World Whale Conference and Whale Heritage Site Summit

In October 2015 our little Morgan headed to the Azores with some of the Partners of the World Cetacean Alliance to attend the World Whale Conference and the very first Whale Heritage Site Summit. 

To start with they joined in the WCA Film Night, watching the film Breach which looks at the continued issue of whaling in Iceland. There was a chance to ask the films director and creator Jonny Zwick. 

The fantastic film Breach, bringing attention to the issue of whaling in Iceland 

Then into the first day where there were presentations, talks, workshops and discussions. First on the issue most closest to Morgan's heart, the issue of cetaceans in captivity. The aims; to develop a global communications network, to build a global database of resources and to develop an online help kit for anyone campaigning to stop cetacean captivity. 

Next the focus was on the issue of ghost gear and entanglement, something that we have noticed more and more in the news recently. Morgan particularly enjoyed the presentation on the Vaquita, one of the most endangered species of cetacean found in the Sea of Cortez. There was a chance to look at the benefits of being a partner of the WCA, something that Morgan feels passionate about as it is a chance to get involved and make a difference!

Day two and the focus was on those elusive beaked whales, a group we know so little about and are at risk in particular from noise. Particularly exciting is the intent to build a photo ID catalogue of beaked whales in the North Atlantic.  Then the focus shifted to responsible whale watching, looking at an accreditation scheme and in particular looking at standards and policies for dolphin and whale swimming. 

Getting close to the presentations. Photo Celine Van Weeldon

With the World Whale Conference over it was on to the very first Whale Heritage Site Summit. Whale Heritage Sites are the new initiative launched by the WCA. The scheme will look to promote responsible whale and dolphin watching in a destination, but will also promote the cultural importance of whales and dolphins. The site will deliver long-term protection for marine habitats and sustainable development for communities by inspiring people to value their whale heritage. The Azores is one of the very first candidates for Whale Heritage Site accreditation. The Summit looked to develop the scheme, and set out criteria and indicators that can be developed into a scheme. The Summit included presentations about current responsible whale watching frameworks around the world, other accreditation schemes, how the scheme can help with conservation through protecting important marine mammal areas and how whale festivals such as WhaleFest in the UK and Monterey, USA can play an key role in the cultural side. There were also workshops, discussions and a visit to some important cultural and historical locations in the island of Faial. 

While the third day focused on the Azores potentially being the first Whale Heritage Site, there were presentations throughout the summit about other locations being considered including North Vancouver Island in Canada and the Pacific Island Whale Trail which includes places like Tonga. 

For Morgan it was brilliant to be back in the Azores, and to be back among the passionate people of the World Cetacean Alliance, marveling at the work they are doing to protect whales and dolphins worldwide. 

Out and about with the WCA Partners 

Whale Watching with Cape Ann Whale Watch

It has been a while! WhaleFest 2015 was over 3 months ago! Doesn't time fly!

For our little Morgan time has been flying the company of whales, those working to protect them and those who are loving watching them (in a responsible way of course!). Morgan was now back out in the USA with WCA Partner Patti Sullivan and Paul DiGangi, and as we moved into Spring and then Summer, what better to do then get out on a whale watch! (To be honest regardless of the season or weather, for Morgan the best thing to do is always be out on the open ocean with her family!).

So Morgan, Patti and Paul headed out with Cape Ann Whale Watch off Gloucester, Massachusetts in search of whales. 

Morgan and Paul with the wonderful crew and some huge baleen!

Onboard the Hurricane II Morgan met loads of excited passengers, and Cynde Bierman McInnis who not only runs the comprehensive educational programme that is integrated into all Cape Ann Whale Watch trips but also is the Chair of the Responsible Whale Watching Working Group of the WCA and is taking the lead on the new joint educational initiative called the Net Effect Campaign. Through this WCAs responsible whale watching partners aim to talk to passengers about the issues of bycatch and ghost gear which continues to trap, injure and kill all kinds of marine wildlife including whales and dolphins once it is lost or discarded. 

Morgan, Paul and the fab Cynde

It was quite a trip and a brilliant day, with kids and adults alike getting fantastic encounters with majestic humpback whales, the full educational experience of whale watching with Cape Ann Whale Watch as well as learning the story of one young Orca kept away from her family and her rightful place in the beautiful open ocean.

One of many encounters that day with a humpback whale!

Enjoying time with Leandra, Layla and Andrew 

Read more about the Responsible Whale Watching Working Groups's Net Effect education initiative at the WCA website.

