Page 48 - Yachter Spring/Summer 2021

48 FEATURE
many more, including some of the lesser- known island archipelagos such as the Isles Columbretes and Illa de Cabrera.These small island groups are protected marine parks requiring permits to visit. Generally, off the general sailing and tourist routes, they have a lot to offer visitors.There are other small island groups that I hope to visit when we sail back from Montenegro to the UK.
I generally cover around 2,500 to 5,000 nm per year – the Mediterranean is a large cruising area and if you have the time there is a plethora of incredible sights and anchorages – many not in the pilot guides.
At University I studied Geology but always had a hankering for Marine Biology. Owning a blue water cruising yacht was a perfect opportunity waiting to happen.Yesterday’s dreams could become tomorrow’s realities.
The marine environment is increasingly being adversely affected by a variety of factors, to quote the wise words of Captain Paul Watson: “If the Oceans Die, we die”.
I now had an opportunity to get involved in the pursuit of my love for sailing and
the marine environment. In the course of my personal investigations, I have learnt many facts, the majority of which are not only upsetting but very unsettling. I could probably write a book on the subject as to one of the root causes behind this. For now, I will concentrate on how I started.
In 2017 I became aware of the Montenegro Dolphin Project, which was
managed by Dr Aylin Akkaya Bas. Aylin is an eminent expert on marine biodiversity in the Adriatic/Mediterranean region and set up Marine Mammals Research Association several years ago. Dr Bas took in up-and- coming marine biology students from
the UK and other parts of the world. She and her team leader trained the students
in dolphin surveying techniques and interpretation of results.Apart from land- based surveys, looking out to sea from cliff top locations using high power binoculars and theodolites, one of their best survey techniques was a boat-based survey.
I contacted her and asked what boats
they used and was advised “anything we can get hold of”.When asked if she would like to use Chance Discovery, I was met with an incredulous reaction and “no way could we afford this”.After explaining my offer was not a commercial one, we agreed on nothing more than a small contribution toward fuel and food/drinks on board for the surveyors.
That was the beginning of two wonderful years of up to ten marine biologists on board
at any one time, full of enthusiasm for their labour of love. Note – it is a very low paid job even if qualified with a BSc, MSc and a PhD, plus a season of ‘volunteering’. It is not volunteering, and the students pay for their courses. I know of one that costs €1,000 per month and the students need at least three months for it to be meaningful. Starting salary if they can find a job may be as low as €500 per month.That is dedication to one’s love and caring for the ocean.
We made many trips out to sea with
two spotters on the bow (finally dolphin watching seats being used for the purpose they are named after), two amidships
and two more at the stern. One hour of continuous scanning the sea from binoculars is very tiring – I tried it once. Some can carry on for two or more hours. But there is a rotational system so everyone gets a break. Upon the cry of “dolphin” everyone jumps to action stations and all eyes are trained on the sighting.
As skipper it is my duty to handle the boat in the approved manner when cetaceans