April 15th 2024.
Cal Major, a passionate adventurer, veterinarian, and ocean advocate, embarked on an incredible journey along the rugged coast of Scotland, covering a distance of 800 miles on a paddleboard. Throughout her journey, she encountered unexpected discoveries, met with communities making a difference, and delved into the diverse wildlife and ecosystems hidden beneath the ocean's surface.
As a morning person, Cal would rise early, often awakened by the gentle rays of the sun. This winter, however, was a bit different, with the colder temperatures causing her to sleep in later than usual. But regardless of the time, she always made it a priority to get outside as soon as possible. Armed with a large flask of tea, she would head up the hill behind her house to catch a glimpse of the stunning summer isles or down to the nearby sea loch to observe otters and explore the seaweed. For Cal, this was the perfect way to connect with nature and set a mindful and peaceful tone for the rest of her day.
Her earliest memories of adventure revolved around her parents taking her up into the hills or on camping trips to the coast of North Wales. She fondly recalls sharing a tent with her brothers, swimming in the sea, and trying her hand at belly boarding. As she grew older and learned to drive, she and her best friend embarked on a hilarious and unforgettable trip to North Wales, where they attempted to teach themselves how to surf.
Despite the challenges posed by climate change, Cal remains optimistic for the future. She envisions a world where the ocean is teeming with life and vibrant ecosystems, a stark contrast to the depleted seas we have grown accustomed to due to Shifting Baselines Syndrome. She believes that the key to restoring our ocean's health lies in recognizing its potential as one of the planet's most crucial carbon stores. Whales, for example, are not only majestic creatures but also play a vital role in storing carbon. By allowing our ocean's ecosystems to thrive, we can help mitigate the effects of climate change.
In 2018, Cal undertook a Guinness World Record challenge, and her focus then was very different from her recent docuseries, Scotland: Ocean Nation. She acknowledges the significant progress made in raising awareness about ocean plastic pollution and credits coastal communities' efforts in cleaning up local and remote beaches. However, as she embarked on her journey, she realized how much there was to learn about ocean ecosystems and the individuals and communities connected to them. She was in awe of the complex and diverse underwater world, from seagrass, which captures and stores carbon 35 times faster than terrestrial forests, to Scotland's version of a coral reef, known as maerl, that grows at a millimeter per year and serves as a fish spawning ground. Witnessing these amazing ecosystems firsthand made her even more aware of the grave dangers facing our seas.
One of Cal's most memorable experiences during her expedition was when a pod of orcas came to investigate her. She describes the awe-inspiring moment when two male orcas, twice her size, circled around her, while a female swam beneath her board and made eye contact with her. This brief but incredible encounter left her feeling even more connected to the ocean and its wildlife. Although she was admittedly a bit scared at the time, she was grateful for the orcas' presence and their gentle curiosity.
Despite the enormity of the work ahead in protecting our oceans, Cal remains dedicated and determined. She acknowledges that it can be overwhelming at times, with no clear end in sight. However, the rewards far outweigh the challenges, and she feels a deep connection to the sea and its inhabitants with each passing day. She admits to needing better boundaries, but she also loves spending time with her friends, especially now that the evenings are getting longer and warmer, allowing for after-work sea dips.
For those interested in learning more about Cal's incredible journey, her docuseries, Scotland: Ocean Nation, is available to watch. And for more inspiring stories like Cal's, be sure to subscribe to Scottish Field's Life With series.
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