Source: Brandon University http://www.brandonu.ca/news/article.asp?A_ID=1121 BU's Dr. Chris Malcolm to be featured on CTV's Manitoba MomentsOctober 12, 2006 CHURCHILL, MB – Brandon University Geography professor Dr. Chris Malcolm will be featured, along with one of his honours students, on an upcoming episode of CTV Television's Manitoba Moments, airing on Sunday, October 15 from 6:30 to 7:00 p.m., and again on Saturday, October 21 at 5:00 p.m. on CTV. The episode, titled Qilalugat: Churchill's Other Great White, features interviews with Dr. Malcolm and student Heather Penner based on research that Malcolm has been conducting on the population of beluga whales that resides in and near the Churchill River estuary from June to September. River estuaries such as the Churchill and Nelson represent an essential element of beluga habitat, yet the reason for their seasonal use of these areas is unresolved at present. Malcolm's research explores those reasons, investigate beluga spatial use patterns and behaviours in the estuary, relating them to water characteristics such as depth, tidal patterns, temperature and salinity. For thousands of years the Qilalugat, or Beluga whales, have spent their summers in the Churchill River, raising their calves and preparing for the winter months. For hundreds of years, this annual migration has been a vital economic source for the town of Churchill. While Churchill's past has included commercial whaling and supplying zoo aquariums, it is now focusing on a new kind of tourism: whale watching. Has Churchill finally hit upon a relationship that will benefit both people and whale? Written and directed by Shereen Jerrett, this documentary will look at the effect that the Beluga has on Churchill, and Churchill has on the Beluga. How is Churchill dealing with the delicate job of managing their precious – and popular – resource? Is it possible for the town to exploit this natural wonder in a way that is beneficial to both worlds? Manitoba Moments is a weekly half hour series that showcases and explores the people, places and events that directly impact the lives of CTV viewers in the province. Through special reports, features, minidocumentaries and independently produced specials Manitoba Moments offers local and regional reflection that speaks to the interests and concerns of its Manitoba audience. A production of CTV News, Manitoba Moments airs each Sunday at 6:30 p.m. Produced by Léo Dufault, Charles Lavack and Louis Paquin of Les Productions Rivard in association with CTV. For more information, please contact: Micheline Arbez Les Productions Rivard Phone: (204) 233-0694 ext. 238 Kelly Stifora Communications Officer Brandon University Phone: (204) 727-9762 Email: communications@brandonu.ca - 30 -
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