About this episode

Justin Miller talks with Dr. Heidi Pearson about her research on marine mammals and the Juneau Whale Health Project.

On this episode of Capital Chat, Justin Miller talks with Dr. Heidi Pearson about her work studying marine mammals in Juneau, Southeast Alaska, and beyond. Dr. Pearson shares details from a recent research and teaching trip to Portugal, where UAS students gained hands-on international field experience studying dolphins, turtles, seabirds, and whales. The conversation also dives into the Juneau Whale Health Project, a long-term collaboration studying humpback whales through photo identification, drone research, tagging, and other field methods. Dr. Pearson explains what scientists are learning about whale health, behavior, body condition, social bonds, and how changing ocean conditions could affect marine life in the years ahead. Listeners will also hear practical ways boaters and community members can help protect whales and marine ecosystems, from slowing down around whale activity to reducing plastic waste. It’s a thoughtful and fascinating look at the complex lives of the whales that share Juneau’s waters—and why protecting them matters.

People in this episode

Host: Justin Miller

Guest: Dr. Heidi Pearson

Topics covered

• marine mammals
• whale health
• field research
• environmental protection
• ocean conditions

Keywords

• marine mammals
• whale health
• Juneau
• field experience
• environmental protection

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Juneau Whale Health Project

Products: dolphins, turtles, seabirds, whales

Places: Juneau, Southeast Alaska, Portugal

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