WhaleFest 2015 - Happy 1 Year Anniversary Follow Free Morgan!

It has been a year since our little Morgan started off on her adventures. In that time she has travelled all over, from the states of Hawaii and Connecticut in the US, to Portugal, Panama, Iceland, Baffin Island and the Azores to name a few. She has watched humpback whales, bowhead whales, narwhal, minke whales, fin whales, blue whales, Risso’s dolphins, pantropical spotted dolphins, harbour porpoise, common dolphins, Cuvier’s beaked whales and even some of her own kin, orca. She has petitioned against keeping cetaceans in captivity, learnt how to be a marine mammal observer, attended a vigil for Hector’s and Maui’s dolphin’s and even gone diving. 

Now a year on and she was back where it all started, in Brighton for WhaleFest 2015. This time at held the Brighton Centre with wonderful panoramic views of sea and beach, and the emotionally charged WCA Whale Graveyard. The installation set on Brighton beach, just in front of the Brighton Centre, comprised over 5,000 crosses each bearing the name of a whale or dolphin that has died in captivity, set in the shape of a mother and baby orca. After all the rush of setting up and getting ready with the other volunteers for WhaleFest 2015, our little Morgan took a moment with a setting sun to reflect on the meaning of this display and hope that it is not the future for her namesake Morgan held in Loro Parque, and for all the other orca currently held in captivity. For them our little Morgan hopes for a better solution of retirement and for some perhaps even release back to the wild. 

The WCA Whale Graveyard

Then it was time for the festival itself, bringing back many of the aspects Morgan enjoyed last year from Virtual Whale Watching, Science and Campaign talks from some of the most prominent researchers and campaigners in the whale and dolphin, experts and artefacts including the amazing narwhal tusk, a submarine dome experience and stalls from hundreds of charities and whale watching companies from around the world. Once again the amazing Main Stage included talks from inspirational people like Gordon Buchanan, Monty Halls, Ric O’Barry, Will Travers, Steve Backshall, Michela Strachan and John Hargrove. Surrounded on all sides by inflatable life sized whales and dolphins. Interspersed with their talks were passionate volunteers talking about a particular species of whale or dolphin. There was face painting, pottery painting, arts and crafts, a whole zone dedicated to sharks, yes its WhaleFest but all such creatures play an important role in our oceans ecosystem and all need protecting. Here you could wander up close to life sized sharks and even explore a cave. There were sea shanty’s being sung and people everywhere! The whole event was bigger and better than last year, with thousands of people coming through the doors and being inspired about whales, dolphins and our oceans. For those who could not attend the event there was the Live Lounge, streaming interviews with celebs, campaigners and researchers to a wider audience through the internet. 

Loving the Sea Shanties

Once more the whole event was run not for profit, with money raised going to the World Cetacean Alliance and its campaigns. As well as generous donations collected over the weekend there was an auction of amazing, once in a life time experiences kindly donated by WCA partners, including trips kayaking with orca in Canada and whale watching in Baja, California. On top of this were the amazing Whale Tails, one for every orca currently in captivity and painted by local artists with their wild soul. Signed by such people like Steve Backshall, John Hargrove, Will Travers and Jean Michel Cousteau each was then auctioned off with the money going to the Wild and Free campaign. 

The amazing Whale Tails

Once more our little Morgan was inspired by the passion of those around her, yes by the big names bringing and sharing their experiences and knowledge to a wide audience, but more so by the hundreds of volunteers who had given their time, energy and effort to make the whole event a reality. It is they who inspire our little Morgan the most. 

Photo Gallery by QuickGallery.com

The Telegraph Outdoor Show

It is exactly one month to go until WhaleFest 2015, the world’s largest festival for wild whales and dolphins. This year will also be the 1 year anniversary of the launch of Follow Free Morgan! 

Amongst all the planning for the main stage, the campaigns and science talks, the virtual whale watch, shark zone, experts and artefacts; the organising of exhibitors and celebrities, expert speakers and an amazing art installation that will get the world thinking on the campaign of Wild and Free. Amongst all this the WhaleFest team took part in the Telegraph Outdoor Show in London, promoting our wonderful festival and encouraging more people to get involved with the Wild and Free Campaign and taking #whalefies! 

Eye to Eye: Morgan's #whalefie with the WhaleFest Whale

The event ran over four days from Thursday 12th to Sunday 15th February and our little Morgan joined in the fun of the WhaleFest PopUp on the Thursday. 

