Mariner Cruises Whale and Seabird Tours

12/13/2024

There is a little color in the sky this morning, temp 0C, wind Westerly 27 knots, some boats out. Did you know, it is cooler this morning and tomorrow you may have to put a scarf on to look out the window, that 's how cold it is suppose to dip too. Oh well it is that time of year. It was good to get some rain but it is nice to see some Diamonds starting to shine in the Harbour. Something To Ponder, One of the important Keys to Happiness is, Mind your Own Business.

12/13/2024

When you look at whale in the eye it is a feeling that words can not describe.

Tragedy Follows Remarkable Intimate Moment With a Humpback 💔😪

While swimming with a young female humpback, photographer Rachel Moore captured an extraordinary closeup of the whale’s eye in French Polynesia.

The juvenile was gamboling around with a few spinner dolphins and seemed quite curious about the swimmers in the water. So although Moore was at the end of her shooting day, she decided to go in the water again. As soon as she did, the whale — known locally as Sweet Girl — approached her closely.

“For the next five minutes, we stared eye-to-eye at the surface, with her coming…just inches away,” recalled Moore. I zoomed in with my 16-35mm lens…and just as she rolled upside down, I pressed the shutter, capturing the last bit of sunlight illuminating her eye.

“The way she looked at me left an indelible mark on my memory,” said Moore. “It was one of the most powerful and profound moments of my life.”

The photo shows the eye in more detail than ever before. In real life, the eye was the size of a grapefruit. The image shows an electric blue ring around the pupil and the insulating fat that protects the eye.

Through no fault of the photographer, the story did not end happily. Days later, Sweet Girl died when hit by a ship.

The Island of Mo’orea, where the photo was taken, is famous for its humpback whales. Its waters are a birthing ground for them as they journey to Antarctica. Earlier this year, Indigenous groups across Polynesia signed a historic treaty granting whales personhood. They do not see them simply as animals but as a significant part of their history and culture.

The death of Sweet Girl has prompted calls for more protection. Nearly 50,000 people have signed a petition asking for reduced ship speeds in the region.

Moore, a long-time ocean advocate, agrees and worries about many tourists’ behavior toward the ocean giants.

“Our goal should always be to respect these animals and their space, observing their behavior without disturbing it,” she says. “Whales are here to rest, mate, give birth, and nourish their young. Chasing after them only drains the energy they need during their six- to eight-month fast.

“Swimming with these majestic beings is a privilege, and respecting their space is crucial — there’s no need to chase after or force interactions. On rare occasions, whales may choose to interact on their own terms.”

Here is the link to the petition to Reduce Ship Speeds Around Tahiti and Moorea to Protect Humpback Whales: https://www.change.org/p/petition-to-reduce-ship-speeds-around-tahiti-and-moorea-to-protect-humpback-whales

https://explorersweb.com/tragedy-follows-remarkable-intimate-moment-with-a-humpback/

12/12/2024

Well it is an overcast day, we had lots of rain and wind , temp 10 C, wind westerly 37 knots , boats are secure. Did you know, We had a major blow and we are with out power so of lots of folks are running their generators. It is not cold so that is good and I am not sure when the power will be on back. Something To Ponder, kindness is not and act , It’s a Reflection one’s Soul.

12/12/2024

Happywhale's tail recognition software has helped uncover the incredible globetrotting adventures of humpback whales, connecting the dots across oceans!

Read this fascinating article from Science Magazine to learn how technology and collaboration are reshaping our understanding of these majestic creatures.

LINK: https://www.science.org/content/article/extraordinary-globetrotting-humpback-whale-tracked-down-tail-recognition-software

Thank you to everyone who contributes photos and supports whale research—together, we’re making waves in marine conservation! 💙

12/11/2024

Overcast morning and we have had some rain, temp 9C, wind southerly, 22 knots, some boats out, trying to get the day in before the wind strikes. Did you the wind is suppose to increase to 49 knots later in the day and then 55 knots by 8 pm. I suggest you screw on your hat if you plan to be outside this evening. It is a nice mild day so if you have anything to do outside because it is going to turn colder later in the week. Our Prince stayed the night and he likes for Clayton to take him to the bus stop in the side by side, he is so precious. Something To Ponder, As long as you know who you are and what makes you Happy. It doesn't matter how others see you, be you , be happy.

