Wow, well I have to say that I am very honored that Bob Woodruff would do the piece he did for ABC/Planet Green. He was such an amazing guy to work with, so talented and down to earth. My thanks to all of you who support our work. We have updated the website with new information about EarthEcho and our great projects. We hope to have a link to the whole piece which aired on Planet Green soon.

Cheers

P

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Wow…if you haven’t visited my sister’s website it is high time. I have been traveling for the last few weeks and had limited internet access. When I got home last night I logged on to see some pretty fantastic videos and great blogs. From Botswana to India and beyond (currently she is in Jerusalem) my sister’s expeditions are pretty fantastic. I think my favorite video is Kanpur: Ganges Under Threat http://www.alexandracousteau.com/videos, I have never been to India before but am familiar with the Ganges River and how important it is to the culture of the Hindu people. When you think in Kanpur that 20 million litres or just over 5 million gallons of tannery waste as well as human waste get dumped into the river each day!!

When one thinks of the pollution and devastation that a river many people call the ‘Mother Ganges’ is suffering from; it is a poignant reminder of the link between human culture and the environment.

These are important stories and I urge you all to watch them.

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The Expedition: Blue Planet will chronicle the interconnectivity of water. A key aspect of the project will be its ability to show how individual stories are part of the larger, universal story of an interdependent, global water ecosystem. In this way, we will create a new vision for what it means to live in a world where water is our most precious resource, and a plan for what we must do to protect it.

We live on a Water Planet. It is a unique place in that it is the only planet we know of that supports life. And that life is nurtured and sustained by water.

Vital to all life on Earth, water moves through our world in a constant state of flux. Cycling endlessly through ecosystems, flowing under the poles and through the atmosphere, changing states, laying waste to entire regions or achieving perfection in the shape of a single snowflake — water is a mystery and a miracle, a source of conflict and a cause for celebration, a blessing and, in its absence, a curse.

The story of our Water Planet has never been more crucial and relevant than it is today. In an era of climate change, desertification, sea level rise, acid rain, drought, falling water tables, dead zones, and widespread pollution, water quality and quantity is becoming more critical by the minute. The global forces of extraction and expansion are jeopardizing the very substance that supports life on our planet.

To follow Alexandra’s Expedition go to: www.bluelegacy.net

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We have a new administration in power that has inspired everyone to do their part in helping our country prosper. The country is seeing many new and exciting initiatives taking place. However, with a promise of change, comes great responsibility. Our planet is experiencing numerous environmental problems that are impacting our food supply, economy, national security and quality of life. It is vital that the new administration take action to protect and restore our coasts and oceans. So, who will tell them what they can do to make a difference?

All of us!

Our friends at the Blue Frontier Campaign have organized an amazing 3-day summit that will bring together some of the top leaders from the marine community to discuss key ocean issues that need to be addressed by the Obama administration and state legislatures. The Blue Vision Summit in Washington, DC will take place from March 7-10, 2009. We urge anyone with an interest in ocean and coastal restoration and protection to register for this event. They are offering a student rate of $100, which includes all of the activities outlined in their program. The key speakers are: Dr. Jane Lubchenco (the new Administrator of NOAA), Rep. Sam Farr, Dr. Sylvia Earle, Bill McKibben and myself. You don’t want to miss this chance to have your voice heard and show your support for unity within the diverse community of marine conservationists, scientists and businesses.

For more information about the Blue Vision Summit, visit www.bluefront.org/bluevision/

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The following is a Q&A between Philippe Cousteau and the students at cogito.org:

1. I’m a junior in high school and I am interested in pursuing a career in oceanography. Since oceanography is a little more obscure than other areas of study, what can I do to become an oceanographer? How can I prepare myself and what schools/educational opportunities should I look for?

PC: First of all, good for you, oceanography is an amazing field and there are so many opportunities for discovery. Did you know that we have only explored around 5% of our oceans? Scientists discover new species almost every research trip they embark upon.

