Elfyn became an ORCA trustee in 2010, a role he takes very seriously. He was elected by key individuals in the organisation at the time, including Marian Smith - who is sadly no longer with us.
“Many novice surveyors like me considered her to be the ‘matriarch’ of ORCA surveys. Marian was a very dear friend and is greatly missed by everyone within ORCA who knew her.”
He went on to describe his years as a volunteer:
“In my time with ORCA, I have been an active Marine Mammal Surveyor Team Leader. I have also acted as a guide and survey member on numerous Saga cruises, and also the very popular Sea Safaris across the Bay of Biscay with Brittany Ferries.”
Elfyn’s Most Memorable Moment
When asked about a moment that has stayed with him, Elfyn shared the story of Betty:
“One memorable trip was on an ORCA Sea Safari across the Biscay when we had the pleasure of being joined by Betty and her niece. Betty was 90 years of age and she had never seen a whale! Our guides were tasked in finding a whale for Betty.”
“Somewhere on a transect across the Biscay a mighty fin whale was spotted and Betty, being of a slight build, we had to request the other guests on deck to open a gap up at the ship’s railings to make space for her. With Betty in position, we saw the familiar blow from the whale then it surfaced quite close to the ship. There was a huge cheer on deck. Betty had seen her first whale!”
“Betty turned to me and her eyes were welling up. I don’t think there was a dry eye on deck at that moment. I will never forget that day as it is such a treasured memory. We christened that whale ‘Betty’s Fin Whale’.”
What ORCA’s Mission Means to Elfyn
When asked why ORCA’s work matters, Elfyn said:
“Although ORCA was initially created as a data gathering organisation it became an organisation with people very much at its core. Meeting people from all walks of life and sharing some wonderful wildlife experiences on the deck of a ship has been an aspect I have enjoyed so much over the years in my role as a wildlife guide.”
“ORCA has come a long way since its inception and as a trustee it has given me a huge sense of pride and satisfaction to be part of that journey to where we are today, one of Europe’s leading marine conservation organisations. It has been a roller coaster and exciting ride.”
“Now, we have gone global, and are even collaborating with world renowned and respected scientific institutions such as the British Antarctic Survey with our skilled surveyors gathering data on platforms of opportunity in the South Atlantic around the waters off South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. Now who would have thought that would happen all those years ago! To me that is the ‘icing on the cake’ (or should I say the ‘iceberg on the map’!).”
“ORCA’s work is so vitally important in endeavouring to make our oceans safer for whales and dolphins in the present day and into the future… Happy 25th birthday ORCA.”
The entire ORCA team wishes to extend its heartfelt gratitude to Elfyn for all his dedication and hard work as a trustee, surveyor, volunteer and treasured friend.
Start your own journey with free whale and dolphin ID training this month and join Elfyn in helping protect our oceans.