The PopUp saw the very first public outing of WhaleFest’s very own huge inflatable Orca funded by wonderful donations through the Whale of a Time crowd funder campaign. 

There were banners and posters telling everyone about WhaleFest, the WCA and their work being done to protect wild whales and dolphins. There was also the brand new WhaleFest Virtual Whale Watch boat all ready to take people whale watching in Brighton!

The inflatable orca and new virtual whale watch boats! Whoop!

As the weekend progressed the PopUp saw Monty Halls and Steve Backshall adding their support and an almost continual procession of people taking their #whalefies! Why not checkout all the #whalefies taken for the #wildandfree campaign at the WhaleFest Facebook Page!

For our little Morgan it was an exciting day, and just a tiny taster of what WhaleFest 2015 is going to be all about! Here's hoping we see you all there!

Have you taken your #whalefie yet? Why not do so now!? Take a selfie with anything related to a whale or dolphin! The #whalefie should represent whales and dolphins that are wild and free! Send you #whalefie to whalefie@planetwhale.com and post to your social media! 

Under the Sea

For our little Morgan, as a soft toy her interaction with the marine environment is mainly like ours, from the surface. Observing marine life as it breaks that barrier, for whales and dolphins this is essential. As mammals they breathe air like humans which means that they must surface in order to breathe. The time they can hold their breath, while much longer than humans, varies from 10 minutes or so for many dolphins to over an hour for the mighty sperm whale. But ultimately they all must come to the surface and breathe. This is where most of our interaction with whales and dolphins occurs. Some are lucky to swim with them in the wild, experiencing the wonder of interacting with them under the waves. Most encounters however occur at the surface, and this is where Morgan has been experiencing fantastic encounters with her kin. 

In September last year however, Andre Cid from AIMM took Morgan under the water for the very first time. In the warm, blue waters off Arrabida Portugal, Morgan went diving with Andre Cid as he undertook a survey of the seabed habitat. They were joined by renowned underwater photographer Athilla Bertoncini. He took some truly magical pictures of Morgan under the water.

Morgan diving with the scientific divers

The survey was part of a wider project to determine the biodiversity that exists around Portugal. Andre and Morgan surveyed a 50 m line counting all the fish they saw, then they visually determined the vegetation cover. Each line was also videoed and any unusual species of marine creature they saw they took pictures for future identification. Other divers recorded sponges, corals, micro algae, plankton. Over the course of the recent surveys the team has recorded 40 species that had previously not been described in this area of Portugal! 

Surveying the marine life

The whole marine ecosystem is interconnected. To protect whales and dolphins, we need to protect their habitats. Before we can protect marine creatures and their habitats we need to know what is there.  What a thrill for Morgan to be at the very forefront of marine discovery!

Simply enjoying the magic of being under water

Life-sized delights

In Connecticut, USA there stands a 60 foot life-sized ferro-cement model of a male sperm whale. The only one of its kind anywhere in the world, built in 1975 and 1976 with 5000 hours of volunteer labour by WCA partner Cetacean Society International and friends. Conny sits in the grounds of the Children’s Museum, West Hartford, inspiring kids and adults alike as to just how big, magnificent and magical the sperm whale is. At the same time Conny was being built CSI led a successful campaign to have the sperm whale designated as the Connecticut State mammal. Conny represents all living whales, as well as the regions significant whaling period of centuries ago. Now Conny inspires people to seek whales to help and protect all whales.

Being up close to even a model whale or dolphin that is life-sized has the power to inspire. Imagine standing next to Conny, looking up at his massive head, huge fluke and wrinkly skin. It is not hard to be inspired. 

Morgan, CSIs Paul DiGangi and Conny the Sperm Whale

WhaleFest, the world’s biggest festival of whales and dolphins looks to do exactly this also. To inspire people to care, and to protect whales and dolphins. 

Before Christmas our little Morgan pledged her support to WhaleFest’s Whale of a Time Campaign, a crowd funding initiative to raise money for a life-sized inflatable Orca to have at WhaleFest but also to take on the road inspiring people all around the UK and perhaps even further! Morgan left that story at 21 days left and 50% of the funds left to collect. 

Now having stood next to the life-sized Conny, marvelled at the life-sized Orca and humpback whale Niall at WhaleFest 2014, our little Morgan is proud to announce that Whale of a Time reached its target! With WhaleFest 2015 fast approaching Morgan is super excited to have her picture taken next to the WhaleFest life-sized Orca that will be joining in the festivals celebrations!

