Brittany Ferries and ORCA seek to reduce risk of collisions with whales

Brittany Ferries' new partnership with leading marine conservation charity ORCA has already proved an immense success during 2009, with dedicated wildlife education officers on board the Pont Aven offering passengers a fascinating insight into the whales and dolphins of the Bay of Biscay.

As part of this partnership, Brittany Ferries and ORCA have carried out a scientific research project looking at the threats faced by these animals, and in particular fin whales for which the Bay of Biscay is a very important habitat – indeed they are often sighted en route from Plymouth and Portsmouth to Santander in Spain.

The fin whale is one of the largest and most amazing animals known to man. However despite a powerful, almost invulnerable appearance, they are unfortunately threatened by a number of human pressures, including shipstrikes – fatal collisions between ships and whales. The surveys and research carried out on board Pont Aven seek to understand the behaviour of fin whales when they are near large ships, and to investigate ways of reducing these collisions.

David Longden, Brittany Ferries' Managing Director commented; "Our partnership with ORCA really has added a new dimension to the holiday experience enjoyed by our passengers on board Pont Aven, allowing them to observe these awesome animals in their natural habitat and to learn more about them."

He continued, "Brittany Ferries has its roots in the sea. This is where we make our living and with that comes an inherent responsibility to protect and conserve the marine environment. It's a responsibility that we take extremely seriously and by assisting ORCA with their research into the behaviour of fin whales around ships, we can help to find new and innovative ways of conserving these amazing creatures."

Dylan Walker, Project Development Manager, ORCA commented, "This is a truly unique project with a genuine conservation benefit. The oceans are amongst the most neglected wild places on earth, yet our partnership with Brittany Ferries really shows what can be achieved when the commercial and charitable sectors work hand in hand for the protection of the environment."

He continued, "At ORCA we are very concerned about the long-term effects of increasingly large and fast vessels travelling our oceans, and we urgently need to conduct more research to understand why some whales fail to avoid these ships. It's a big problem and we must act now."

For a personal insight into the project from the wildlife officers on board Pont Aven visit www.brittanywildlifeofficer.wordpress.com. For those inspired to see for themselves, there are still a few places remaining on Brittany Ferries "Big Whale Watch" cruise departing on Sunday 4 October. To book, visit www.brittanyferries.com/whale.  More information on Brittany Ferries' services to Spain can be found at www.brittanyferries.com/spain.

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About Brittany Ferries

A car ferry service operating from nine ports, linking four countries: UK – France, UK – Spain and Republic of Ireland – France. Brittany Ferries is the market leader on the western Channel, and a leading supplier of ferry-inclusive motoring holidays to France and Spain. Further can be found by visiting: www.brittanyferries.com.

About ORCA

The marine conservation charity dedicated to forging links between people and the sea. ORCA is committed to the study of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) and promoting their conservation through enthusing, inspiring and educating others. Further information is available at www.orcaweb.org.uk.

Released 15 September 2009