Wildlife expeditions with P&O
Ever wondered how much marinelife you can spot on one trip accross the Bay of Biscay? John Hillman discovers an abundant ocean teeming with different species and a group of volunteers working hard to protect them.
The Bay of Biscay is best known for its seafood and surf, amateur sailing and the ferry route to Northern Spain, but it is also home to one of the most diverse collections of wildlife anywhere in the world.
The Biscay Dolphin Research Programme (BDRP) travels with P&O Ferries on special wildlife mini-cruises throughout the year, collecting endless data as they try to paint a picture of the lives of the hundreds of dolphins, whales and porpoises that inhabit the deep water canyons of this busy shipping route.
It is estimated that over a quarter of the world’s different species can be found here, along with a vast wealth of sea-bird varieties. Since 1995 they have been monitored by BDRP volunteers from the decks of P&O Ferries’ very own Pride of Bilbao.
Despite our more enlightened times these mysterious sea creatures face a daily battle for survival against man made dangers such as commercial whaling, noise pollution and even capture for use in public shows.
The monitoring work done by BDRP does much to assist conservation efforts in this field and you can participate either by donating to the charity or by joining the BDRP and P&O Ferries for a wildlife watching mini-cruise this September 17 or 20.
The three-night trip will cost £99 per person and includes talks and presentations as-well as the chance to spot whales and dolphins in the company of experts. Last year wildlife watchers spotted more than 3,300 cetaceans. These included harbour porpoises, and bottlenose, common and striped dolphins, all of which could be seen enjoying themselves surfing the ship’s bow wave. Whale sightings included minke, fin, sperm, pilot and beaked whales.
The rolling September seas are a perfect time to spot wildlife and the trips promise to be a real voyage of discovery for all. If this is something you’ve often thought about but never got round to doing then this is your last opportunity before the onset of winter, so don’t delay.
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Image Credit: Piotr Zurek
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