Oceanography is a science-heavy discipline and therefore, you should make sure that you are well grounded in the basic sciences and, to your best ability, the advanced and AP sciences as well. But don’t let classroom work dominate your life. Getting real world experience at local zoos, aquariums and research centers is also important. I would also stress the need to get outside. Whether you live on the ocean or not; never lose that sense of wonder and exploration. That curiosity that drives us to learn more about the world around us is nurtured by simple exploration of our backyards, our neighborhoods and our local natural resources. I was on an advisory council for the Smithsonian Natural History Museum and one of the scientists there has discovered several new species of insect in his own urban backyard!

As for formal education, I would suggest the University of Miami, Stanford, or Boston University and then consider doing graduate work at a place like Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. I can also recommend the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, where I went to school; they have an outstanding program and it is a wonderful place. It can be a little scary to go to a school outside the US but it is well worth it and St. Andrews would be my first pick.

2. As the scion of an oceanographically-oriented family, you must have been exposed to the sea and the wonders it can contain early on in life. Your grandfather was also a pioneer in the study of the oceans. This being said, do you regard your work as a continuation of that of two previous generations of Cousteaus? How has this affected the specific focuses of your studies into oceanography and your overall interest in the subject? Basically, how has being part of a legend affected your willingness to participate in it?

PC: My grandfather’s first forays into the world at large were very different than the ones that we embark on today. When my grandfather explored the oceans for the first time; it was a journey of discovery. Many of the things that they saw, few if anyone had ever seen before and they were the first to capture those images on film and share them with the wider world. Imagine all the things we take for granted today, Nemo the clownfish for example or even Flipper the dolphin. All of them were total mysteries to the world.

If you ever get a chance, I encourage you to watch two films made by my grandfather many years ago. “Silent World” and “World Without Sun” both won academy awards and showcase not only Jacques Cousteau but also my father as they captured images of the reefs off the coast of Southern France and the Red Sea in the 1950s and 1960s.

I remember growing up with these tales about my father’s adventures, about how awestruck he was by what he glimpsed as a young boy. I was raised on stories of when he took his first breath underwater and descended onto those reefs. I also was told of how devastated he was by what has happened to those very same reefs, which are now mere shadows of what they once were. I spent many hours of my own youth there, as well, diving off the coast of France as a young boy and I can no longer stand to go back. I find the barren and desolate underwater landscape so terrible.

It can break your heart when you see the beauty that was once there – that was captured by my grandfather on film – and know that it’s all gone now.

So at first it was about exploring our relationship with the environment for the first time. But as my father got engaged in the 60’s and 70’s it became more than just an exploration of nature and more an exploration of the world in the context of humanity’s relationship to it, as an integral and often powerful force for change.

As part of the third generation, both my sister and I see our role as a journey to understand not only the relationship between humans and nature, but our role in being stewards of this planet.

Continuing the legacy has always been part of our lives and something we have embraced wholeheartedly. But there is something else, and this is very important, we are not part of that legacy just because of our names. Of course I am proud to have the Cousteau name. But I’m not a Cousteau only because of my name.

The fact is that the Cousteau spirit of conservation and care for the environment was taught to me. It lives on through me because of my actions not my birth certificate.

I grew up hearing about how important the work was. Sitting with my grandfather and listening to his life’s stories – hearing the urgency in his voice – being inspired by the passion my own father had for taking action for a better future — that was instrumental to my becoming the person I am today.

You could call it a family legacy or just good teaching. Regardless, I am a firm believer that if we are to build the sustainable future we all dream of, we must do it together. Each of us…all of us…making a positive difference; that is a legacy that we can all share in.

3. Out of all the environmental crises that are happening in the world, which one do you think requires the most attention?

PC: Without question, I think that the excessive output of carbon into the atmosphere is the most troubling. The reason I say that is because carbon is the leading cause of climate change, which is a global crisis unlike any we have ever faced. Climate change or global warming as it is also called is a crisis because it is changing our oceans which are the primary driver of our climate.

As climate or weather changes, the domino effects will be felt around the world. For example, water scarcity is likely going to be the defining cause of conflict and mass migration of people in the 21st century. In large part this will be caused by the changing weather patterns of the world which is being caused by changing currents and rising temperatures and sea levels in the ocean which is being caused by global warming. That is a bit of a simplification but you get the idea, everything is connected to everything else on this planet. But the excessive output of carbon into the atmosphere is also responsible for another very scary problem that has nothing to do with climate change…ocean acidification. OA as we call it, is caused not by rising temperatures but purely by the absorption of carbon by the oceans.

