CalMac encourages new awareness of wildlife
Volunteers on CalMac ferries spotted more than 500 marine mammals across the west coast as part of the company’s marine awareness programme over the summer.
The programme has involved 14 conservation bodies which have partnered with CalMac to gather vital scientific data and to educate passengers more about the environment they are travelling in.
A team of more than 60 wildlife enthusiasts compiled the survey results that tracked different species on different routes as part of the programme.
They were supervised by resident ORCA wildlife officer Andy Gilbert, who was taken on this year to increase understanding of the wealth of biodiversity that exists in CalMac’s area of operations.
‘Our marine awareness programme focuses on increasing awareness of wildlife in our network by gathering scientific data, facilitating conservation and engaging with the public, and Andy has been central to this over the past few months,’ said CalMac’s environmental manager Klare Chamberlain.
As well as training survey volunteers, during his time with CalMac he has engaged with more than 2,200 people on board during 45 trips, explaining about nature on the islands and demonstrating techniques to find wildlife.
‘Wildlife tourism is growing on a global and local scale and now accounts for a significant amount of the total spend across the tourism sector in Scotland. Scottish Natural Heritage research suggests that we sail in one of the most attractive eco-tourism destinations in the world,’ said Klare.
It is estimated CalMac’s area of operations contains as much as 6,500 different species of plants and animals.
‘As well as having a duty to help protect this environment by gathering as much data as we can, we can also play a role in promoting the wealth of wildlife we have in our area as a way of helping to sustain and grow island economies.’
CalMac is considering expanding the wildlife officer programme next summer and the marine awareness surveys will kick off again in April.
‘We are exploring a number of options to expand the wildlife officer programme next year, which may include information sessions on board and extra services on some of our most biodiverse routes,’ added Klare.
The survey information is compiled for ORCA, a UK whale and dolphin conservation charity dedicated to their long-term protection.
Marine bird surveys co-ordinated by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee are due to start in early 2019.