Morgan and Niall the life-sized humpback whale at WhaleFest 2014

Thank you to everyone who donated and to the WhaleFest and Whale of a Time team for working so hard to make this happen! 

Hope to see you all at WhaleFest 2015!

Dolphin Watching in Portugal

What does someone who surveys marine mammals do on their day off? Go whale watching of course! It is more than a job or a hobby or an interest. Whale and dolphin watching gets into your blood, it is your passion. For our little Morgan spending time at sea on the water, watching her cousins swimming wild and free is the best feeling in the world. So when Andre Cid decided to do some dolphin watching around the Algarve in Portugal between work for WCA partner AIMM, it was only natural that he took Morgan with him.

Out on that wonderful blue ocean

First off they headed out from Alfubeira where AIMM has its research centre, on a small Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) in search of dolphins. Zooming over the azure blue sea Morgan and Andre scanned the waters for those signs that dolphins are around. A splash, a dark fin or back…. This time it was not meant to be. No dolphins or whales. But that is the way it is with wild whales and dolphins. That’s the point. They are wild. That is not to say there is nothing else to see. Just being out on the Ocean is bliss to Morgan, and this time the trip took them to see some of the spectacular geology of the region. Gently floating on the water, the RIB took them into one amazing cave so large it is aptly called Cathedral! 

Just a few short weeks later and Morgan and Andre Cid were back out on the water. This time with WCA partner Cape Cruiser, based in Sagres. Once again they headed out across the blue waters in search of whales and dolphins. This time their luck was in! Pods of common and then bottlenose dolphins skimmed through the waves nearby. A group of small harbour porpoise, one of the smaller species of cetacean, rolled at the surface, their breath coming in short puffs. Then there was a minke whale, bigger than dolphins but actually one of the smallest baleen whales. Finally when things felt like they could not get any better…. Orca! A small group, eight or nine and for these waters a rare sight! In five years of working at sea in this region, this is only Andre Cid’s third sighting of Orca! What a rare and special treat!

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year from Follow Free Morgan!

A Whale of a Time

Imagine standing next to a life sized Orca. For some of us we have been lucky enough to be on a boat, big or small, when one of these magnificent marine mammals surfaces nearby. The moment is inspirational, breath taking and one that many do not forget. Even then you only see a small part of the animal. Perhaps the head, back and enormous dorsal fin towering above the waves. Occasionally you might be really lucky to see one leap clear, throwing themselves out of the water and crashing back down with an almighty splash. But not everyone is so lucky, whether they cannot afford to go, or are not near any prime Orca habitat. So again imagine standing next to a life sized Orca. It is big, reaching almost 10 m in length and its tall, to the tip of its dorsal fin it towers over you, your mum, even your really tall dad! It’s bold, black and white with huge paddle like flippers. It is a view very few would ever see in a wild animal, and who wants to see the shadow of a wild Orca that is those subject to a life in captivity. 

A wild and free Orca

There were so many wonderful things at WhaleFest 2014, things that really inspired kids, parents, students and anyone else who ventured to the world’s biggest festival of whales and dolphins. And it wasn’t just Steve Backshall (although he was pretty inspirational!). For our little Morgan what really stuck in her mind was things like the life sized humpback whale, based on a real, known whale off America called Niall and the release of a life sized Orca into the sea off Brighton. Of course (and unfortunately) it was not a real Orca, but it looked pretty realistic. Such items have a massive impact. So imagine being able to have a life sized Orca to use year after year at WhaleFest and to take on the road to events around the country? Imagine being able to inspire hundreds, thousands of people by bringing them into close contact with a life sized whale, inspiring them to care and to protect these incredible creatures.

Morgan at WhaleFest 2014, with the life sized inflatable Orca

WhaleFest has fantastic support from those people who currently own such incredible replicas. But to be able to really make this work the team needs their own replica. Their own inflatable life sized Orca. And to do that they need help. Overall the funds needed may seem overwhelming, a large sum of money. But break it down into small chunks and ask your friends, your friends friend, your mum, your dad, your aunty, your work colleagues, everyone and anyone to make one small donation and very soon that large sum is reachable. And that is the idea behind crowd funding. 

And so WhaleFest has launched a crowdfunding appeal backed by Monty Halls, Gok Wan and supported by The Body Shop Foundation, to raise enough money to build a life sized replica Orca. But more than that it is supported by general people who have pledged their support for this inspirational idea. Our little Morgan has pledged her support, and would ask will you too?