The absorption of carbon by the ocean causes the oceans get more acidic and the creatures in the ocean that build shells, such as coral, shellfish, mollusks, even smaller organisms such as pteropods (a small free swimming snail that form the basis of many ocean food chains) are unable to build their shells and thus survive. If this continues it could mean the wholesale collapse of many ocean eco-systems which would have disastrous effects on the planet. Imagine, two billion people rely on fish for their primary source of protein today. If fisheries collapse because they have no basic food source, those people would starve and many would go to war to try and feed themselves. That is just one example and the others are just as serious.

Don’t get depressed yet, there is hope and I believe that we have not passed the point of no return. We have a chance to change this world and it is up to us to do it. The last 50 years have seen the greatest amount of destruction of this planet and it is the next 50 years, OUR 50 years that will decide its fate. That means demanding of our politicians that they take these problems seriously and a willingness to make changes in our lives. Ask yourself, do we really need a bigger house, or a bigger car? A comfortable life is what we all aspire to, that is human nature, but a comfortable life should not be defined by excess and greed but by living in gracious and sustainable harmony with the planet.

4. What is the most exciting thing you have done during your expeditions?

PC: Without a doubt diving with Great Whites was the most exciting thing I have ever done. Despite the media hype, sharks aren’t mindless killers and being in a shark cage face to face with a 15-foot Great White is easily one of the most incredible experiences in the world and will change your perception of nature and humankind’s place in it. Contrary to popular belief divers almost never report coming out of the water in fear but rather with a sense of awe and sheer appreciation at the wonder, grace and beauty of these much maligned creatures.

5. What are the biggest issues facing the ocean today?

PC: I have to go with my answer to question 3. That is precisely why climate change is such a problem, because of how it is changing the oceans. The oceans are the life support system of this planet and as they regulate our climate, things such as rainfall are affected and thus food crops are affected and people go hungry which has huge consequences for global commerce, security etc. That is just one example but you get the idea.

Change in our oceans will cause drastic and very serious crisis around the world, not to mention ocean acidification which has the potential to collapse critical eco-systems and species populations; everything from coral reefs to shellfish by preventing them from building their shells. However, it is important to note that scientists have consistently found that the key to helping these creatures survive is to give them the healthiest and safest environments in which to live. For example, coral reefs in a pristine environment are much more likely to adapt to rising temperatures than those that are already stressed from pollution and overfishing. That is good news, and means that we must re-double our efforts to protect our environment.

6. Which of these issues have affected advocacy the most? Save the Whales gets a lot of attention, perhaps because it’s such a photographic cause. Where do you think the most effective advocacy is happening? The least?

PC: Wow, that is a tough question. I think that the most effective advocacy is that which happens in conjunction with industry. Yes, the big charismatic mega-fauna (as the whales and dolphins and elephants and panda bears are referred to) are very effective in grabbing the attention of the public but as the saying goes, money talks and no long term solution is effective unless it takes into consideration the needs of people. Thus some of the most effective solutions are those that don’t just prohibit people from exploiting natural resources but help them find alternatives to doing so.

A great example happening in Florida in the 90’s when gillnet fishing (a very destructive form of fishing) was banned along the coast. Scientists devised a way for these out of work fisherman to grow clams in baskets along the shore. This simple form of aquaculture was even more lucrative than gillnet fishing and not destructive to the environment. In a short period of time, the state of Florida went from being last in clam production in the US to being first.

7. What are the most exciting advances in oceanographic knowledge?

PC: I think it would be hard to name just one. We are learning so many every day. Unfortunately I would probably have to say that the advances I am most familiar with have to do with the dire news that we are hearing every day. How ocean acidification is a real problem and what it is doing, or how fish stocks are collapsing. These are scary things, but oceanographers are on the front lines of not only the discovery of these problems but many are also working hard on solving them. The first step to solving a problem…is knowing it exists. While we may face many challenges, the most exciting advances are those that are giving us the knowledge to tackle them.

