When BDRP scientists first began their work, in August 1995, few cetaceans were thought to inhabit the English Channel and little survey work had been conducted in the Bay of Biscay. Since then our research teams have logged over 1000 separate whale and dolphin sightings in these waters and an incredible tally of 20 species. A fantastic achievement for a group of volunteers, who all have other work commitments. In total nine minke whale were observed and recorded in the English Channel during the July trip, including three adults attending calves. We even recorded one whale group just south of the Isle of Wight.
People are often astounded when they find out what is just over the horizon from the coast.
We first saw minke whale in the Channel in 1996 and we have recorded increasing numbers ever since. It is especially pleasing that all our hard work is yielding both valuable and exciting results. Researchers undertake a monthly, year-round cetacean survey of the English Channel and Bay of Biscay on a fixed ferry route operating between Portsmouth, England and Bilbao, Northern Spain, using a validated scientific methodology. Over the last five years, BDRP have also recorded a number of harbour porpoise, common dolphin and bottle-nosed dolphin in the English Channel and have identified strong seasonal patterns in their occurrence. Many of the sightings, especially of common dolphin have been made in winter, a season when few other scientists embark upon cetacean survey work, because of weather problems, and cost constraints.