Club members organised an event “Swimming with Orcas” with marine biologist Sarah Neill talking about her research into the effect on Orca behaviour when swimmers are near Orcas. There is quite an unregulated tourist industry with large numbers of boats and swimmers interacting with Orcas and Sarah hopes her research will help develop appropriate guidelines to protect these wonderful mammals.
Sarah talked about her Arctic adventure sailing with an all female crew , Sea Women Expeditions on the MV Vestland Explorer in November and December 2022. Our club was delighted to hear about her trip as we had sponsored her and were pleased that over 80 people attended her talk in Cartmel Village Hall to share her wonderful trip.
It was very apt we met on June 7th as the following day was UN World Oceans Day, highlighting the plight of many species in our oceans.
We were entertained and educated with an amazing selection of photos and information about Whales and the problems diving in twilight as it was Arctic winter.
Having an all female crew means there is a safe space for women scientists to work and collaborate. Sarah explained there can be issues with expeditions in remote places or on boats where women can feel very vulnerable.
The evening made a profit of over £400 with over £200 going to Sarah for her next trip and over £200 for Soroptimist charities. It was a great evening with guests enjoying a glass of fizz and Orca cupcakes!
The photos are shown by kind permission of Sarah Neill