There are only 21 days left and still 50% of the funds to go. Will you pledge, share and support the WhaleFest Team? Will you help bring to life an idea that will inspire generations to love and protect whales?

Surveying Cetaceans in Portugal

From enjoying Humpback Whales in Hawaii and Panama, Morgan was back across the Atlantic and participating in a survey for cetaceans and turtles with WCA partner AIMM – Marine Environment Research Association in Portugal. AIMM conducts research in partnership with universities, research centres and other Non-Governmental Organisations, to increase the knowledge of marine ecosystems in Portugal. 

On board the Portuguese Navy vessel the Creoula

Andre Cid from the organisation and Morgan took part in scientific survey off the coast of Portugal to establish what biodiversity exists off the coast and where. While the survey looked a range of marine life, Morgan and Andre Cid were there to survey for cetaceans and turtles.   

Working with the scientists on board

On board the beautiful Creoula, originally a cod fishing boat used in the North Atlantic and now a training ship of the Portuguese Navy the team recorded all the whales, dolphins, porpoises and turtles they saw. This data will go towards identifying which species occur in the area, estimating the spatial distribution and relative abundance (i.e. where they occur and how many are there), assessing habitat use and population structures and towards comparing photo-identification pictures (photos of the dorsal fin that allow individual animals to be recognised) with existing catalogues.  

Looking out for whales and dolphins!

In addition to conducting visual surveys the team also monitored for whales and dolphins acoustically using a hydrophone, which is basically an underwater microphone that will pick up the clicks, whistles and any other vocalisations that the whales and dolphins may be making. By plugging the hydrophone into a computer these vocalisations can be recorded and also visualised on screen. 

Click to discover more about the work of AIMM!

The acoustic monitoring system

Matylda and Morgan

There once was a little girl called Matylda who went on a wonderful adventure to Panama with her mum, dad, little sister Edith, and a very special little Orca called Morgan. Nestled in central America with the Caribbean Sea on one side and the vast Pacific Ocean on the other, Panama is home to wild tropical jungle, golden sandy beaches and blue turquoise water filled with coral reefs, colourful fishes and a multitude of marine creatures including whales and dolphins. Morgan was honoured to join this family on their adventure, and while she cannot speak ‘human’ Matylda has spoken for Morgan by writing down her adventures with this little whale in this special place.

Morgan's Holiday Book By Matylda

Matylda, her family and Morgan headed to Contadora Island, set off the southern, Pacific coast of Panama and here they headed out in search of humpback whales and dolphins. In Matylda’s words "Morgan has had a brilliant time with us. Morgan came on a boat trip with us and another family. We saw Humpback Whales. Morgan went on a catamaran and we saw Spotted Dolphins but Edith was asleep. We were on a net (the cat had a net to sit on the bow). We had a brilliant time!"

Matylda's drawing of her family and Morgan onboard a catamaran whale watching!

Did you know that Panama is the only place in the whole world where Humpback Whales from both the Northern and Southern Hemisphere come to breed!? The dolphins that Morgan and Matylda saw were Pantropical Spotted Dolphins, the species most commonly encountered in the waters off Panama. They are curious and very interactive, often swimming for hours and playing around the boats.

Pantropical Spotted Dolphin (not from Panama but the same species!)

Morgan and Matylda went whale watching with World Cetacean Alliance Partner, Whale Watching Panama. Click here to find out more about their trips and the magical place of Panama! 

Finally it is just left to us to say 'Thank You' to Matylda for taking our Morgan on this adventure, for speaking for her and telling us all about your adventure together.

Hawaii

Leaving New London and Wyland’s Wall, our little Morgan headed to the 50th and most recent state to join the United States of America: Hawaii! Surrounded by the vastness of the Pacific Ocean, the state encompasses the volcanic Hawaiian Archipelago, hundreds of islands spread over 1500 miles. Morgan travelled to the third largest of the islands, Oahu, with WCA partner Patti Sullivan from CSI. 

Together they circled the island, exploring its volcanic landscape, the lush green slopes that meet golden beaches and turquoise blue waters. From Honolulu they headed to the southern shore where they gazed upon Diamond Head crater, an inactive volcano and the Hawaiian ‘money shot’. From there they headed to the fabled north shore where surfers ride huge glassy winter waves. 

Enjoying the stunning scenery of Oahu

And the best bit for Morgan? Finding the information boards about The Humpback Whale National Marine Sanctuary and even seeing the wispy blows of Humpback Whales just offshore! These whales have just returned to the warm tropical waters around the islands from Alaska where they have spent the northern summer gorging on the abundance of food found in those cool waters. In Hawaii they will mate, give birth, and not feed until they have returned north next spring. 

