Humpback Whales, the Living Ocean and more…

Glenn Edney © Island Cruising NZ

The Ocean is the cradle of our existence and the heart of our blue home - covering 70% of our planet's surface and accounting for 97 - 99% by volume of the liveable biosphere.

The Ocean plays a leading role in virtually every life sustaining process: from climate regulation and the water cycle, to the planet-wide distribution of the nutrients essential for life.

Glenn Edney, Ocean ecologist, underwater naturalist, professional diver and sailor, teacher and author has a unique perspective on the Ocean which has grown out of spending the last 30 years either on, or under her. His research is primarily focused on understanding the Ocean as a living system, as well as bringing together traditional indigenous Ocean knowledge and modern scientific ecological understanding.

Glenn's first humpback whale encounters in the Kingdom of Tonga in 1993 were the inspiration for his whale watching and diving business on Foa in the Ha'apai's. Operating from a 38ft Polynesian style Wharram catamaran, Cat Knapp, Glenn and Janey took people swimming with humpback whales. Their approach was 'whale centred' not 'human centred' and inevitably lead to their dissatisfaction with the 'tick and click' tourist mentality!

Closing the business in 2010, they sailed back to NZ where their search for deeper meaning led them to Schumacher College in the UK. Glenn gained his MSc in Holistic Science and Janey worked on their Short Course Programme. During this time they formed Ocean Spirit with the aim of fostering in humanity a deeper and more harmonious relationship with the living Ocean.

In 2015 they returned to the Tutukaka Coast in New Zealand where their work includes running workshops, working with schools, giving presentations, writing articles and creating videos that inform and educate on serious ecological issues. In 2017 they launched The Tutukaka Coast Plastic Free Initiative and the Hauora Moana Community Monitoring programme.

Having lived in Tonga for 6 years they are happy to share their experiences with you and answer any questions, including whale/yacht etiquette and protocols they developed which minimize disturbance to the humpbacks.

Visit oceanspirit.org for more information.