12/10/2024

It is an overcast morning, temp -1C, wind Easterly 27 knots, some boats are out. Did you know, we had a little scuff of snow overnight not much but just enough to make things look magical, I Believe. No school so our Prince will enjoy a day doing whatever he wants. I don't think there is enough of snow to play in . Honestly through, I don't think children now a days get excited about snow, a lot don't know how to skate and how much fun it is if they tried. Gone are the days that children had an imagine and can make their own fun, how sad. Something To Ponder, Stand up for is Right, even if you stand Alone.

12/09/2024

We have 20 newly named North Atlantic right whales, including "Wall-E!" 🤖🌱

Scientists have an annual tradition of naming North Atlantic right whales based on recognizable features or facts about the individual whale. These names help our Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life scientists recognize + easily identify the whales during field work season.

Wall-E (Catalog #5104) is a three-year-old male named after his unique markings! His callosity resembles the Pixar robot Wall-E, while a small white scar behind his blowholes looks like his robot friend, Eve. 💕

To read more about our newly named right whales + read the playful bios created with our colleagues at Whale and Dolphin Conservation, check out our blog: https://bit.ly/3VoYI4c

12/09/2024

When whales fall.....

Deep below nearly a meter of Greenland's ice, Anna Von Boetticher glides through an eerie underwater graveyard of ancient whales, and photographer Alex Dawson has immortalized this chilling spectacle. The award-winning image unveils the skeletal remains of these colossal beasts, lying in eerie silence for thousands of years, entombed under a frigid shroud. It's not just a glimpse into the past; it's a haunting reminder of a world where these magnificent creatures once thrived, now reduced to mere relics in a sublime yet somber marine mausoleum.

12/09/2024

Another morning with the sun trying to break through the cloud cover, temp -1C, wind Northerly 15 knots, the boats have gone fishing, they should have a good day, it is colder but the wind had died down but I imagine there is a swell. Did you know, Our Prince stayed the night , oh my heart , he is getting so tall but looks so small under the covers. Where has the time gone, he will be 9 in January and it won't be long and he will be taller than I am, let them be little and sleep in the middle. Something To Ponder, You learn a lot about people fast when they don't get their own way, pay attention.

12/08/2024

The skies and waves today.
📸 by Penny

12/08/2024

Well she is a wild one out there today, wet snow, temp -1C, wind a howling from the SE 35 km/h. Did you know, Clayton and I had a laugh this morning, when he went to add sweetner to his coffee he noticed on the packet it said , Be Happy, It drives other people crazy. I honestly can't image why that would be printed on them. I guess it is to give people like us a laugh, like we did. Something To Ponder, Never under estimate the Difference you make by Being Kind to others. Happy Sunday everyone , enjoy your day Earl, Love from home, Donnie, Marion, Cheryl, Kiaunie, Kenley & Dakota , XO

12/07/2024

Penny believes in the magic of Christmas and Santa!

Merry moments from the Westport Tea and Bazaar.

12/07/2024

Cooler this morning-5C, burrrr and the sun is trying to break through the cloud cover, wind, NW 25 knots, a few boats have gone out, Did you know, I told Captain Chad it is a great day to wash off her nose as I would say there is a big swell after all the wind we had. It has frozen ice in places, so be careful where you walk as you make your way to the Fire Hall to enjoy the Christmas Tea and sale that starts at 11 am this morning until 2 pm. This event usually is well attended and lots to see and buy , come enjoy the event support the ladies . Something To Ponder, Disrespect will close doors that an apologies can't Reopen, Let that Sink in.

12/06/2024

Another grey morning, temp 1C, wind Westerly 30 knots, boats secure. Did you know, we finally got some rain, and it rained hard so I hope it helped before for the ground freezes. This is day two for the boats to be tied up, they were hard at it before this much needed break. Tomorrow may be a fishing day but breezy early in the morning and dropping out later in the day. Something To Ponder, I must be really old, because I still believe in respect, actually it is very important to me.

12/05/2024

The right whales are continuing their long journeys to the calving grounds - and the first calf of the year has already been spotted🤩🐋 Right whale "Nauset" has had her fifth calf!

For up to date sightings information, visit www.whalemap.org