Learning about the sanctuary, and watching whales!

The sanctuary is managed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the State of Hawaii. Through research, education, outreach, regulations and guidelines the sanctuary aims to protect the Humpback Whales, their habitat and the cultural heritage of the islands. 

As they read Morgan and Patti leaned about the issues that whales face even within the comparative safety of the sanctuary, from water quality to marine debris to acoustic disturbance. For Morgan the one that caught her attention the most was entanglement. In many cases Humpback Whales will drag nets, lines, pots and gear all the way from Alaska! It is an incredible, arduous journey at the best of times, let alone dragging a load of fishing gear all that way. It was only in February this year that a whale was rescued from fishing gear in the waters around Hawaii. That was possible through the Hawaiian Islands Disentanglement Network, a community based network formed in 2002 to free Humpback Whales and other marine animals from entanglement. It is wonderful to know there are dedicated people willing to protect Humpback Whales and their habitat, and work to free them where possible when they become entangled. 

Read more about the work of the sanctuary and the Disentanglement Network at http://hawaiihumpbackwhale.noaa.gov/welcome.html. and find more photos of Morgan's adventure to Hawaii at Morgan's Facebook page 

For Morgan there was one last chance to enjoy the lemon yellow sunset that is so hard to find anywhere else, before heading off on her next adventure...

From London to New London

From London, England and standing in front of New Zealand House petitioning for the smallest and one of the rarest dolphins in the world, Morgan was back in the USA. This time she was exploring the history of New London, Connecticut. During the height of the whaling era in the early 19th Century, New London was one of the busiest whaling ports. Oil from whales was exploited but essential to much of the industrial development of the area, with the wealth invested in railroads and hospitals. In the 21st century there is now a recognition for the need to save whales and preserve our ocean environment in a sustainable way. While there are still some countries that hunt whales, thankfully in many countries it is now simply a part of their history. 

Morgan and the history of whaling in New London

A prominent landmark in New London is Wyland’s Whale Wall. Wyland, an American artist best known for his Whaling Walls; large murals painted on buildings across America, featuring life-sized whales.  In New London there was only really one species that could be painted, the whale most hunted by Connecticut whalers in the 1800s, the Sperm Whale. It was Dr Robbins Barstow, one of the founders of WCA partner Cetacean Society International (CSI) and who dedicated his life to saving whales, leading the charge in the effort to stop the slaughter of whales, who invited Wyland to paint the wall in New London. In July 1993 and within one week Wyland had created his Sperm Whale masterpiece. 

Morgan at Wyland's Whale Wall in New London

Over the years the painting began to deteriorate and in 2006 there was even talk of painting over the wall. It was the residents of the city who united with CSI to protect and restore the wall, so that it remains as an icon of awareness and inspiration to these incredible underwater creatures. For Morgan is was a chance to wonder through the history of this place with current members of CSI Patricia Sullivan and Paul Di Gangi. 

Read more about Dr Barstow in CSI’s Whales Alive newsletter written by one of our Morgan’s best friends, Patricia Sullivan. Find out more about the work of CSI at their website. 

Check out Follow Free Morgan's Facebook page for more photos of her adventure around New London, and while you are there why not Like and Follow us!

A Vigil for Maui's and Hector's Dolphins

30th October 2014 and Dr Barbara Maas and Dr Liz Slooten, Champions of the smallest and one of the most threatened sub-species of dolphin, the Maui’s Dolphin, came to New Zealand House in London to hand over a petition of over 156,000 signatures to the New Zealand High Commission. From an estimated 1800 40 years ago, today there are only 50 Maui’s Dolphins left and they are only found around the North Island of New Zealand. While there are more Hector’s Dolphins (the other sub-species which are only found around the South Island of New Zealand) they too are in need of urgent protection. Both are at severe risk of entanglement in set-net fishing gear. The Maui’s Dolphin in particular is on the edge of extinction. 

Morgan, and mini Maui's and the Petition

What do they need? Full and complete protection from harmful fishing methods across their range. The world’s leading independent scientists, including those from the International Whaling Commission, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the Society for Marine Mammalogy, and World Cetacean Alliance partners including Dr Maas herself, all agree. So do 156,523 members of the public. People who do not want to see this small, charismatic, endemic and unique dolphin disappear; People who want future generations to be able to see these dolphins, wild and free. 

