I feel that I want to be a little self indulgent with a bit of reminiscing, and why not indeed?
Twenty eight years have now passed since I first ventured out from Mull in a wee boat and discovered the wonderful world of our marine wildlife. Twenty eight years of being able to enjoy a passion that involved finding, watching and spending time with our minke whales and their associated wildlife. Of having the opportunity to observe the extraordinary changes to our marine ecosystem, over the years.
I find myself harking back to ‘the good old days’ when apparently, whales, dolphins and sharks were more plentiful, better weather and things were just different! BUT, is that really so? Well yes, there have been changes but for better or for worse? Take an average day this year and you judge.
Within thirty minutes of leaving we are surrounded by the unusually friendly local family of porpoise and calves. At the same time we are usually watched, or investigated, by a pair of resident sea eagles. An hour later we arrive amongst the usual number of basking sharks gently browsing a tide line. Dorsal fins photographed for ID purposes, we move off in search of whale. Within an hour we spot a juvenile minke that came to us, circled round the boat once and then wandered off to find a more active playmate. But that gave us enough time to photograph him/her for ID purposes. For lunch, our passengers were landed on one of the loveliest beaches in the world. A wee islet at the Cairns, where our wide eyed passengers could take the time to enjoy the peace and beauty, whilst observing the seals and birds.
Homeward bound, we come across a huge raft of manx shearwater, some of which are feeding with auks and gannets diving through them. Of course, this attracts the inevitable bonxie looking for his next meal.
NO, this talk of ‘the good old days’ must stop as of now! Yes of course they were good days, but despite all the changes today, especially with our marine wildlife, I think all is very healthy and the wildlife especially, is even more exciting to day – where else in the world is it possible to see such a diverse marine wildlife population in such a stunning part of the world?
POPZ
Skipper
