It was a sunny but early start to this survey, although our departure was delayed due to emergency manoeuvres around the Naval Base. However, whilst we were waiting, we went out on deck and spotted Carrion Crow, Black-headed Gull and Great Black-backed Gull in the harbour.

Having commenced the survey, sightings were scarce. However, three Harbour Porpoise (2 adult and a juvenile) were observed feeding as we sailed off the Isle of Wight, near Ventnor.

Although the sea was calm and apart from the glare from the sun, conditions were good for spotting any cetaceans, so it was a little disappointing not to spot any. Seabird sightings were infrequent with the odd Gannet and a single Manx Shearwater seen, possibly from the small colony at Burhou. We did however spot several helium balloons and a football on the water, possibly from a party!

With the northern coast of Jersey in sight, near Ronez Point, we came upon a workup of birds wheeling around and feeding on the water. Over 200 Herring Gull, Gannet and Manx Shearwater could be seen diving into the water to feed and thrashing amongst that white water, we were also able to spot the fins of tuna. An amazing spectacle – well worth the wait! The calm waters also enabled us to spot a large quantity of barrel jellyfish.

Berthing in Jersey, we saw the amphibious vehicle colloquially known as the Duck, which is used to ferry people to and from Elizabeth Castle, due to the tides covering the walkway twice a day. Whilst in Jersey, we were invited to the crew mess for our evening meal and enjoyed a delicious dinner of Jambalaya and a variety of different salads.

Due to the earlier return crossing giving us more daylight, we decided to get another couple of hours survey effort in as we were still hopeful to see the resident pod of Bottlenose Dolphin. Sadly, there were no cetacean sightings, although one of the crew showed us a video he had taken of Bottlenose Dolphin bow riding the day before. However, we were lucky enough to see a raft of about 50 Manx Shearwater, and we were treated to a beautiful sunset over Sark. As light faded with Alderney in sight up ahead, we finished our survey and went down to the Premium Lounge for our overnight return to Portsmouth.
We would like to express our thanks to Captain Otto Eliasson and his crew for their helpfulness, and hospitality whilst on board and to all the DFDS Jersey shore-based staff for their support.

Rick Morris and Glynis Northwood-Long, Research Surveyors for MARINElife (Registered Charity No. 1110884; Registered Company No. 5057367)

Weather

Southbound: wind NNW-SSW force 1-3, sunny, some light cloud and occ. mist patches and occ. glare

Northbound: wind NNE 2-3, sunny with strong glare