8. Did you know from a young age that you would become an oceanographer?

PC: I have to be honest, I am not an oceanographer and contrary to popular belief, neither was my grandfather nor my father. First and foremost, they were communicators like me. I have the privilege of working with some of the best oceanographers in the world but I am not one. I am a communicator and an explorer and I have always had a fascination with story and how to share the importance of taking care of our world through media.

That is not to say that I do not enjoy science, I do and I have the utmost respect for those that pursue that field I just realized that my passion lay in sharing these stories with the world. But make no mistake, we need as many scientists as we can get and I encourage you to pursue your passion. That being said, I think it is increasingly important for every profession, scientist, doctor, oil tycoon, TV executive, teacher it doesn’t matter, to take an interest in the world around them realize that no matter what we do we can all be part of pursuing a better world.

P.S. When I was little I actually wanted to be a fireman.

9. Can you tell me what you do to prevent stings from the microscopic larvae of jellyfish particularly Thimble Jellyfish?

PC: Whenever I am diving in an area that I know has jellyfish, the most effective method to prevent getting stung is to wear some sort of full body suit, either a thin lycra one or a neoprene wetsuit. That being said, few things are offer 100% protection. If you do get stung, the best thing to do is to wash it with regular vinegar IMMEDIATELY. Do not wash it with fresh water! That will make matters worse, you can rinse with salt water, but never with fresh water as it will make the poison react even more strongly. There is an old wives tale that peeing on the sting will help…don’t believe it. Use vinegar or lemon or lime juice, any organic acid does the trick and if it is really bad, seek medical attention asap.

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As you all know, EarthEcho has been working with the VANS Warped Tour for the past couple of years to improve visibility of the Warped Eco Initiatives and their efforts. The Warped Eco Initiatives runs the recycling program on tour, initiated reusable/compostable dishware at the catering tent, measured the amount of biodiesel being used by various buses on tour, incorporated a solar lounge for fans to cool off under and they reach out to the fans and bands to get involved in earth friendly practices while they are out at the tour. Music tours usually leave a giant trail of trash behind them, but the VANS Warped Tour has made a concerted effort to minimize their footprint.

When you talk about the Warped Eco Initiatives, you have to talk about Erin Gorski. Erin has been managing the Warped Eco Initiative for the past few years. She has been dumpster diving, organizing volunteers and pushing venues to recycle all on her own. She wakes up at 7AM to set up and she breaks down her tent at 7PM. There is nothing Erin won’t do to improve our planet and she is out at the VANS Warped Tour with a strong message.

This summer EarthEcho sent out someone to help Erin communicate the objectives of the Warped Eco Initiatives to the bands and fans and to discuss how these eco friendly practices of the Tour can be utilized at home. So who was EarthEcho’s earth friendly rockstar? Tara Redavid. Tara takes saving the planet very seriously. This dedicated vegan loves to talk about the millions of ways we can take simple actions to save the planet and believe me, Tara is all about ACTION. Erin and Tara are always searching for new ways to engage people to take eco friendly action, which is why I write to you today.

Erin and Tara have entered a contest at ideablob to raise money for the Warped Eco Initiative, so that it can expand its efforts out on Tour. Below is all the information you need to vote for their project.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

The Warped Eco Initiative has made it to the FINALS for a $10,000 grant from Ideablob and we need your help to make sure we win!

Here’s how to help us out:

1. Go to the “Warped Eco Initiative: Change is a Sound” Ideablob page(http://ideablob.com/ideas/3622-Change-is-a-Sound-The-Warped-)
2. Click the “Vote!” icon on the right hand side of the page
3. If you do not have an Ideablob account, you need to register but it only takes a few worthwhile moments!
4. Activate your account via an email sent to your registered email account
5. Return back to the “Warped Eco Initiative: Change is a Sound” Ideablob page(http://ideablob.com/ideas/3622-Change-is-a-Sound-The-Warped-)
6. CLICK VOTE!!

If you have more than one email address, you can vote from each of them!

The Warped Eco Initiative began in 2005 and has grown to include a volunteer driven recycling program, solar powered stage, solar canopies, biodiesel fueling, compostable/reusable dishware in catering, eco-driven contests, a partnership with Earth Echo International, band volunteer participation program, and more!

