Take Nothing but Memories
As enlightened and educated human beings we know that all of us are aware of the many global crises that currently exist. From climate change, to racial inequities, to famine, and plastic pollution, we are constantly reminded of the devastation. How can we play the role we need to play so that we can live up to the expectations and dreams of our children? No human, no business has a zero footprint on the planet. How can we make sure that our life’s work leaves the world a better and more beautiful place? The answer lies in personal responsibility: in wisdom, knowledge and staying informed; in compassion for fellow human beings, those we know and those we will never know; and in courage to act, to change and to spread the word with consideration and kindness. It is in this spirit of wisdom, compassion and courage that the crew of Irene IV has aligned with Oceanic Society for the upcoming Oyster World Rally. We are dedicating this circumnavigation to making a difference – a difference in how we conduct our everyday lives in the hopes of safeguarding future generations. Our purpose is to listen, to observe, to record and to remain open to every opportunity and point of view. We will proudly fly Oceanic Society’s Blue Habits flag and strive each day to deserve the honour. I would like to take a moment to send a heartfelt thanks to Wayne Sentman, director of conservation travel programs at Oceanic Society. First of all, because he answered my call in the depths of the 2020 Covid winter and listened to my rambling story. Secondly, because he has been a constant inspiration to me and the Irene IV crew as we build our ideology and strategy. On Saturday, November 13th, 2021, a bright, sunny Northern California day, I was among a small group of eager whale enthusiasts who departed from San Francisco Yacht Harbor on the Salty Lady,a 56-foot U.S. Coast Guard certified fishing vessel. The Sausalito based Salty Lady is owned and operated by Captain Jared Davis, a longtime Oceanic Society partner who is experienced in nature cruises and committed to marine conservation. We were participating in one of the final cruises of the season, on Oceanic Society's Farallon Islands whale watching trip.   As fortune would have it, that day a large contingent of the Oceanic Society team was aboard. Rod Mast, the president and CEO of the organization and Sea Turtle expert, along with his son, Morrison Mast, who has almost completed a double masters (MBA and MS in Environment and Resources) at Stanford University, were among those I was thrilled to meet.  Oceanic Society team aboard the Salty Lady: Lindsay, Rod, Huntley, Rosie, Ashleigh, Chris, Morrison and Michael I was also delighted to finally get to know Lindsay Mosher, Oceanic Society’s Blue Habits Manager. She has a diverse background with an M.A. in Conservation Biology from Miami University and B.A. in Journalism from Ithaca College. I witnessed her deep passion for ocean issues. I value her understanding of how people need to be met where they currently are, and then compassionately coaxed towards changing behavior. Lindsay has been working to advance global marine conservation for many years. I watched and listened as Lindsay and Chris Biertuempfel (California Program Manager) led a round table discussion with many other team members and naturalists, as well as other whale watching tour operators, and was captivated. The Oceanic Society team has a common ethos that is respectful, observant and deeply wise. No comment from any person was ignored, all opinions were acknowledged and considered, solutions were arrived at that respected all positions. It was truly a remarkable phenomenon to witness. I was humbled and honored to be in their midst. Although we only saw one whale spout all day, due, mostly, to the fog which clothed us tightly once we were some 10 miles out from the coast, it was an enlightening and breathtaking experience.  We glided under the Golden Gate Bridge, in awe at its grandeur, noticing roosting birds availing of the shelter, with harbor porpoises frolicking alongside.  The captain scooped up an old pillow spilling out its ugly polyester guts into the Pacific Ocean. The multicolored contents destined, I am sure, to be a meal for an unsuspecting fish. The experience had us all noticing the plethora of plastic debris surrounding us on all sides.   Solitary Harbor Seals and social Sea Lions charmed us, the one with their meditative stillness the other with their noisy playfulness.
The abundant bird life was engaging, but the story that pulled at the heart strings was that of the solitary male Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus), fondly known as Morus, who has lived on the Farallon Islands since 2012. Nobody knows why he is here, how he got here, and how he has survived. Each season he tries his luck at mating with some other local residents, but his charms thus far have not yielded a bride! Gannets and Boobies belong to the same family, so the hope is that someday, Morus will find a Booby mate.    The Farallon Islands, not strictly speaking islands, but the upper crests of a submerged mountain range, materialized out of the socked in fog, like some magical kingdom. We were lucky to be visited by the research biologist, Jim, who stays on the islands for 4 months at a time. As he described his job to us and regaled us with stories of life on this remote cluster of craggy sea stacks, we spotted a Great White Shark (Carcharodon carcharias), the world’s largest known predatory fish. Everyone on board gasped in disbelief and there was a momentary eerie silence, followed promptly by squeals of glee and much high fiving, from ornithologist Michael Pierson. The day ended with some glorious views of San Francisco in the evening sun and a trip around Alcatraz.   In line with our Irene IV motto: Take nothing but memories, leave nothing but footprints.”, we certainly had a memorable day, our hearts adorned with enchanted footprints.   Oceanic Society team, Southern Californian whale watching tour operators, lucky onlookers me and my friend Liz, all with full tummies after a delicious Mexican meal. |
