22.03.2019 – Putting everything into boxes

During our first hour sailing out onboard the RIBEIRA BRAVA and while contemplating some marine birds and the Madeira coastline behind us, one of our guests asked if we would eventually see some “ whales”?…….

There has always been a kind of misconception regarding the word “Whale-Watching”, possibly the marketing influence has been one of the main reasons for this confusion that often pops-up during trips. This was again one of the topics while we were sailing far out, lead by our “spotter”, towards a group of Short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) and another of Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Perhaps we could all agree that embarking on any kind of boat trip and sorting sightings into “whales” or “dolphins” is a very simplistic way of ordering and keeping things logical for us. This need of “putting everything into boxes” is slowly changing in its ideology with recent progressions in wild life research. There is much more than meets the eye!!!

Although it is important to create a basic structure for the taxonomical study of species, recent studies in animal behaviour have shown that a multidisciplinary approach is necessary in order to achieve a more knowledgable and conscious understanding. A simplistic approach where we compartmentalise studies, and consequently knowledge, is perhaps a reflection of our human tendency of creating an invisible barrier between “us” and “them”, the “scientist” and the “species”. Therefore a need for a broader approach towards existance and our place in this world is fundamental, for the simple reason that we are part of it.

Undoubtedly, we have changed and moulded the planet; acknowledging this simple fact will certainly change our view of “us” preparing humanity for future challenges that lie ahead by understanding what it means to be truly “aware“. In fact, we have changed the world so much that scientists say we are now in a new geological age – The Anthropocene – The Age of Humans”, to quote Sir. David Attenborough at the last 25th Annual Crystal Awards.

By Daniel Jardim

Sightings of the day

Ribeira Brava

15:00 Short-finned pilot whales; Bottlenose dolphins

Stenella

15:00 Short-finned pilot whales; Bottlenose dolphins