Humpback whales have one of the most complex songs of all animals. Scientists do not yet know exactly what they mean, but males sing vigorously during the breeding season on Silver Bank, in the Dominican Republic. In this episode of the series “1,000 days for the Planet”, scientists from the oceanographic schooner Sedna IV slip into the crystal-clear water with them to try and unravel the mystery of one of the most spectacular sonic phenomena in the animal kingdom. During these dives, calves play with the divers, a touching demonstration of mutual curiosity. Some Alaskan humpbacks also use songs to synchronize hunting among schools of herring. Practiced by a small number of humpbacks who prefer to hunt in groups, this technique combines a strident call with the formation of a bubble-net, which traps the fish. Simply spectacular!

Directors: Jean Lemire, Yanick Rose
Country: Canada
Year: 2013
Duration: 50 min
Language: English
Subtitles: Spanish
General Audience

 

Jean Lemire
Trained as a biologist, Jean Lemire began a parallel career in filmmaking in 1987 to combine his love of research and science communication. Lemire and his team of sailors and scientists took the legendary Northwest Passage in 2002 (Arctic Mission), overwintered in the Antarctic in 2005-2006 on a 430-day mission (Antarctic Mission), and, in 2012, embarked on 1000 Days for the Planet, a three-year journey around the world to take stock of worldwide biodiversity, in conjunction with the Secretariat of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. His films have won many prestigious prizes, including over 20 Gémeaux and Gemini awards, recognizing excellence in televisual production.

Yanick Rose
Yanick Rose is director and director of photography. He directed and filmed a lot of documentaries and reports; his work has allowed to  travel all over the planet, and visit more than 60 countries. At ease behind the camera as well on land, on water, under water or in the mountains, he is also editor and steadicam operator, a system that allows for movement  of fluid and stable camera. Passionate and perfectionist, he is ready to make every effort to succeed in capturing the image   he has in mind or find the right camera angle. His work has among others been awarded a Gemini Award in 2009 for best photographic direction for Baby-Boomers to assault Mount Mera. Specializing in scientific documentaries for ten years, he worked for Découverte aired on Radio-Canada. He is the co-director and cinematographer of Mission 1000 days for the planet and its challenges so for granted in unusual and hectic career of this adventurer.

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