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March 23, 2016

It’s Spring Time in the Ocean

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All winter long, we patiently wait for spring to bring warm weather, budding trees and colourful flowers. Oceans also have their own spring time, filled with activity, renewal and yes, even blooms! Oceana Canada asks, why not celebrate spring in the oceans this year?

Welcome the Whales

humpback whale
In the spring, humpback whales migrate back to Canadian waters, bringing with them new additions to their family. Humpback whales winter in the south where they breed, and in the spring, they bring their new calves north with them to northern feeding grounds.

Spawning Salmon

chinook salmon
Chinook are called “spring salmon,” because some spawn at this time of year. Historically, chinook salmon were the first salmon of the year that First Nations of British Columbia would fish. The chinook live most of their lives out on the ocean, returning to where they were born in freshwater streams to spawn and give life to the next generation.

Ocean Flip

ocean wave
In the spring, the heavy water on the top of the surface sinks to the bottom, taking the place of warmer layers. The warm water that comes to the surface brings with it lots of nutrients.

Plankton Bloom

phytoplankton bloom Newfoundland NASA
Spring brings more sunlight and warmer temperatures, which creates a nutrient-rich environment that’s perfect for phytoplankton to bloom. The phytoplankton can be so plentiful that their blooms, which appear as a greenish colour, can be seen from space. In the ocean, phytoplankton are the base of the food system, so every animal is reliant on them either directly or indirectly. When they bloom, so does the whole ocean! 

Stay connected to all the amazing things happening in our oceans throughout the year by becoming a Wavemaker.