The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Success of seaborne survey Wildlife: CalMac scheme records hundreds of marine mammals on routes
MORE than 500 marine mammals have been spotted and documented off the west coast over the summer as part of a Marine Awareness Programme run by CalMac ferries.
The scheme has aimed to highlight the vast abundance of marine mammals on various CalMac routes, where more than 6,500 species of plants and animals are thought to be present.
A total of 14 conservation bodies have teamed up with CalMac to gather the detailed findings and to educate passengers on each route about their environment, led by CalMac’s dedicated ORCA wildlife officer Andy Gilbert.
And the ferry company hopes to expand the project on to more services next year.
CalMac’s environmental manager Klare Chamberlain said: “Our Marine Awareness Programme focuses on increasing awareness of wildlife in our network by gathering scientific data, facilitating conservation and engaging with the public.
“Andy has been central to this over the past few months.
“As well as training survey volunteers, during his time with CalMac he has also engaged with more than 2,200 people on board during 45 trips, explaining about nature on the islands and demonstrating techniques to find wildlife.”
She added: “Wildlife tourism is growing on both 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 we sail in one of the most attractive eco-tourism destinations in the world.”
A team of around 60 wildlife enthusiasts have compiled survey results that tracked species on the different ferry routes.
Mrs Chamberlain added: “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.
“We are exploring a number of options to expand the wildlife officer programme next year, this may include information sessions on board and extra services on some of our most biodiverse routes. We are also looking at expanding our information sessions on board.”
All information gathered from the survey is compiled for ORCA, the UK whale and dolphin conservation charity.