This was our first survey with DFDS on their new route which had commenced in April. Check in was speedy and sixty minutes before departure we were called for boarding. On boarding we were quickly escorted onto the bridge and received a warm welcome from Captain Ivar Niit. It was good to spot MARINElife posters on display.

After starting our survey off Old Harry Rocks, we saw small groups of Swallow moving south and a group of seabirds consisting mainly of Manx Shearwater, an encouraging start to our survey.  We crossed the shipping lanes and soon after encountered a large flock of migrating Common Tern with Gannet, Manx Shearwater and a dark phase Arctic Skua also in the vicinity at this time. Glare was a problem southbound, but we agreed it was better than fog!

Sailing past Alderney and then making a heading to Jersey, we saw a large flock of Balearic Shearwater shearing in a westerly direction close in front of the bridge.

On arrival in Jersey, we enjoyed a snack lunch in the passenger lounge before being escorted back to the bridge by the captain. As we awaited clearance to depart Jersey, the Irish solo sailor Pamela Lee arrived with her class 40 yacht preparing for the 2026 Route du Rhum race with the DFDS sponsorship logo on the sail.

Daylight allowed us to survey on the return journey.  Outside the harbour a large group of Sandwich Tern flew by, in fact over 1,000 had been seen here on migration the previous day.

Unfortunately, no cetaceans were seen on this survey, but it was a pleasure to be on board and to be looked after so well by Levante Jet’s friendly, supportive crew. The afternoon tea and cakes were delicious and much appreciated.

Approaching the Sandbanks ferry we ended our survey and then watched our passage through Poole Harbour and into dock.  After thanking the captain and his crew we headed down from the bridge to await disembarkation which turned out to be very swift.

Steve Boswell and Margaret Boswell, Research Surveyors for MARINElife (Registered Charity No. 1110884; Registered Company No. 5057367)

Weather

Sunny, wind SE force 5 in the Channel down to 3 in the protection of the Islands, sea state 5-3