Follow the crew of the Arctic Sunrise on their campaign for Marine Reserves in our North Sea Tour blog
A gannet in the waters of Shetland © Greenpeace/Christien Åslund
On Friday morning we left the shelter of Shetland, where we had spent a day at anchor in a secluded bay off the northerly island of Fetlar. I've never been there before, but it was a lovely spot to stop. We didn't go onto land, which was a shame because some of the crew had been practising their ceilidh dancing especially since we were headed towards Scotland's most northerly isles.
Thursday was a day of boat training and essential maintenance before we set off again to sea. Boat training's crucial to make sure everything we do on our rigid inflatable boats (RIBs) is as safe as possible - and it was great to see the whole crew getting involved - even Joss the webbie, who of course is usually too busy glued to a computer.
It was also nice to be able to do some exceptionally lazy birdwatching from the ship. Last night, as the light faded, we were treated to the sight and eerie sound of a great northern diver (on the other side of the Atlantic they're called 'loons').
As we left the island the eider ducks, shags, puffins and black guillemots gave way to the more open ocean experts like great and arctic skuas, gannets and fulmars. Shetland's renowned for its birdlife, and many of these birds, just like cod, dolphins and starfish, depend on a healthy, thriving North Sea. So I'm quite sure they'd be in favour of marine reserves too.
Unfortunately we got a late request (and didn't have a phone number to follow it up, sorry) from the local school in Fetlar asking us to come ashore and speak to the kids. We'd have loved to - but it wasn't possible. But if anyone from Fetlar or anywhere else in Shetland is interested - then we're planning to be in Lerwick to hold an open boat on Sunday 20th May, so you're welcome to come along then if you can make it to learn a bit more about Greenpeace and the marine reserves campaign.
