How to Speak Whale: A Voyage into the Future of Animal Communication - By Tom Mustill
In 2015, wildlife filmmaker Tom Mustill was whale watching when a humpback breached onto his kayak and nearly killed him. After THIS VIDEO CLIP of the event went viral, Tom found himself inundated with theories about what happened. He became obsessed with trying to find out what the whale had been thinking and sometimes wished he could just ask it. In the process of making a film about his experience, he discovered that might not be such a crazy idea.
This is a story about the pioneers in a new age of discovery, whose cutting-edge developments in natural science and technology are taking us to the brink of decoding animal communication – and whales, with their giant mammalian brains and sophisticated vocalisations, offer one of the most realistic opportunities for us to do so. Using ‘underwater ears,’ robotic fish, big data and machine intelligence, leading scientists and tech-entrepreneurs across the world are working to turn the fantasy of Dr Dolittle into a reality, upending much of what we know about these mysterious creatures. But what would it mean if we were to make contact? And with climate change threatening ever more species with extinction, would doing so alter our approach to the natural world?
Enormously original and hugely entertaining, How to Speak Whale is an unforgettable look at how close we truly are to communicating with another species – and how doing so might change our world beyond recognition.
On the 21st September 2023, a Raggy Charters marine tour vessel in Algoa Bay, South Africa, spotted a distressing scene of a humpback whale, exhausted and entangled in fishing gear.
This juvenile Humpback Whale entangled in a heavy mass of plastic ropes and floating buoys around its Fluke (the base of the caudal fin, where the strong swimming muscles of the tail are found). Though the whale was in good health, the ghost gear severely hindered its ability to dive and feed, slowly exhausting them, which would ultimately lead to death, so it was vital the whale was freed quickly.
The Raggy Charters crew notified the National Sea Rescue Institute, who worked tirelessly to cut through the thick ropes. The operation was dangerous and complex, involving multiple rescue boats and a coordinated team. But thanks to their skill and perseverance, the whale was finally freed and swam away, shattered but alive.
The rescued whale has since been identified alive and healthy, thanks to the unique patterns on their tail.
Through collaborative links with the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA), we have marked the 1 year anniversary of this entanglement with a limited edition pair of sunglasses, a limited edition T-Shirt, and Limited Edition eyewear strap. A percentage of every sale will be donated to support the work of the WCA and its local partners who played a vital role in the ghost gear's recovery.
‘We rarely pause to consider what animals think or feel, or question whether their inner lives resemble our own. Tom Mustill’s fascinating and deeply humane book shows us why we must do so – and what we, and the planet, could stand to gain by it’
- GRETA THUNBERG
‘A rich, fascinating, brilliant book that opens our eyes and ears to worlds we can scarcely imagine’
- GEORGE MONBIOT, Sunday Times bestselling author of Regenesis
‘Tantalizing … Think how transformative it would be if we could chat with whales about their love lives or their sorrows or their thoughts on the philosophy of language’
- ELIZABETH KOLBERT, New Yorker
‘A scary, important and brillant book… Tom Mustill’s adventures into the inner space occupied by these watery aliens are by turns enthralling and revealing. And he’s not afraid to ask, boldly, the crucial question: if we do get to translate ‘whale’, will we like what they’ve got to say?’
- PHILIP HOARE, author of Leviathan, and Albert & the Whale
‘Mustill guides the reader right to the edge of what we know (and don’t know) about how whales and other non-human animals talk to one another. A lively and informative read that heralds what could be the golden age of animal communication’
- JONATHAN SLAGHT, author of Owls of the Eastern Ice
‘Through his highly personal journey and discussions with experts, Tom Mustill conveys the richness of whale song and communication. Most of all we gain immense respect for these giants of the ocean’
- FRANS DE WAAL, author of Different: Gender Through the Eyes of a Primatologist
THE RESCUE TO RECYCLE RANGE
View the other limited edition items, to commemorate the incredible story of this whale rescue.
With every purchase, much needed donations are raised for the World Cetacean Alliance and its partners to help whale conservation. This is your opportunity to get your hands on one of these symbolic limited edition pieces. You also can make a donation directly to the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA). Every purchase or donation will also be entered into a once in a lifetime draw, where you can officially name the whale as well.
RESCUE TO RECYCLE
EYEWEAR STRAP
Secure your shades with our Limited Edition Eyewear Strap, crafted from recycled materials to support whale conservation. Designed in partnership with the World Cetacean Alliance, this strap not only keeps your sunglasses safe but also contributes to protecting marine life.
RESCUE TO RECYCLE
SUNGLASSES
Introducing our Limited Edition T-Shirt, crafted to support whale conservation. This exclusive design celebrates our partnership with the World Cetacean Alliance, with 33% of every sale donated to protect marine life. Wear your commitment to the oceans with pride.
DONATE TO
THE WCA
Get involved in whale conservation by making a direct donation to the World Cetacean Alliance. Your contribution enters you into a once-in-a-lifetime draw to name a whale, giving everyone a chance to make a lasting impact on marine life. Join us in supporting this vital cause!
DONATE TO THE WCA
About WATERHAUL
We're passionate about combining adventure with purpose - action on the ocean, for the oceans. Our products are designed to meet the demands of this environment and enhance your experience whilst symbolising and inspiring marine conservation.
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