How eyes in the skies help whales and the water

A learning activity for students

NASP Image

What do the iconic red planes of Transport Canada’s National Aerial Surveillance Program have to do with whales, oil pollution, and Canada’s coasts and waterways?

Learning objective: At the end of this learning activity, students will be able to list three main things these red planes are doing and explain why it’s important for Canada.

Time: the activity takes approx. 50 minutes.

Activities: reading articles, viewing videos, comprehension quiz, + BONUS content.

Introduction:

The iconic red planes of Transport Canada’s National Aerial Surveillance Program keep a watchful eye from above, which plays an important part in reducing pollution in our waters and in the protection of wildlife, including endangered whales.

Learn more about how these eyes in the skies are helping Canada below.

Instructions:

Part 1: Reading

  1. Since 1991, the National Aerial Surveillance Program has been key in pollution prevention and marine protection in Canada. Learn more here.
  2. Since 2018, Canada has tested using drones to help watch for whales and pollution. Learn more here.

Part 2: Watching videos

  1. A lot happens when a boat enters Canadian waters! From high above the waters, our crews are trained to watch vessels below. Watch this video on Canadian marine safety.
  2. The job of finding pollution along Canada’s massive coasts and waterways is no small feat! Thankfully, our crews rise to the occasion to track pollution down. Watch this video to see how.
  3. Canada is using drones to help watch over Canada’s lands and waters and is working to safely add drones to busy airport operations. Watch this video to see a drone and crews in action.

Part 3: Check your understanding!

Take this quiz to check your understanding and to see how much you’ve learned!

BONUS: Flying higher — interested in learning more?

  1. When oil spills happen on the water, the impact can be terrible. Thankfully, Canada has a team of experts trained to detect oil spills using satellites. Learn more about how it works here.
  2. Canada is taking action to protect endangered whales, including North Atlantic right, Southern Resident killer, and St. Lawrence Estuary Beluga whales. Learn more about our efforts here.
  3. Marine safety in Canada aims to balance our use of waters as highways to move goods we use every single day with the safeguarding of natural places for our future. Learn more here.

Conclusion:

With an eye from above, the iconic red planes of Transport Canada’s National Aerial Surveillance Program play an important part in reducing pollution in Canada, in helping to protect endangered animals like whales, and in protecting the world’s longest coastlines.