—-Stats for 2008—–

Biodiesel-
Bio-diesel Fuel was used in all production buses and trucks.
-103,290 B20 gallons pumped on site
-Straight Diesel usage reduced by 21,858 gallons (20%)
-Used in 18 Trucks, 18 Buses, 3 Generators, 2 Mules
-CO2 emissions reduced by 333,028 lbs.

Recycling-
– 40,000 lbs of recyclables collected
– Recyclables account for a CO2 reduction of 400,000 lbs
– All Tour ad posters were printed on 100% recycled paper
– Tour books for production and bands were printed on 30% recycled paper
– Over 1,200 batteries were saved from potentially causing groundwater contamination and leaking heavy metals
– Hundreds of cell phones were collected for “Cell Phones for Soldiers”

Warped Tour Volunteer Clean-Up Day in Monterey-
– On August 12th, The VWT Eco Initiative brought 150+ bands, sponsors and crew members to work with Earth Echo International and the NOAA’s Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary in an effort to impact the local environment positively
– Groups worked to cleanup beach trails, post anti littering signage, reintroduce native plant life in wetland areas by planting over 300 indigenous trees and clear seaweed from harbor and beach areas.

Solar Power-
This summer, the Tour continued to expand on it’s solar initiatives by building a solar stage for the Kevin Says Stage as well as utilizing solar panels (canopies) to power the entire Non- Profit Area
— Solar Stage used an estimated 662kWh of solar produced power.
-Solar Canopies had a production capacity of more than 200KW.
- These also hosted many smaller scale, solar powered performances from bands like The Academy Is, Tat, Panima,Between the Trees, and The Color Fred.
— The solar use / production equaled the averaged per household electricity usage in 2001 of 888kWh / month.
- Between the two, add in an estimated savings of an additional 380 gallons of diesel, resulting in a CO2 emission reduction of 8,360lbs.

That is 408,360 pounds of ACTUAL carbon reduction…not carbon credits or offsets but CO2 you have helped divert from the atmosphere by recycling with us and supporting the solar stages this summer.

In conclusion: Bio-diesel+ Solar Power+ Recycling=742,218 lbs =total carbon emissions saved by the Warped Eco Initiative this summer.

The future is bright for us and we need your help getting there! Please take a few seconds out of your day to vote for the Warped Eco Initiative on Ideablob!

“In the end, we will conserve only what we love. We love only what we understand. We will understand only what we are taught.”

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With election day tomorrow comes a lot of responsibility for the new president and the citizens of the United States. There will be many issues that need to be addressed immediately and we don’t want environment to be swept under the rug. Our oceans are bearing the burden of our lifestyles and we must do something to ensure they are taken better care of, that our government is actively pursuing measures to protect and restore these valuable ecosystems. Below is an article about The Ocean Foundation’s blueprint to protect our coasts and oceans.

Coalition of 48 leading conservation organizations calls on the next administration to protect U.S. coasts and oceans

Greenpeace, Surfrider Foundation and Sierra Club among groups urging for strong coast and ocean protection during the next U.S. presidential administration

(October 22, 2008 - Washington, D.C.) Our coasts and oceans face a multitude of threats. Human activities have harmed the health of species and habitats in every corner of the vast ocean, from Arctic fisheries to tropical reef systems, from kelp forests to tidal estuaries. From climate change to pollution, to overfishing and habitat destruction, the threats also imperil the health of coastal communities and tens of thousands of jobs in fishing, recreation, and tourism that depend on healthy, functioning coastal and ocean systems.

In response to this dire need and recognizing the link between a healthy environment and a healthy economy, a broad coalition of conservation and research organizations has asked each presidential candidate to prioritize strong, effective coast and ocean conservation measures during the next presidential term.

Forty-eight organizations from 15 states and territories across the U.S joined in sending ‘A Blueprint for Coastal and Ocean Policy for the New Administration’ to each presidential campaign, urging decisive action on behalf of our oceans. The coalition includes organizations such as Greenpeace, Surfrider Foundation, Sierra Club, Reef Check Foundation, Fauna & Flora International, NAUI and PADI Worldwide, Marine Conservation Biology Institute, Save the Manatee Club, and EarthEcho International.

