Marinelife, the UK based marine conservation charity, has undertaken a scientific survey for cetaceans (the collective term for whales, dolphins and porpoises) in the waters north of Scotland to and around Iceland during a cruise aboard the Marco Polo as part of an Ultimate Pelagics trip. Whilst Iceland is renowned in Europe as an important feeding ground for cetaceans, very little research on their distribution and abundance further from shore has been conducted, partly because of the rough seas which prevent small vessels easily traversing the area and also the large distances from land.
Additional research in such areas is crucial as whole populations of cetaceans outside of well documented feeding and breeding grounds simply ‘disappear’
‘Marinelife’
Through its major research project, the Biscay Dolphin Research Programme (BDRP) which operates from Portsmouth to Bilbao with P&O Ferries, Marinelife also provides on board Wildlife Officers who give educational presentations and guidance in spotting the cetaceans around the ferry to passengers. This helps increase conservation efforts through greater public awareness and is also an important incentive for passengers to choose P&O over its rivals.
During the cruise to Iceland, a wide variety of cetaceans were encountered, including White-Beaked Dolphins, Humpback Whales, Harbour Porpoises, Killer Whales, Fin Whales, Minke Whales and many species of seabird. It did, however, became evident that in certain areas around Iceland, the once frequently sighted Minke Whale, the target species for current Icelandic whaling activities, has now sadly become wary and elusive, highlighting the continued threats these animals face.
The sea conditions were not ideal during this trip, but it presented the opportunity to provide the passengers with information about what was being encountered and encourage their own interest in seeing a cetacean for themselves. Dr Tom Brereton who led the research effort aboard the Marco Polo commented; “The passengers were amazed by the wildlife they were passing without realising – many had spent considerable time at sea on similar cruises and hadn’t realised what they could see with a little expert instruction. Passengers were soon able to spot whales and dolphins for themselves.”
This trip has indicated that the waters north of Scotland are certainly inhabited by a range of cetaceans and more research would provide additional data about the migration paths of these animals. It has also demonstrated the value of conservation organisations partnering cruise operators to provide not only valuable research, but creating passenger interest, awareness and education about the wildlife and encouraging the public to book cruises in order to see wildlife.
