The port of Dover was clothed in fog as we arrived and made our way aboard the Dunkerque Seaways. We received a warm welcome at the information desk, from where we were escorted to the bridge and welcomed by the captain and crew.

Soon after we sailed out of the harbour, viewing conditions improved as the fog thinned and lifted, and the sea was fairly calm.

Gannet, Kittiwake, Herring Gull and Cormorant were recorded within the first few minutes of the survey. Gannet were sighted frequently throughout the outward crossing, along with large numbers of gulls, including Great Black-backed Gull and Lesser Black-backed Gull.

Some 25 minutes into the survey, we spotted a patch of disturbed water off the starboard bow – a group of dolphins travelling at speed, possibly in pursuit of prey. Using our binoculars, we could discern an hourglass pattern on their flanks, enabling identification as Common Dolphin. This was quickly followed by a sighting of another group of the same species, which were taken to be a part of the same pod. Our estimate of sixteen observed animals was almost certainly an under-estimate of the total number of dolphins actually present, given the difficulty in establishing true numbers during brief encounters. It may be notable that Common Dolphin were also recorded in the same general area during the previous Dover-Dunkirk survey, four weeks earlier.

Nearing Dunkirk, a single Grey Seal was spotted swimming close to the vessel.

Having unloaded its cargo and passengers in Dunkirk and re-loaded for the return sailing, the ship set off again for Dover.

Bird species were similar to those encountered on the first leg of the survey. Numbers of birds dwindled as sunset approached, but a flock of a dozen low-flying auks added to our species list as we neared Dover.

Thanks to Captain Russell Smith, his officers and crew for their warm welcome and for facilitating our survey.

Pat Hatch and Rhys Ap Llwyd Jones, Research Surveyors for MARINElife (Registered Charity No. 1110884; Registered Company No. 5057367)

Weather

Outbound: visibility variable (occasional fog patches), sea state 1-3

Return: visibility variable (occasional fog patches), sea state 3-4