Hello and welcome to our weblog!

We've just set sail from Falmouth aboard our ship, the MV Esperanza, to tackle the issue of dolphin and porpoise bycatch where it's happening - out at sea.

It's that time of year again, when trawling fishing vessels and dolphins are at their most numerous in the western English Channel. Every year thousands of dolphins and porpoises get trapped in trawler nets and drown. These 'non-targeted' species are also known as 'bycatch'.

In the year since we were last in Cornwall a lot has happened in the political world on the issue of bycatch in general, and dolphins and pair trawling in particular.

Actually, correct that: a lot has been *said* by politicians, but nothing has actually been *done* to stop dolphins and porpoises from dying in fishing nets around our shores. In the past year both UK and EU governments have squandered the opportunity to really tackle this issue.

The carcasses are still washing up on our beaches, and thousands more sink without trace at sea.

For the past few days we've been in dock in Falmouth, proudly flying a Cornish flag of course. We've taken on equipment, supplies, and some new crew - and we've been itching to set sail.

This enthusiasm has doubtless been helped by the fantastic weather over the past couple of days, and our fingers are crossed that it lasts.

The Esperanza has a full complement: crew, campaign team, and an independent team of scientists from the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) who will again be carrying out survey work on whale, dolphin and porpoise populations in the area.

This weblog will bring you the latest news on what's happening at sea, and on land, in our campaign. You can also meet the team (more profiles coming!) and get a feeling for what life is like on the Esperanza in the English Channel.

Happy reading!

Willie, Campaigner

Hi All

Thanks for your hospitality yesterday in Falmouth. Have a great trip, I more than anyone appreciate what you are all trying to do, at this moment in time. I shall be doing my best on shore (in my own inimitable way!!) to publicise further the appalling plight of our dolphins in European waters.

Once again my best wishes to you all.

Nick