Steamship Group helps whale and dolphin surveys
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Group has announced a partnership with marine conservation charity ORCA to help protect whales and dolphins in the waters off Cornwall.
ORCA works to identify and protect critical whale and dolphin habitats by placing volunteer marine mammal surveyors on ferries and cruise ships. They conduct monthly scientific surveys, recording species, where they are and what they are doing. They also run talks for passengers and activities on deck and land. The Steamship Group's Marketing Manager Sharon Sandercock said: “Marine mammals, including whales and dolphins, are often sighted on Scillonian III crossings so we are delighted to be able to support such a worthwhile charity. Supporting volunteers collecting vital information will help work toward solving the problems faced by whales and dolphins.”
The route between Penzance and St Mary’s has been surveyed for the past eight years, with annual sightings of six different species. Over the years hundreds of common dolphins and harbour porpoises have been spotted, as well as 31 Minke whales, 27 Bottlenose dolphins, 14 Risso’s dolphins, two long-finned pilot whales and one humpback whale.
FInd out more about ORCA here.