Research Identifies Strait of Dover as Harbour Porpoise Hotspot

The narrow stretch of water separating Dover and Calais has been identified as a hotspot for harbour porpoise, thanks to conservation research carried out onboard cross-Channel ferries.

Data gathered by marine conservation charity ORCA, which conducts research on board DFDS’ Dover-Calais ships, has revealed an increase in cetacean (whale and dolphin) sightings. A large part of the work is carried out by volunteer citizen scientists who devote their spare time undertaking surveys and building the evidence needed to create marine protected areas where hotspot threats or emerging trends are identified.

The charity’s ‘State of Cetaceans 2024’ report analyses more than 330,000 kilometres of marine surveys undertaken by its teams in 2023. Highlights from the report include:

· an increase in common dolphin sightings in the English Channel.

· a large increase in the rate of harbour porpoise sightings on the Dover-Calais route, which emerged as a hotspot for this species. Harbour porpoises were almost absent in the English Channel two decades ago but are now sighted regularly in this area.

· For the first time ever on the Dover-Calais route, a sighting of a minke whale was recorded for the first time on the Dover-Calais route in 2023. There is a peak in sightings of minke whale around the UK between May to September, suggesting seasonal movements.

· In 2023 there were 10 harbour porpoise sightings (16 animals), one unidentified dolphin and one minke whale sighting during survey activity on the Dover-Calais route.

ORCA CEO Sally Hamilton said: “Our 2023 survey work reveals significant patterns of behaviour for species in the English Channel. We recorded a large increase in harbour porpoise and sightings of common dolphin, which are likely associated with increased sea temperatures and shifts in prey distribution, making these waters profitable feeding grounds for these species.

“The return of harbour porpoise to this area is positive news, as they were hardly ever seen here twenty years ago. Monitoring densities of harbour porpoise is important as their nearshore habitats are disproportionately impacted by a range of threats that could negatively affect them, from vessel disturbance to energy installations to fishery bycatch.

“An up-to-date picture of cetacean distribution and abundance is critical in order to manage these threats and mitigate their impact as much as possible. The pairing of citizen scientists with ships traversing our understudied seas means that every year we unravel a little more of the mystery of our marine environment and build the evidence that will help safeguard it for the future.”

Harbour porpoise are the smallest cetacean and the only porpoise to be found in European waters. They ae dark brown or grey with a white belly and have a rounded face with no beak. Their dorsal fin is triangular, and they have a high arched back which makes a fast-rolling motion when they surface. Unlike many of their dolphin relatives, they are shy animals and rarely breach out of the water.

ORCA and DFDS have worked together to facilitate research and conservation of whales and dolphins on the Dover-Calais route since 2016. The partnership underscores DFDS’ commitment to environmental stewardship and marine conservation. By providing passengers with the opportunity to observe and learn about marine life first-hand, DFDS hopes to foster a deeper appreciation for the ocean and its inhabitants.

Find out more about the partnership between ORCA and DFDS at https://www.dfds.com/en-gb/passenger-ferries/environmental-initiatives.

Michelle Ulyatt / Sandy Fleming / Adam Toombs / Karen Bayfield

Roch PR Ltd

T: +44 1304 272082

E: dfdsteam@rochpr.com

DFDS provides ferry and transport services in and around Europe, generating annual revenues of EUR 2.3 bn.

To over 10,000 freight customers we deliver high performance and superior reliability through ferry & port terminal services, and transport and logistics solutions. DFDS delivers high reliability to more than 10,000 freight customers through ferry and port terminal services and transport and logistics solutions.

For more than five million passengers, it provides safe overnight and short sea ferry services.

Our 12,700 employees are located on ships and in in offices across 20 countries. DFDS was founded in 1866, is headquartered in Copenhagen, and listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen.

In the UK, DFDS operates passenger ferry services on routes from Dover to Calais, Dover to Dunkirk, Newcastle to Amsterdam and Newhaven to Dieppe.

DFDS has been named ‘Europe’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for 12 years running (2012-2023), as well as the ‘World’s Leading Ferry Operator’ for the last 12 years (2011-22).

DFDS currently operates up to 54 sailings a day between Dover and Calais and Dunkirk. DFDS also offers two daily sailings between Newcastle and Amsterdam. In addition, the UK network includes a passenger and freight service between Newhaven and Dieppe, which has four daily sailings and is owned by Transmanche Ferries.

For further information about DFDS, or to find out about the latest sailing times, fares and offers across all routes from the UK, visit www.dfds.com.

ORCA is one of the UK’s leading marine conservation charities with a mission to give everyone who cares about whales and dolphins an active role in safeguarding their future. They have coordinated a national network of volunteer citizen scientists since they were founded in 2001, using ferries and cruise ships as platforms of opportunity to collect critical data about whales, dolphins and porpoises. ORCA’s research is used by governments to inform UK & European marine conservation policy and they are a key voice in the UK marine conservation sector. To find out more visit www.orca.org.uk.