Our little Morgan feels the same. With WCA partners Rachael Barber and Isabelle Sikora, Morgan joined a small but dedicated group of Maui’s and Hector’s Dolphins advocates to watch as Dr Maas and Dr Slooten handed over the results of this petition. 

Then with the red buses, taxis and general London traffic rumbling behind us, we handed out leaflets and cheered every honk for Maui’s and Hector’s Dolphin. 

Find out more about Hector’s and Maui’s Dolphin and the campaign to protect them at www.hectorsdolphin.com or the Hector’s and Maui’s Dolphin SOS Facebook page www.facebook.com/groups/hectorsandmauissos. Why not follow them on Twitter @HectorsMauisSOS, and let’s make as much noise for these the Hobbits of the Sea. 

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A Ship of Discovery

The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Okeanos Explorer, ‘America’s Ship for Ocean Exploration’ is the only federally funded US ship dedicated to explore our ocean. Why? Because the ocean is 95% unexplored, unseen and unknown, and yet humans rely heavily on its natural resources. To understand, manage and protect the ocean and its resources NOAA believes it is important to explore, understand, discover, inform and educate. Our little Morgan thinks so too. This ship of discovery is packed with a huge variety of sensors and systems, from multi-beam sonar for high resolution mapping of the seafloor down to 6,000 m to plankton sampling kit and Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) that can collect samples. This telepresence-enabled ship not only sends live images and data to scientists onshore, but also streams seafloor images and interviews from sea into classrooms, newsrooms and living rooms. 

This week our little Morgan joined Patricia Sullivan and Paul DiGangi from WCA partner Cetacean Society International, at a workshop at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography provided by NOAA on this wonderful exploration vessel. 

Morgan at the University of Rhode Island

Over the course of the workshop Morgan learned about Exploration vs. Research, the ships telespresence, multi beam mapping, water column investigations, underwater robots, wet maps, Conductivity Temperature Depth (CTD) sensors and image analysis. Morgan participated in experiences such as water quality testing, creating a robot with hydraulics, understanding fractals (a never-ending pattern; infinitely complex patterns that are self-similar across different scales) and the notion of the increase in complexity the deeper we study the ocean. 

Testing water quality

The visit culminated in a tour of the command centre for Okeanos where Morgan saw archived video footage of live exploration of the sea floor from around the globe! 

Workshop over there was time to enjoy a little of the beach, soaking up the New England autumn sunshine before heading on to Connecticut with Patti, ready for her next adventure....

Loving the New England coastline

In the meanwhile why not check out NOAA's website for the Okeanos Explorer and Cetacean Society International. Why not check out more photos from Morgan's adventure on her Facebook page.

Arctic Explorer

It seems like only yesterday Morgan was enjoying the British summer sunshine at a BBQ with WhaleFest friends. But it has been almost a month! In the meanwhile Morgan has been on an adventure of a lifetime up into the high Canadian Arctic with one of the stalwarts of WhaleFest Judith Scott and the company One Ocean. An experienced naturalist, whale watch guide and researcher, not to mention super photographer, Judith has worked in Massachusetts, Canada, Norway, Iceland and Australia. Now she and Morgan headed north into the Arctic Circle on an ice strengthened expedition ship, the Akademik Ioffe, to Baffin Island, part of the state on Nunavut, in search of some of Morgan’s most northerly cousins! This year the ice in the Northwest Passage was particularly thick, the most in some areas for 23 years. For this reason Morgan and her expedition mates flew into Iqaluit in the south of Baffin Island instead of Resolute Bay which was full of ice.

Morgan amongst the ice of the Arctic

With the ice firmly in charge, Morgan explored the freezing waters around the island and came across some of the amazing creatures that call this place home including Walrus and Polar Bear. In Isabela Bay she saw Bowhead Whale, the longest living species of whale. It is thought that these incredible animals can live for over 200 years! It is amazing to think that some of these individuals Morgan saw may have been alive when Charles Darwin was writing his book ‘The Origin of Species’!

Around the north east tip of Baffin Island Morgan and her compatriots had the most amazing encounter with 150 Narwhal. These whales are unique in that the males have a long tooth that looks like a tusk, erupting out of their lower jaw which can reach 3 m in length! What a wonderful experience for Morgan and her friends with one of the strangest and most wonderful creatures of the marine world.

Young male Narwhal

Amongst the water and ice, in this unforgiving, harsh but wildly beautiful environment Morgan learned that the marine creatures that live here, seemingly so far from human habitation, still face threats from man’s activity. Pollution, drilling for oil and gas, climate change, hunting and whaling to name but a few.

