Today is World Oceans Day – 8 June, and while I am firmly ensconsed inland, I can at least read about the ocean and its wonderful and amazing animals.
Watching Whales and Dolphins in Southern Africa by Noel and Belinda Ashton
My late aunt owned a flat on Summerstrand Beach with a sea view. I often sat with her and watched the whales and/or the dolphins. It was a special time which reminded me of my honeymoon at the old Birkenhead Hotel where whale watching was a much touted activity. We actually did see some whales. There is now a Whale Museum in Hermanus to cater to the people from all over the world who arrive in Hermanus to enjoy this activity.
Noel and Belinda Ashton have written a book, Watching Whales and Dolphins in Southern Africa, which is sure to be a hit with those lucky enough to live, like my late aunt, with a sea view, or those who enjoy spending their leisure time along the ocean. Apparently Southern Africa has some of the best land-based (making it affordable for anyone who can get to the sea shore) whale and dolphin watching opportunies in the world. This is because of our geographical position close to the Antarctic, the fact that we have two oceans from which to chose, together with 3 000 kilometers of shoreline.
The book gives the usual classification stuff, together with the various other scientific bits and bobs necessary to proper understanding of the whole order, and more particularly the species we are likely to encounter, together with hints and tips for watching them and information to assist in identifying them.
Noel Ashton is an enviromental geographer who has specialised in whale and dolphin morphological mapping, together with some exquisite scientific illustrations. Belinda Ashton is a environmental journalist with a track record of working towards whale and dolphin conservation through the Oceans of Africa programme. Archbishop Desmond Tutu launched the Ashton’s Sacred Ocean anti-whaling campaign in the Two Oceans Aquarium in Cape Town.
The richly illustrated book is useful and informative and I know that it would have pleased my late aunt, herself a scientist, to have a copy and I dedicate this review to her memory.
Title: Watching Whales and Dolphins in Southern Africa
Authors: Noel and Belinda Ashton
Publisher: Struik Nature
Year: 2012
ISBN: 978-1-77007-957-1
Recommended selling price: R130
Website: www.randomstruik.co.za
Moira looks at books 