Troubled Waters: Trailing the Albatross, an artists journey

‘Troubled Waters’ is an inspiring book that marries art and science. Outstanding wildlife artist Bruce Pearson became involved with pelagic species in the early 70’s in South Georgia and Bird Island, working as a field assistant for three summers ringing the vast numbers of birds with British Antarctic Survey research team.  Recently graduated with a Fine Art degree and working for the RSPB, he took the opportunity to get to know and record this new world both through keenly observed drawings and sketches, falling in love with the Albatross species on the way. However, since then the number of albatross has fallen steeply.  When the Save the Albatross appeal was launched in 2000 the idea behind ‘Troubled Waters’ began to grow, and with the help of BirdLife International and Nature in Art, Bruce Pearson was able to return to the Southern Oceans after a gap of 35 years.

This book sets out the story from the beginning with his original drawings and carries on with his voyages at sea with South African fishermen before revisiting South Georgia. Through his personal journey with both longline fishing boats and trawlers, his lively and atmospheric drawings combined with lyrical prose make the reader understand the problems that face both birds and fishermen.

 He reveals to us how the pelagic birds follow the boats as they work the nutrient rich waters for fish, and how various changes in fishing practice can save the lives of birds. He does not flinch from describing the dangers they face, both on the nest and at sea, nor the declining numbers of birds but leaves us with the hope that these conflicts can be resolved.

Book reviewed by Kit Price Moss