As this was potentially the last MARINElife survey with Condor Ferries and it was one of the routes with periods of sparse sightings, we were planning to record content for social media and also to use for future surveyor training.

We boarded the Commodore Clipper and received a friendly welcome from the staff at the Information Desk, who recognised us as the MARINElife survey team. After being allocated our overnight cabins, we enjoyed a substantial breakfast during which the ship slowly departed the berth. There was an announcement to look out for the Stena Vinga which will soon also be undertaking the Portsmouth/Jersey route.

We were then taken to the bridge where we were greeted by Captain Justin Horsey, who we knew from previous surveys. We set out the survey forms and equipment on the table provided on the starboard side of the bridge and commenced our survey just before 10.00. Although the weather was favourable for sightings, we only spotted a solitary Shag, and a few Gannet and gulls during the next couple of hours. So, we used this time to record video clips to add to our identification training courses. There were a few more Gannet spotted as we were nearing Alderney and then onwards towards Guernsey.

As we approached the Big Roussel, which is a channel between Herm and Sark, one of the crew alerted us to a dolphin approaching the ship from the port side. Suddenly the sea immediately in front of the bow was boiling with splashes and fins! A large pod of Bottlenose Dolphin provided us with a spectacular display as they swam swiftly across and down the starboard side, not stopping to bow ride but on a determined route to wherever they were going.  It is always exciting to see these charismatic animals so close to the ship but seeing so many was a record for the survey team.

Although we recorded about 30 of them, it was highly likely that there were many more as we could only count them when they were above the surface.   It was all over in a few minutes…. but what an amazing encounter they provided us with – one we will never forget!

Shortly afterwards, we arrived in St Peter Port where we filmed a MARINElife volunteer interview. Then we enjoyed tea and a delicious slice of cake before our onward journey to Jersey. Although we continued to survey, we only encountered one Gannet, but we were more than satisfied with the sightings we had encountered earlier. As we were losing daylight, we ended the survey before arriving at St Helier.

Our thanks go to Captain Justin Horsey and the crew of the Commodore Clipper for making us so welcome during a very enjoyable and exciting crossing.

Condor Ferries has actively supported MARINElife’s volunteer Research and Wildlife Officer programme since 2014. We’d like to extend a special thanks to all of the Condor Ferries staff for welcoming our surveys onboard their ferries and fastcraft during this time.

After ten years of gathering essential scientific information on marine wildlife through our surveys – and and after such an exciting finale – we really hope that we are able to extend this successful partnership, who knows what future sightings await discovery.

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

Weather

Outward only: wind NE 5-6, sunny start then becoming cloudy, good visibility with glare at times