Reef diaries

(Nadine Pedoe)

‘The Cove’ is an excellent documentary about the capture and slaughter of thousands of dolphins in Japan every year (est 23,000 murdered). Have you ever swum with dolphins in a captive environment or watched a dolphin show? I have, and had never really thought enough where the dolphins came from, or the scale at which they need to be captured to feed the markets. I had already come to the conclusion that it wasn’t the most pleasant way to witness them, so discourage people whenever possible. On our Turneffe trips we regularly see wild dolphins, who sometimes play around the boat. On many occasions we get in the water and swim with them – a totally amazing experience.

Seeing them in a captive environment is fun, but not the same, and once you see this, you will feel as sick as I do about partaking in something so heinous. Many people are already aware of the evil of Japan’s whaling program, but how many know about the dolphins? Of course they are not the only country that do this.

Watch this documentary to find out how the dolphin species pays for this human fun. I have never been through so many emotions in watching a film. It is a tale beautifully told, and will change the way you think of marine life forever. The people involved in bringing this to the world’s attention are inspirational. Please watch it! This trailer doesn’t really do it justice but here it is anyway…

http://thecovemovie.com/

They give some ideas of how to take action. One way that you can help is to help reduce the demand for captive dolphins.

Please spread the word!

And wishing you everything you wish yourselves for 2010. Let’s hope it’s a better year for all of us.

Red Mangrove is open for business and running tours until 26th August, and then we’ll be taking some family time during the slow season (in the slow year!) and reopening on 12th November. If you have any queries in the meantime, we will be online regularly so please email us!

Due to having to cut back on staff in this terrible economy, we’d had to reduce our office hours and they are irregular but we’re still here and trying to stay in business the same as everyone else (except that, as our loyal customers know, far more eco and professional!) If you find the office closed before 27th August, please check back later in the day.

Best wishes to everyone that’s finding 2009 a tough year. Let’s hope it gets better for all of us….and hope to see you when things pick up! After all the sun is still shining, the palm trees are still shady, the reef is still there, the fish are still beautiful…well you get the picture!

(Environmental Leader)

“Pollution from cruise ships is a growing problem, according to environmental group Oceana. They produce a large amount of pollution every day from sewage, garbage and solid waste, toxic chemicals and oily bilge water.

According to Oceana, the average cruise ship produces the following pollution daily:

• 25,000 gallons of sewage from toilets
• 143,000 gallons of sewage from sinks, galleys and showers
• Seven tons of garbage and solid waste
• 15 gallons of toxic chemicals
• 7,000 gallons of oily bilge water

Several cruise lines have been making efforts to clean up their acts, reports Seattle International Travel Examiner. The newspaper cites several examples — including Princess Cruises, Holland America, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Norwegian Cruise Line — where cruise lines have implemented environmental measures.

As examples, both Princess Cruises and Holland America have ships that plug into onshore hydroelectric power while in port, which reduces the air pollution produced by idling ships. Holland America has also installed a special seawater-scrubbing emissions system to reduce air pollution, and uses a hybrid power system in its newer ships.

Smaller cruise lines, such as Lindblad Expeditions and Adventure Smith Explorations, have also implemented environmental measures, which include offsetting their carbon footprint, purchasing seafood from sustainable sources, and adopting new sustainable technologies, according to the Seattle International Travel Examiner.

But not all cruise lines are in agreement.”

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