A new UK wide whale, dolphin and porpoise conservation initiative has just been launched at Portsmouth International Port, with crew members from Wightlink and other ferry companies being trained to spot the amazing mammals.
Fresh from his cruise ship based documentary series, TV wildlife expert Nigel Marven was in the passenger terminal yesterday (Monday) to kick start ORCA OceanWatch. Known for his infectious on screen enthusiasm, Nigel used a 50ft long life sized model of a Blue Whale to teach a class of local school children about the importance of these incredible and important mammals.
ORCA is one of Europe’s leading whale, dolphin and porpoise conservation charities. The aim of ORCA OceanWatch (25th July – 2nd August) will help build a comprehensive picture of where whales, dolphins and porpoises are distributed in UK and European waters.
The charity has recently trained crews from The Royal Navy, P&O Cruises, Cunard, Wightlink and commercial shipping companies operating from Portsmouth International Port to spot cetaceans (the collective name for whales, dolphins and porpoises). The reports from the bridge of each vessel will be collated to give a detailed view of current numbers and habitats.
Over the last 6 weeks there have been reports of three different dolphin species around the coast of the Island – Bottlenose Dolphins near St Catherine’s Point, White beaked dolphins at The Needles and also a pod of Common dolphins were seen on consecutive days in Freshwater Bay.
Anna Bunney, Community Wildlife Officer for ORCA said:
“Sightings of dolphins from the Isle of Wight are quite rare, so there must be an unusually large amount of food around at the moment.
“ORCA are organising shore-watches for whales and dolphins during the OceanWatch week, and over the summer months to better understand the populations of these animals that are visiting Solent Waters”.
Article continues below this advertisement
Nigel said:
“There’s a rich variety of creatures living in the sea just off the south coast, and the closer you get to the Bay of Biscay the more chance you have of seeing these majestic marine mammals. Ferries from Portsmouth to Spain sail across the Bay of Biscay, one of the most important hotspots on the planet for whales, dolphins and porpoises. By recording their numbers we will learn even more about them, and help protect their habitats.”
Sally Hamilton, UK Director of ORCA said:
“OceanWatch Week will be the offshore component to the National Whale and Dolphin Watch Week which is run every year by the Sea Watch Foundation. We’ve enlisted the help of local seafaring businesses that use Portsmouth International Port and ports along the south of England. It’s a fantastic way for the public and local businesses and organisations who use the sea to get actively involved in marine conservation.”
Yesterday’s launch also saw the start of a three week long exhibition at Portsmouth International Port, highlighting the work of ORCA and focusing on the creatures that passengers might see during their crossing. All ferry and cruise ship passengers will be able to enjoy the exhibition as the busy summer holiday season gets underway. Free “spotters guides” are being given out so ferry and cruise ship customers can make the most of their time at sea.
