Plymouth-Roscoff

Maggie Gamble and Sharon Morris, MARINElife Research Surveyors
Weather: Wind NE 2-3, Good visibility.

Harbour Porpoise Phocoena phocoena 1
Unidentified dolphin species 25 (distant group)

Fulmar Fulmarus glacialis 3
Gannet Morus bassanus 189
Shag Phalacrocorax aristotelis 2
Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo 12
Herring Gull Larus argentatus 288
Great Black-backed Gull Larus marinus 13
Lesser Black-backed Gull Larus fuscus 6
Great Skua Catharacta skua 1
Unidentified gull species 15

Swallow Hirundo rustica 1

MARINElife Surveyors' blog: Brittany Ferries 'Armorique'
Plymouth to Roscoff survey 2^nd to 3^rd July 2011

The historic harbour of Plymouth looked superb in the summer sunshine during our mid-afternoon departure for Roscoff as we commenced this month's MARINElife survey.

We were welcomed to the Bridge just prior to departure so straight away we could begin surveying the birds of the harbour and its island. Clearing the breakwater we looked hopefully for Basking Shark where they had been seen on a previous survey but apparently they have moved along the coast to Cornish waters.

Thereafter the trip was punctuated with a succession of seabirds: many Gannets; Herring Gulls; Black-backed Gulls; Fulmars and a single piratical Great Skua, which makes a living by pursuing other seabirds for their catch. Seabirds like the Gannet can cover large distances as they patrol the oceans looking for food and it's always a thrill to watch these large beautiful birds diving after fish.

About two hours out from the French coast we saw the distinctive white water splashes of a fast moving school of a small dolphin species. Unfortunately on this occasion they seemed very intent on going somewhere very fast and didn't come close enough for positive identification but they were probably Common Dolphin. This is a species that loves to bow-ride ferries and other boats when it has some leisure time for such fun activities.

Approaching Roscoff we had a glimpse of a Harbour Porpoise; these small shy cetaceans with a tendency to avoid boats are often challenging to survey. It requires good light and calm conditions to see them at all and then it's a brief view of a small back and fin as they take a quick breath. I guess that is why, as MARINElife surveyors, we enjoy seeing them so much!

Finishing the survey it was time for a quick snack and then retire to our cabins for the overnight return trip.

As ever our thanks go to the staff and crew of the Armorique who make us welcome and enable us to continue these vital data-gathering surveys.

Maggie Gamble and Sharon Morris, Research Surveyors for MARINElife