We arrived at Dover with some concern as lorries were being stacked on the approach roads, however we passed through the port relatively easily and were soon boarded onto the Côte Des Flandres.

We were taken straight to the bridge and were able to commence our outward survey as we passed the outer harbour wall. Immediately we were in the middle of birds, the most numerous species were Herring Gull but there were other species present including Common Gull and a single Mediterranean Gull.

After 20 minutes we began to see Gannet, a few Kittiwake and Razorbill. The majority of the Gannet seen were adult birds, but we did spot several juvenile, third, fourth- and fifth-year birds.

After 45 minutes we encountered our first marine mammal, a Grey Seal that appeared about 50 metres in front of the bow of the ship.  This was then followed by two Harbour Seal as we got closer to the French coast. As we neared the port of Calais we were back amongst the gulls, this time with Cormorant.  We arrived on time and were kindly treated to lunch on board before the return journey.

As we left the harbour, we found a single Great Crested Grebe sitting on the sea. After about 15 minutes we had sightings of several more individual Harbour Seal, but these were our last marine mammals of the trip.

In mid-Channel we were once again surrounded by Gannet, many of which appeared to be circling around the ship. We also started to see small numbers of Guillemot and an occasional Kittiwake.  Finally, as the English coast came into view, we saw 6 Red-throated Diver that were sat on the sea but flushed as the ship approached.

Our thanks go to Captain Guilbaut and the staff and crew of the Cote des Flandres who made this a very enjoyable crossing.

Stephen Hedley and Jeremy Burgess, Research Surveyors for MARINElife (Registered Charity No. 1110884; Registered Company No. 5057367)

Weather

Outbound – wind NNE force 4-5, mostly cloudy with glare early in the survey, moderate visibility

Return – wind NNE force 3, cloudy, moderate visibility