis Hackett, executive director of Sitka WhaleFest. "You don't have to be a scientist to participate.

It really is for anybody who has an interest in marine wildlife. It's a Mecca because we're right there on the ocean."

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While scientific material can be complicated, speakers present it in an accessible manner, said Jan Straley, science director for WhaleFest. "We ask them to convey it in a fun and lively way," she said.

WhaleFest participation can land University of Alaska students one credit for an additional fee. "It's a great opportunity for students to communicate with researchers," Straley said.

Humpback whales inhabit Sitka Sound from mid-September through mid-January before migrating south. Harbor seals, Steller sea lions and sea otters also are festival stars. Allen Marine will offer whale watching tours Saturday, Nov. 8 and Sunday, Nov. 9 aboard a catamaran as a fundraiser for WhaleFest.

Other festival activities include a banquet, tradeshow, a 5-kilometer and 10-kilometer fun run/walk and the Maritime Grind, a talent show.

Organizers initially wanted an event to draw visitors in a slower tourism month, something akin to the successful Haines Bald Eagle Festival held annually in November, remembered Hackett. However, a humpback whale specialist was recruited to speak, and event officials decided to emphasize education, she said.

Attendees come from Sitka, Southeast Alaska, the University of Alaska Southeast Juneau campus and the...