Sailors Notice Sea Change in the Ocean
Experienced sailors and seasoned meteorologists have the same nagging feeling — that something drastic is changing oceans around the world.
A Canadian sailing in a solo around-the-world race says he is disturbed by the horrendous conditions he has encountered in the southern oceans, including the near absence of large sea life.
During a harrowing leg from the tip of South Africa to New Zealand, Derek Hatfield says he saw only one dolphin and no whales. That area of the world should be teeming with sea life this time of year. He also reported battering winds and 25-foot waves which are unusual.
But ocean in that area has warmed about a half a degree in the last ten years. That is creating more fuel to power bigger storms and turning the unpredictable ocean unrecognizable.
In order to reduce his impact on the planet Hatfield is using solar, wind and hydro power instead of fossil fuels during the race.
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