Conservation

Through our work of research and education we aim to raise the profile of the marine life of the Bay of Biscay, South West Approaches and the English Channel. Using this information we aim to provide early warnings to the general public and policy makers on changes in marine biodiversity and on activities which are having a damaging impact on the marine environment.

The world's oceans are much less well studied than the land and our knowledge of these ecosystems is notably lower as a result. This lack of knowledge is compounded by the relative inaccessibility of these ecosystems. Even the seasonal movements of the Blue Whale, the largest creature alive, are not well known.

The Blue Whale is just one of the many species that has been seen in the area. Around a quarter of the world's whale and dolphin species have been recorded in this one area, as well as most european seabirds. Our research is year round which is allowing us to develop an understanding of seasonal movements. This has been noted in several species and other trends may become apparent with time.

The scale of the world's oceans masks their fragility given the increasing pressure modern societies place on it. New and potentially damaging technologies are being developed all the time and as a result the way the marine environment is exploited is always changing. Coral reefs are declining and an increasing number of our fish stocks are being fished up to or over a sustainable level. The great whales are no exception to this pressure, the Northern Right Whale was hunted in the Bay of Biscay and is now considered the rarest whale in the North East Atlantic with only sporadic sightings in European waters.

In order to conserve and manage Europe's oceans and the wildlife that inhabits them for the future, people need the opportunity to understand and take an interest in them. Every member of BDRP devotes their time to further our knowledge as well as their own interest in this fascinating ecosystem. Through our education programmes we aim to assist anyone with an interest in the oceans in seeing and finding out more about cetaceans and marine wildlife and the threats facing them.

Registered Charity No. 1110884
Copyright of BDRP 2006