Waking up on our first full day at sea I was relieved to find the weather was still on our side. So far we've been lucky to have gentle weather that eases us land-lubbers into this sailing malarkey much more pleasantly. Just as long as it doesn't lull us into a false sense of security.

The other benefit of good weather is that we have been able to get the 'dolphin-spotting' survey up and running quite quickly. On board we have a team of three WDCS scientists who are running this survey programme - and already they've been busy.

Yesterday afternoon and this morning were chock-a-block with common dolphin sightings - most of which came to visit the ship. A lot of the dolphins we've seen so far are accompanied by calves or juveniles, which implies the adults are females. This is useful information for the scientific team to have.

Out on the bridge wings, armed with binoculars and a thermal mug full of the hot beverage of their choice, they survey a 90 degree patch of sea in front of the ship. The aim is to do this (weather permitting) for as much time as possible in the daylight hours.

Hopefully the survey team will be able to gain more knowledge about the importance of this area to dolphins (and whales and porpoises) at this time of year. Last year's survey is explained in the WDCS summary report, the first survey of its kind in this area at this time of year. It will certainly be interesting to compare the data from this year and last year to notice any patterns or differences.

The other good news from today is that I spotted the first porpoise of the trip so far, they're far trickier to see than dolphins are, you know.

It's 10.30 am and we've just had a call that there are some UK pair trawlers nearby... so we've changed course to go and have a look. In the meantime the survey work keeps going.

Willie, Campaigner

Hey Jemima - good to hear from you. Sorry you couldn't be with us but I know that Jo, who's currently taking your place in the galley wouldn't have it any other way! I'll let you know if and when we're headed to port in the UK. You can bring your Scrabble.

Willie

Hi Caitlin, thanks for the message and the support. It's important for us to know that there are people interested in what we do and supporting us. I hope that this weblog keeps you up to date with the campaign and gives you an idea of what life is like on a Greenpeace ship. Don't forget to check out the other pages on http://www.defendingoceans.com too!

Willie

Thanks for the support Francois, we'll be doing our best to keep an eye on pair trawlers regardless of which flag they're flying!

cheers, Willie

Hey there Willie,

Good to see you back in your rightful place as chief weblogger! Keep up the good work - always fun and informative to read :) (but perhaps a bit more nagging will give you a day off before long ay?)
I can't believe I am not taking up my rightful role of chief cookie maker/dolphin spotter this year... it would've been great to be able to help again.
I'm going to keep my eye on things - let me know if you are going to be coming into a port near Bristol (Falmouth again?) and I'll come laden with treats for all I promise.... jemimaroberts @ a certain hot address!
Keep up the good work and hello to all the old faces from me xx Jemima

Just read your weblog, I am twelve years old and live in Treen overlooking the English Channel. I am very interested in what you are doing and me and my mum are following your progress and wish you all the best. Thank you for doing this, I think it is great.

Good that the Espy is back to work with her famous crew! Wishing you a successful campaign there in the Channel. Watch those French pelagic trawlers which go for seabass, as their fishing practices are definetely not sustainable. Presently there are plenty of stranded dolphins also along the French coasts of the Gulf of Gascogne, as every year in february-march.
And thanks for the daily weblogs, much appreciated.