For Morgan though her trip to the Arctic was inspiring, and by telling her friends about it she hopes that it will inspire more people to care and protect this wonderful, fragile and beautiful environment and her very special cousins that live there…

With the Canadian flag

WhaleFest Volunteer BBQ

Saturday 9th August and our little Morgan was back in the UK, enjoying the sunny British summer… while it lasted! In a warm patch of south east England, Morgan had joined up with some of the volunteers who helped make WhaleFest 2014, where Follow Free Morgan was launched, a huge success. It was a chance to catch up with old friends, to celebrate the success of WhaleFest 2014 and to start planning WhaleFest 2015. Of course the team had not been sat on its heels for the last five months and plans were already afoot. This was a chance for the volunteers to hear what is happening and the time of get involved

Our little Morgan and just two of the wonderful WhaleFest Volunteers

First there was time to look back on what a massive success WhaleFest 2014 was, and what better way than the wonderful short video created about the event. You can take a look at that very video by clicking the link below

http://vimeo.com/99450753

Then of course what better way to enjoy the British summer than we a wonderful BBQ! Over a beer, burger or a soft drink there was not better way for the team to catch up and chat, with the talk inevitably leading to the adventures that our friends have been on. There was talk of wild Orca in Canada and Iceland and of adventures in Arizona to name but a few. Our little Morgan was in her element, with tales to tell of Iceland and Brussels, Pembrokeshire and the Azores.

A Great British BBQ

Following a well-earned pit stop it was back to the meeting, and now the team was onto discussing WhaleFest 2015. With a new venue, the Brighton Centre, WhaleFest 2015 is looking to be bigger and better than ever! Once again the event will be raising funds for the World Cetacean Alliance, with favourites such as the Submarine Dome experience, Virtual Whale Watch, campaign and science talks all set to make a return as well as few new surprises in store! 

In the lead up the team looks to expand and develop WhaleFest and the WCA’s social media presence, with the aim of telling the world what WhaleFest is all about. Passionate people coming together to inspire the world to protect whales and dolphins, and their ocean habitat. So look out for #Whalefies and share yours at WhaleFest and World Cetacean Alliance on Facebook and Twitter! 

So here is our little Morgan’s first attempt at a #Whalefie with guest appearance of Rachael, complete in Orca suit and Barley!

#Whalefie with Morgan, Rachael and Barley

If you want to get involved and help run the worlds biggest festival of whales and dolphins then contact grace@planetwhale.com. 

Europe: Close Dolphinaira Demo

Having spent some time watching wild whales and dolphins in Iceland, our little Morgan headed to Brussels to meet up with World Cetacean Alliance partner The Dolphin’s Voice and to attend the ‘Europe: Close Dolphinaria’ demonstration in Brussels. Held on 28^th June 2014 the event was attended by around 400 people from France, Belgium, Holland, Italy, Switzerland, Russia, Brazil, Germany, UK, Ireland, Greece, Czech Republic to name a few. All coming together to unite for a world free of captive whales and dolphins, and our little Morgan was there. The event was also attended by Ric O’Barry who set up The Dolphin Project and who has been actively educating the public and raising awareness about the captivity issue, and was featured in the award winning film The Cove which exposed the yearly dolphin drive in Taji, Japan.

Currently there are 34 dolphinairums in 15 European Union counties with more than 300 small cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) on display, from Belugas to Orca like Morgan. Everyone at the event, including our little Morgan hoped it would help urge the European Union to ban the import of whales and dolphins and ultimately end captivity.

This years event included lots of motivational speeches, but our little Morgan particularly liked the formation of the words FREE by the crowd and the team from Bite Back.

© Valeria Machado

Annelies Mullens, one of the events organisers, said to Morgan ‘These photos say it all: alone we are small, but together we will make a difference –FREE dolphins! Every single person who came to the demo today helped make this happen. We made a huge and powerful statement to the dolphinaria industry. Working together in a team with people from so many countries will help to end dolphin captivity. Thank you!"

Our little Morgan certainly felt proud to be amongst people who are as passionate as she is about ending captivity of whales and dolphins, and hopes to attend the event next year… and if enough people do you never know we may be able to make the words FREEDOM!

© Sasha Abdolmajid

A huge thank you to Richard O’Barry, Annelies Mullens, Yvon Godefroid, Bite Back and everyone who contributed to the development of this event. A special thank you to The Dolphin’s Voice for taking our little Morgan along!