News
Cornwall’s Marine Life is Amazing
Sometimes we can become a bit blasé when it comes to appreciating the wealth of wildlife around our coast. How often do we stand gazing out to sea with our thoughts elsewhere and not really on looking for signs of wildlife? Or in a boat heading out for a dive with our noses buried in our gear and talking with our buddy about the price of the car park? It’s only when we raise our heads above the gunnels and keep watch that we will see things that are truly wonderful. Dolphins passing, Basking Sharks working the tide lines, Gannets plunging into the sea around us like streamlined missiles. How many have noticed Peregrines patrolling the cliff edges while heading along the coast for a dive, or the secretive Fox staring at us from the cover of cliff top bushes? Perhaps we just don’t look hard enough.
I recently met Captain Keith who runs AKWildlife Cruises out of Falmouth in Cornwall. He invited me out on a short trip where he and his crew Sophie were set to guide a small group of snorkellers along part of the northern cliffs from Falmouth bay. In his ‘welcome on board’ speech he talked excitedly about all the animals we had a chance of seeing. There was no shortage of them. Seals – Grey and Common, Dolphins – Bottlenose and Risso’s, Sunfish, Porpoise, Basking Sharks and all manner of bird species. Gannets, Guillemots, Puffins, Cormorants, Shags, Gulls, Razorbills, Peregrines and more.
The enthusiasm in which Captain Keith described all the possible sightings we were about to have got us all hooked. He also talked about the whales and sharks but not for this trip as we were staying too far in-shore. On other days he has had encounters with Fin, Minke Whales and Blue sharks and occasionally comes across super pods of over a 1,000 Common dolphins.
At this point I have to confess to being just a little sceptical as over the years I have met many wildlife guides who talked the talk but quite often failed to walk the walk. Nevertheless, I found Captain Keith’s enthusiasm catching and it was with great hope and excitement we left the dock.
Two minutes after we had cast off, Captain Keith started to talk to us over his microphone and speaker from the ‘flying bridge’. He told us how Porpoise and Seals are often seen far inside the estuary and we should keep our eyes on the look out at all times. It was not long before we came across a couple of Grey Seals hauled-out on some rocks. The seals weren’t bothered by the boat and allowed us to get close. Captain Keith gave great information on the animals before continuing out into open sea and along the coast.
We dropped the six snorkellers in under the cliffs with Sophie and drifted nearby to keep an eye on them. While we waited a Peregrine cruised just inside us, back and forth along the cliff face. What a spectacular bird. Captain Keith told me it was the female of a pair that nested nearby and then described in great detail their life history. Meanwhile Seals continually bobbed up around the snorkelers just out of sight from them. That’s just what Seals do. Occasionally they do get curious and bold and come to visit underwater; that’s when we have those unforgettable interactions.
During the 4 hour trip we visited the Guillemot and Razorbill colony on a small offshore island. We had a brief visit from a small pod of Risso’s Dolphins, watched giant Barrel Jellyfish cruise by just below the surface and counted numerous species of sea birds flying to some secret destination. It was a wonderful day and throughout it all Captain Keith kept us enthralled with his enthusiasm and knowledge of the wildlife we saw.
At the end of the trip as I thanked Captain Keith for a great day, he invited me out the following week for a longer trip, way offshore, to look for Minke Whales, Dolpins and Blue Sharks. I said yes without any hesitation. To my surprise Captain Keith said his best encounters with Minkes and the occasional Fin Whale is over the winter months. Very exciting!
For more information about Captain Keith’s wildlife trips, visit www.akwildlifecruises.co.uk.
Whether you are a beginner or a professional diver – with the three new main regulators from DYNAMICNORD, everyone will find their favourite regulator. They all look super stylish.
Excellent performance with the TR-80
Quality and performance are the be-all and end-all for regulators. It is not for nothing that the TR stands for Tec Reg. The innovative design of the TR-80 guarantees absolute reliability – even in ice-cold waters.
Perfect breathing effort at 0.8 J/l / certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / structural design made of solid brass for best cold protection / membrane-compensated design with dry seal of the first stage / reduced exhalation effort thanks to optimized exhalation membrane and bubble deflector / adjustable Venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort / innovative design of the front cover prevents free-flow in strong currents or when diving with scooters / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 LP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Amazing underwater adventures with the IR-50
The IR-50 is the top regulator for advanced and experienced divers. Natural breathing is the essence of this regulator.
Ideal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /certified for diving in waters below 10 degrees / compensated membrane / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) and adjustment knob for individual inhalation comfort/ outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 2 HP and 4 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
The Workhorse – our CS-30
For diving centres and diving beginners – the workhorse stands for strong construction, reliability and robustness. Perfect for your training.
Optimal breathing effort at 0.8 J/l /recommended for diving in waters above 10 degrees / non-compensated piston / adjustable venturi (dive/predive) / outlet valve and deflector for minimum exhalation effort and reduction of bubbles on the face / design made of sandblasted brass, matt chrome finish / 1 HP and 3 NP outlets / mouthpiece made of high-quality, anti-allergic silicone for maximum comfort.
Octopus OP-30
The OP-30 is the ideal addition to all DYNAMICNORD regulators. It is identical in construction to the CS-30.
The TR-80, IR-50, CS-30 (DIN & INT) regulators and the Octopus OP-30 are available from DYNAMICNORD dealers and in the online store.
DYNAMICNORD – Your Outdoor Companion.
Renowned anti-whaling activist Paul Watson has been released from custody in Greenland after spending five months in detention. Denmark’s Justice Ministry rejected Japan’s request for his extradition, citing insufficient guarantees that his time already served in custody would be credited against any potential sentence.
The 74-year-old Canadian-American was arrested on July 21 in Nuuk, Greenland’s capital, when his ship docked to refuel. His arrest was based on a 2012 Japanese warrant related to a 2010 encounter in Antarctic waters. Japan alleged Watson obstructed operations and caused damage to a whaling research ship during efforts to disrupt illegal whaling. Watson has consistently denied these claims, maintaining his commitment to marine conservation.
Denmark, which oversees extradition matters for Greenland, concluded that while the legal conditions for extradition were met, the lack of assurances from Japan regarding time-served credit made extradition untenable.
In a video shared by his foundation, Watson expressed gratitude and relief, saying, “After five months, it’s good to be out… and good to know they’re not sending me to Japan.” He added that the most difficult part of his time in custody was being separated from his two young sons.
Watson is a pioneering figure in marine conservation, known for founding the Captain Paul Watson Foundation in 2022 after decades of activism with the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society. His bold efforts to defend marine life have earned him widespread support, including from celebrities and conservationists. His work has also been featured in the acclaimed reality TV series Whale Wars.
Watson’s lawyer, Jonas Christoffersen, praised the decision, stating, “We are happy and relieved that Paul Watson is now free.” He added that Watson is eager to reunite with his family and continue his vital work.
The arrest occurred while Watson’s vessel, the M/Y John Paul DeJoria, was en route to the North Pacific with a team of 26 volunteers to intercept a Japanese whaling ship. His foundation described the arrest as politically motivated and emphasized that Watson’s actions were focused on ending illegal whaling practices.
Japan resumed commercial whaling in 2019 after leaving the International Whaling Commission, asserting that whale meat is a cultural tradition. Conservationists, however, continue to challenge these practices, highlighting their impact on marine ecosystems.
Despite the challenges, Watson remains steadfast in his mission to protect marine life and bring attention to whaling practices. His dedication to ocean conservation has made him a globally respected advocate for the environment.
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