Small understood the importance of the Bay of Fundy to the Gulf of Maine cetaceans and began to monitor the migrating whale’s presence in the bay in 1984. Because of public interest in the work that they were doing, Harold decided to start the first whale watch company in southwest Nova Scotia which has been providing tours to see the whales since 1986. These cruises are fully narrated by experienced naturalists like Shelley Lonergan who has over 25 years experience researching whales. Mariner Cruises Whale and Seabird Tours is owned and operated by Penny Graham, lifelong resident of Westport, Brier Island. The company has been offering unique whale watching and seabird adventures since 1994. Captains Kenney and Chad
Both men are the sons of Penny and the late Captain Roy Albert Graham MB and are expe- rienced captains and fishermen and you can be rest assured that with their knowledge of the sea your tour with Mariner Cruises will be safe and enjoyable. All tours are narrated by local natu- ralists and researchers, who are all well-versed in the dozens of mammals and bird species you will see while on the bay making each cruise informa- tive and educational. Both Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises and Mariner Cruises both play important roles in ongoing research and help fund marine biologist and local naturalists who monitor the animals that visit this important ecological region and summer feeding ground, nursery and play area for dozens of marine species, including whales, dolphins, seabirds and a colony of seals. As strong tidal currents bring nutrients close to the surface, increasing the productivity of plankton, which attracts large schools of herring and mackerel, which in turn provide food for the larger marine species.
G r a h a m have navi- gated the waters of St. Mary’s Bay and the Bay of Fundy for some time.
With the additional rooms, it then became apparent that they needed a communal place, that wasn’t the dining room, for guests to gather to specifically enjoy the view. That’s when they built the lounge, which can easily accommodate and seat 50 people for any function. Additional renovations and expansions included adding-on to the dining and the addition of several more rooms, giving them 37 comfortable rooms to choose from. Most of the rooms have an ocean or lighthouse view and the vistas from our cliff top location above the village of Westport are magnificent! All rooms are smoke free with a private ensuite bath perfect after a day of whale watching or hiking on the island, you can also upgrade your reservation to rejuvenate in a room with a double jacuzzi. The latest renovation includes an expansion of their second building to now offer larger rooms that can be converted to accommodate larger families or groups for longer and more com- fortable stays. Which is a good thing because after you understand all that Brier Island offers you are going to want to stay a little longer and
Virginia and her team at the Lodge are happy to offer their guests comfortable, oceanfront accom- modations along with a unique Nova Scotia regional dining expe- rience to get you ready to explore the Island or head to the bay for a one of the local whale watching
tours offered by Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises and Mariner Cruises Whale and Seabird Tour. Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises is operated by Captain Harold Graham who was born and raised on Brier Island. Having lived by the Bay of Fundy he pursued a career in the fishing industry and has over 50 years experi - ence navigating the Bay of Fundy. He also has over 30 years experience working with whales. He and Captain Trevor Moore and Captain Roy
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MAY/JUNE 2022 • SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE
SPOTLIGHT ON BUSINESS MAGAZINE • MAY/JUNE 2022
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