Norfolkline supports wildlife surveys

In support of another initiative to promote environmental responsibility, Norfolkline’s Ferry Division is allowing scientists from wildlife research organisation Marinelife on board vessels on the North Sea route, between Vlaardingen and Felixstowe. Accommodation and food is provided to the Marinelife researchers on board, and they are given access to the bridge, from where they can observe marine animals.

Marinelife is a UK-based charitable company that develops and coordinates oceanic and coastal wildlife research and monitoring projects. Their aim is to further the conservation of the wildlife of coasts and oceans through scientific investigation and educational activities.

Their surveys in the North Sea and the Bay of Biscay contribute to the network of survey routes coordinated by the Atlantic Research Coalition, a partnership of scientists from Marinelife and seven other conservation groups operating out of Ireland, the UK and Spain. It provides vital pan-European monitoring data on some of the world’s most important and threatened waters for whales, dolphins and seabirds.

The Marinelife researchers on the first return trip were Mike Bailey and Hugh Venables, who boarded the Maersk Anglia in Felixstowe on May 3rd.

“The Captain was very helpful and gave us unlimited access to the bridge once we left the berth during daylight hours. The area just to the left of centre of the port wing of the bridge seemed to be the best location for our survey, as it is away from the main computers and there is an ideal shelf for survey forms. Visibility from here is very good, as the windows are angled down slightly and were very clean. As the bridge is 23 metres above sea level and only 18 metres from the bow, we had very good views of birds passing immediately in front of the boat.”

Following the success of this trial voyage, Norfolkline's Ferry division agreed to arrange research voyages on a monthly basis.

 The Marinelife researchers on the second trip, on June 14th and 15th, were Andrew Boulden and Ian Paynter. A highlight of this weekend was a breaching Minke whale that jumped clear of the water twice and was also seen by the crew. Fraser Paterson and Helen Farmer joined the Maersk Explorer for the third trip from Felixstowe to Vlaardingen on July 19th, returning the next day on the Maersk Flanders.

“We are very grateful to Norfolkline for supporting us with this crucial work, It is heartening to know that another large company cares enough about the marine environment to support the scientific investigation that will inform its conservation.”

says John Arnott, Marinelife’s Research Teams Manager.