Dolphin Surveys & Wild Islands
La Pecheresse, transiting a shallow northern passage.
In spring of 2022, I had got wind of a voluntary survey project seeking assistance that summer. The Dolphin Survey project would be carried out in Bailiwick of Guernsey waters and in addition to the shore based surveys, they were seeking locals to assist with boat surveys. With a passion for local marine life and having grown up boating around the islands, I reached out to the team to see if I could help.
Dolphin Surveys
The boat survey team comprised of a passionate team, including zoologist Zuzanna Soltysiak, studying for her Masters at the time, Scientist Liz Sweet, and filmmakers of the Wild Islands team, Pierre, Ant and Matt. Others joined sporadically including biologist Calum and Drone Pilot Ross Yates of Skywave Media over a period of 3 months.
Weather permitting I’d take team out at least once a week, finishing the day job, rushing down to the boat to slip from the mooring and go surveying for 2-3 hours until sunset. We’d vary our route depending on weather and sea state, but principally the area of focus was the east coast of Guernsey extending around the back of Herm into the Humps. Many hours of sea time were racked up and bottlenose dolphins were seen on nearly all trips out, despite early reservations.
Wild Islands - THE BLUE
In conjunction with the survey project, I became increasingly involved in the production of the wildlife documentary THE BLUE. This set out to capture the incredible biodiversity islands support, and the efforts locals are putting in to survey and protect marine habitats including seagrass beds.
To learn more, please visit the Wild Islands website.
Leg 5/ 1200nm/ 7 day passage.
Squalls, hitchhikers, and pirates?