“The ocean touches everyone and everything. It is essential to life and human survival,” said Mark J. Spalding, President of The Ocean Foundation, which provided the original draft and organized the coalition. “The next Administration has a fantastic opportunity to start a new wave for coastal and ocean protection, a new wave that we will support.”

A Blueprint for Coast and Ocean Policy asks for action on the following ten marine conservation issues: (1) reducing coastal and ocean pollution; (2) clean and healthy coasts and beaches; (4) improving the health of our nation’s fisheries; (4) protecting coral reef ecosystems; (5) protection of other important marine species; (6) marine ecosystem restoration; (7) addressing the links between oceans and climate change; (8) resolving conflicts between healthy oceans and energy production; (9) underwater noise pollution; and (10) ocean governance.

Supplemental information:

Link to The Ocean Foundation web page: www.oceanfdn.org

To download a copy of Blueprint, visit: http://www.oceanfdn.org/index.php?tg=articles&topics=32

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LEE CROCKETT & PHILIPPE COUSTEAU: Playing shell games with sea turtles
By LEE CROCKETT AND PHILIPPE COUSTEAU
McClatchy-Tribune News Service

Sea turtles, despite the best efforts of conservationists, are still in peril; all seven species are listed under the Endangered Species Act. The most at risk is the Kemp’s ridley, which has about 7,000 nesting females, down from 42,000 in 1947.

But things would be still worse if not for the National Environmental Policy Act, which mandates the assessment of any federal action that could harm sea turtles - or, for that matter, any species. Unfortunately, the National Marine Fisheries Service, through a recently proposed draft rule, is now trying to subvert not only the spirit but possibly even the letter of the law.

The agency has proposed doing away with environmental impact statements on federal fisheries management actions. And through a series of loopholes, the proposal gives unreasonable power to fishery management councils - the advisory groups comprised largely of representatives of the commercial and recreational fishing industries. These councils often do not prioritize the health of the ocean environment - especially the fish, birds or turtles they accidentally catch and kill, but cannot sell.

NEPA requires that federal agencies consider - though not necessarily follow - less damaging alternatives to current practices, and prepare an environmental impact statement to evaluate the broader environmental and economic impacts of each option. Just as importantly, NEPA gives the public a chance to have its say by commenting on government decisions regarding the management of our public resources.

When NEPA is enforced, it works well. In 2000, for example, Judge David Ezra issued a court order that closed a swordfish fishery because the National Marine Fisheries Service had not prepared the evaluation required by NEPA, and the fishery was accidentally killing many marine turtles in the West Central Pacific.

When the agency did prepare the statement, it determined that using certain kinds of hooks and modified bait techniques would not affect the number of swordfish being caught, but would reduce the number of sea turtles being hooked and drowned on fishing lines. After the modified gear was in place, the fishery was allowed to reopen.

In place of this tried and true system, the fisheries service proposes a new type of environmental review process, with watered-down planning requirements that would allow fishing interests to decide how much information about the impacts of a proposed fishery management action should be studied and reported to the public for comment. The draft rule would even give industry the power to decide what information is “significant” and would specifically restrict discussion of issues deemed insignificant.

The government’s proposed rule also shortens the minimum period for public comment on an environmental impact statement from 45 to 14 days. Under current law, this can only be shortened with the approval of the White House’s Council on Environmental Quality or the Environmental Protection Agency. But no outside review or approval would be required to reduce public comment on the proposed new process.

Furthermore, the draft NEPA rule prohibits the public from commenting on the potential environmental impact of a proposed fishery management decision unless the same concerns had been raised earlier. This restriction holds true even if the part of the final fishery management proposal the public finds objectionable was not included in initial draft documents released to the public.

Public comments are more than just the passing thoughts of people stopped on the street during one of Jay Leno’s famous “Jaywalking” segments. The ability of citizens to provide direct input to government officials about the potential impacts of proposed actions is at the core of an open society and a fundamental right in a healthy democracy. And for decades, NEPA has been an invaluable tool in ensuring that we, the public, have a say about the possible impact of federal government action that could affect our lives, our resources and our environment.

