This was our first survey of 2026 delayed from the previous weekend due to Storm Goretti that brought storm force winds to the Channel Islands.

We parked the car on deck as usual for this survey to the Channel Islands and were collecting our cabin key by 09:00. However, we were not allowed onto the bridge until 11:00 so we waited until the ship had exited Portsmouth Harbour and surveyed for an hour on the open deck, luckily, we had packed our gloves.

We were escorted up to the bridge at 11.00am and a given a welcome warm cup of coffee. After being shown the various screens for our recordings we settled down to scanning.

The bird of the trip was the pristine Kittiwake in smart winter plumage with sightings throughout the day. It was also satisfying to have excellent views of two diver species – Red-throated and Black-throated.

The viewing conditions were excellent with calm seas and clear winter light making it ideal for cetacean watching. We were rewarded with one Harbour Porpoise followed by three more being circled by Gannet and Kittiwake. Three Bottlenose Dolphin slowly swam down the starboard side, and two Common Dolphin again accompanied by birds completed the list.

We changed course to sail by the west side of Jersey and as the sun began to set we thanked the crew and headed down to the mess room for a delicious Swedish dinner.  Whilst there we chatted to some of the crew, who were very interested in the work we were doing.

All that was left for us to do was buy some good value duty free wine with a helpful crew member kindly helping me to carry it down to the car deck.

Once again, our thanks go to the crew of the Stena Vinga who helped to make this a very enjoyable crossing.

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

Weather

Wind SE around 13 knots throughout with a low swell and glare in the afternoon when the clouds cleared away