Written by Millie Mannering
Having been traveling overseas for months, I was excited to finally return to my homeland, Aotearoa. I joined Heritage Expeditions as an expedition guide in the Sub-Antarctic Islands. Known as the Galapagos of the South, these islands are incredibly wild, remote, and full of endemic and endangered species.
Millie Mannering zodiac driving in the Sub-Antarctic. Photo: Doug Gimesy
This Macaroni penguin colony on Macquarie Island was an absolutely chaotic overload of smell and noise. Photo: Millie Mannering
A theme that continues to resurface during my scholarship year is how ocean health is inherently linked to the management of not only our underwater world, but also our terrestrial ecosystems. Animals underwater, such as sea lions, penguins and subsequently their predators below, rely heavily on the state of the land. Restored from the effects of farming and with the removal of mammalian predators, I was astounded by the wilderness and abundance of life in these Sub-Antarctic islands.
I thoroughly enjoyed sharing these unique islands with guests! Photos L-R: Doug Gimesy, Millie Mannering, Blake Hornblow, Gregory Buda
I found that giving zodiac tours, guiding onshore excursions and presenting lectures onboard allowed guests to form a deep connection with these islands. It was really fulfilling to be able to share my passion for these islands and the unique flora and fauna it holds. Being able to witness giant albatross wandering over the islands, unbothered by human presence is very inspiring! I found it rewarding to share and educate guests on the importance of the Sub-Antarctics, the success of restoration and how to continue to protect them.
Updating expedition guides on the King Penguin colony at Macquarie Island. A colony of endangered New Zealand sea lion, including many newborn pups, at Enderby Island. Photos: Blake Hornblow, Millie Mannering
However, not all our islands are fully restored and predator free and there is an inspiring opportunity to make Auckland Islands predator free in the near future. Pigs and cats remain on these islands, devastatingly impacting the vegetation and seabird populations. With knowledge gaps remaining and further management needed, I look forward to furthering our understanding of how these ecosystems work and how best to protect them.
Thank you to Heritage Expeditions for giving me the platform to share my passion, enthusiasm and love for these spectacular islands. Thank you to Blake Hornblow as well as the rest of the awesome expedition guides onboard Heritage Adventurer. It is inspiring to work amongst such a skilled, knowledgeable and motivated team!
Thank you to the Our World Underwater Scholarship Society and Rolex for making the scholarship possible. I would also like to thank my equipment sponsors Reef Photo and Video, Nauticam and Light and Motion as well as TUSA, Waterproof, Tabata Australia and Suunto.
Trip Tune: My Boy – Marlon Williams
Top Tip: Leave a stocking out for Father Christmas – he still visits the Sub-Antarctics for Christmas!
Join me, above and beneath the surface, on my adventures throughout the scholarship year. Subscribe to my blogs, follow along on Instagram, Facebook or flick me an email!
Follow along with my journey as I begin my technical dive training …