The National Marine Fisheries Service had a real opportunity to draft a rule for the application of NEPA that would better protect our ocean resources. Instead, it has come up with an extraordinarily complicated proposal that would take the power to protect marine life - inherently public resources - such as sea turtles, out of the hands of the public and turn it over to the fishing industry.

Rather than weakening efforts at conservation, the agency should withdraw this ill-conceived proposal and start over.

Lee Crockett (lcrockett@pewtrusts.org) is the director of the Pew Federal Fisheries Policy Reform Project. Philippe Cousteau (info@earthecho.org) is the co-founder and chief executive officer of EarthEcho International.

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This is Erica’s final day, she is the oceanographer from Monterey and while she has never done any kind of film production before, she has done a fantastic job. She is outgoing and dynamic on camera and after a day or two of getting used to it, totally at ease. The other two scientists are no different, both Ken and Theo are top notch and things are coming along really well.

Today we headed off in the Deepscan, our large boat for cruising around Loch Ness, and set about to film the last few sequences on the Loch. Thankfully, I didn’t have to get in the water this time and was able to stay on dry land - well - boat actually, but the effect was the same. Part of the documentary will include a few light hearted scenes enhanced by CGI or digital animation. In other words, for the end of the film there will be a digital suggestion of what Nessie could look like swimming in the Loch right next to the boat. For that, the animators will need someone in the water with white X’s all over them. This will allow them to plot the distances and scale of their animated image relative to real world sizes and location. George, our safety diver from last week was tasked with this job and with his usual cheerfulness he jumped in the water in his scuba gear and floated at the surface, for what seemed like hours, while the crew got the shot perfectly lined up. The wind was blowing quite hard and thus aligning the boat, the diver and the horizon was not an easy task.

When the shots from the boat were done we had to recreate the whole scene all over again, but this time with the camera onshore. We moored up to Urqhuart castle and set it all up again via radio. I think that a lot of people don’t realize how much work goes into making a documentary. For a total final runtime of 43 minutes, we will walk away with at least 30 hours of film footage. On other shoots I have done it has been up to 150 hours for 43 minutes!!! Just to get a minute or two of CGI footage alone took us several hours of tape and the better part of a day. By 8PM we were wrapped and headed back to town. As I mentioned earlier, it was Erica’s last day so she chose to go to an Indian restaurant, my favorite, and we all dropped off our gear as quickly as possible and headed off to eat.

I love Indian food, an affinity that developed during my days at the University of St Andrews in Scotland, and so Erica’s choice was just fine by me. After a hearty chicken tikka, pampadoms, and mango chutney, we all agreed that it was way too early to go to bed. Despite being exhausted, we felt a duty to take Erica out to a classic Scottish pub and so, off to Hootanany’s we went. Famous in Inverness for featuring local bands and traditional music they also served one hell of a pint of Guinness. Ah Guinness, that pint of black, frothy goodness I miss so much. Guinness in the states just doesn’t cut it I’m afraid, usually no more than watery black broth, it just can’t hold a candle to the UK variety. A good pint of Guinness tastes like a chocolate coffee milkshake and is one of the most delightful drinks on earth. Of course, it feels like a meal in and of itself and after a few of them, one feels as though he has eaten a three course dinner.

The pub delivered as promised and the music was outstanding. We stayed there far into the night and as I looked around at the crew laughing and dancing the night away, I remembered just how lucky I am to be here. Scotland is such a beautiful place and to spend a few weeks here with such a great group of people has to be just about the best job in the world.

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After all the excitement yesterday, today was a quiet one. We have had several good days of filming and we are more or less right on schedule. The crew has been absolutely awesome and everyone is getting along as if we were all best friends from long ago. I spent most of the afternoon wandering around Inverness again while the rest of the crew was off at Inverness College interviewing various scientists. Tonight we were supposed to head out to the Loch and build a campfire by the water to hang out and discuss the past weeks findings amongst the scientists and myself, but by late evening the wind was howling and it was called off. Too bad, not being one to ever shirk the opportunity to build and spend the night by a good campfire I was quite disappointed.

Regardless, we are still on schedule for the shoot and that is the most important thing. Only three more days left and we still have a lot of ground to cover, so as they say, no rest for the weary…or is that wicked…

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