In partnership with DFDS, MARINElife is starting a new survey route in May, using the ferry service from Newcastle (North Shields) to Amsterdam (Ijmuiden).

This new survey route will cover some important sea areas of the North Sea, of the coasts of Northern England and of the Netherlands.

The North Sea holds a very diverse range of marine habitats, and is very important for marine wildlife, particularly for spawning fish species. It is also a very active area for the fishing industry and increasingly for the off-shore power industry. Monitoring this important sea area is of vital importance, and the new survey route will contribute to the knowledge an understanding of its importance and vulnerability.

We will be particularly looking out for White-beaked Dolphins off the coast of North- East England, and for migration movements of seabirds off the Dutch coast. The recent impact of Avian Influenza on our seabird populations will also be monitored, together with any long-term changes in cetacean activity in the North Sea.

The surveys will be carried out by experienced teams of volunteer Surveyors, who will work from the King Seaways with the very generous support given by DFDS.

For more information contact Rob Petley-Jones rob.petley-jones@marine-life.org.uk