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From: BUTLER
Date: 26-01-08
Time: 07:58
Hi Wade
Thanks for sending this piece about low key small footprint approach to sea tourism.
'Sea tourism' is an awesome phrase. I get a kick out of enjoying the excitement and satisfaction of pure energy, wind, to supplement the moving of 30 tonnes of vessel and its compliment of passengers gently, at nature's speed.
I see speed and the need for speed a pollutant, the need for speed is often manifest in young people. 'How fast can this 'thing' go?'. Poor little buggers are already brainwashed.
One dolphin watching company advertises 'locating wild dolphins that can be just about anywhere it needs a fast vessel. This enables us to cover up to four times more ocean area to find dolphins than much slower vessels. Wild dolphins need locating and can be travelling quite fast at times so by choosing our vessel for your encounter makes the chance of finding dolphins and interaction with them so much better.'
In all my years working with dolphins, I have never felt the need for any other vessel than Gemini Galaxsea, or any need to travel faster than 6 - 7 knots. We seldom miss having an interaction with dolphins and the speed of Gemini Galaxsea is never a problem. I can't recall any time where dolphins have out run us. Mostly when we see them they are travelling at well less than 7 knots, and are easily closed.
I am concerned about such fast vessels grid searching the sea, disturbing all wildlife as well as dolphins and using vast quantities of fuel. My feeling is that eventually customers will make a more informed choice based on better respect for dolphins, less intrusion and a more sensible use of energy.
I am intrigued by the big cat you mention, sounds great.
We had great interaction with a pod of common dolphins as well as a pod of bottlenose this afternoon. Wish you were here!
Cheers to you and Jan
Butler
Last changed: 26-Jan-2008