|
|
|
|
|
|
|
MARINElife volunteer to run London Marathon
We are excited to announce that one of our amazing survey volunteers, Hazel, is running this year's London Marathon in support of MARINElife.
You can sponsor her, and follow her progress, over on her Virgin Money Giving page.
We all wish her the best of luck!
|
|
|
|
#BluePlanetChampion
Last year, the Blue Planet II series inspired conversations regarding our ocean environment and the threats it faces. Therefore, MARINElife and 37 other marine conservation organisations sent an open letter to the UK government, calling for urgent action to conserve the marine environment, in a bid to catalyse this increased ocean interest into political capital and personal action. The letter can be read here.
Much of the research work we at MARINElife do goes towards helping in the establishment of future protected marine areas; work we couldn’t do without the help of our dedicated volunteers, and public donations. If you would like to help us continue this work, please see our website for details on how you can help.
|
|
MARINElife Helps ID Resident Dolphins
Survey work provided by us and several other organisations has resulted in the discovery of the first resident bottlenose dolphin pod in England. Extensive survey work and photo ID has identified 28 dolphins living year-round off Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset.
This exciting discovery was announced by the South West Bottlenose Dolphin Consortium, of which we recently became a member.
You can read the full press release over on our website, as well as find more information regarding the bottlenose dolphin work being done in the south-west.
|
|
|
New Survey Route
At the end of 2017, we began a new ferry survey route from Soton/Portbury to Santander. The first run of this seven-day voyage was in November and produced sightings of 757 common dolphins, 2 fin whales, multiple striped dolphins, and plenty of seabirds.
December’s trip was a bit light on cetacean species, with only 30 common dolphins and one bottlenose dolphin being spotted, but 148 Kittiwakes is definitely something not to be sniffed at.
Hopefully, there will be many more sightings to come as we head into spring and summer.
|
|
In the Marine News
Marine robots detect whales in the deep ocean off Scotland.
UN commits to ending ocean plastic pollution.
Despite threats, the UK's grey seal population is still doing well.
Kittiwakes, puffins, and Balearic shearwaters are globally threatened.
Wisdom the Albatross lays again at 67.
Scotland pledges to tackle discarded fishing gear that entangles marine life.
Dead seabirds needed to help map plastic pollution.
|
|
|
Lundy 2018 Update
MARINElife’s unique Lundy Island adventure will be from the 28th June to 3rd July this year, and we will be finalising the details over the next few weeks.
Activities will (weather permitting) include bird and seal watching, rock pooling, snorkelling, and a cetacean and a seabird identification presentation.
This course is a great opportunity to improve your marine wildlife identification skills via our detailed presentations, and in-the-field practicals. You’ll also benefit from our trainers’ insights into wildlife behaviour, and learn how to accurately record observations.
Places are limited to 14 and get snapped up quickly, so if you’re interested, be sure to register for the preferential mailing list.
|
|
Training Weekends
Fancy learning a new skill in 2018? Then check out our course dates below. The training will give you a thorough grounding in the diverse range of species we study, the methodologies we follow, and the part you can play in safeguarding their future.
● Saturday 3rd March 2018 at Liverpool Uni (uni-affiliated students only) ● Saturday 10th March 2018 at Worcester Uni (uni-affiliated students only) ● Saturday 19th May 2018 with Dorset Wildlife Trust at Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge Bay ● Saturday 30th June 2018 with Living Coastal Zoo & Aquarium at Living Coasts, Torquay ● Saturday 28th July 2018 with Cumbria Wildlife Trust at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Plumgarths, Kendal
See our website for more details.
In addition to the dates listed above, we’re also finalising details on courses in partnership with Northumberland WLT (April), Lincolnshire WLT (August), Titchfield Haven NNR (September), Natural England's Elmley Reserve (October (possibly)), and Yorkshire WLT (TBC). So if you’re in one of these areas, and would like to attend a course, keep your eyes peeled for updates on dates.
|
|
|
In Other News: Cold Waters and Turtles Don’t Mix
A Kemp's ridley turtle (not the one found in Cornwall)
At the end of last year, a couple of stories made the news of sea turtles getting into difficulty off our coast. First, a critically endangered Kemp's ridley turtle ended up on a Cornish beach. Unfortunately, this Texas native was unable to cope with our cold water and succumbed to cold shock. Meanwhile, further north, a leatherback turtle was freed from rope and buoy by Orkney fishermen.
With the current influx of bad weather, it’s always a good idea to keep your eyes peeled when out and about on the coast. Cold seas, gales, and rough water can catch turtles out, which, like the Kemp's ridley, will often cause them to strand. If you do find a turtle on the shore, be sure to contact the relevant group.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
