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Gry Maritha supports marine survey
18
Feb
2009
Vital lifeline supply vessel Gry Maritha, which operates between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly, will continue to support a winter survey of marine mammals during 2009.
The Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, which owns the boat, has joined forces with independent wildlife consultant and photographer Marijke de Boer again to carry out the research on whales, dolphins and porpoises as part of a PhD study.
Marijke and the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company have been working together since 2007 to look at the numbers of mammals in in-shore waters, track various trends and see how these change each year.
During the first trip off the coast of Penzance earlier this month, despite the moderate swell, a number of porpoises were spotted along with a minke whale whose long dark body and small fin were positively identified. Researchers have found many of these mammals come to feed in local waters during the winter months. A number of grey seals and large groups of seabirds including kittiwakes, guillemots, razorbills, diving gannets, Glaucus gulls, auks and great northern divers were also seen.
In previous years, fin whale, bottlenose dolphins, short-beaked common dolphin, striped dolphin and Risso�s dolphin have all been spotted in waters to the south of Cornwall.
Wildlife photographer and research team leader Marijke de Boer commented: �We are so grateful to the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, who operates the Gry Maritha and Scillonian from Penzance to the islands. Without their continued support and assistance, we would not be able to carry out our vital research into marine mammals. The crews give help and advice to ensure that we are able to carry out our work successfully to provide meaningful research results which are accessed throughout the world.�
Jeff Marston, Chief Executive of the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company which operates the Gry Maritha and Scillonian added: �We have a long standing relationship with Marijke and her research team. The Gry Maritha and Scillonian provide year-round lifeline services between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly and this is yet another example of just how important our vessels are. The Isles of Scilly Steamship Company is proud of its association with this research programme and we delighted to enable them to continue their studies during 2009.�
Using land-based fixed survey points and random opportunities during the crossings, the research team are slowly building up a picture of marine mammals and are able to estimate the populations between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly. Surface activity of birds and small mammals will also provide a clearer picture during the study.
For more information and regular updates on the survey please visit:
www.islesofscilly-travel.co.uk/surveys.htm
Ends
February 18, 2009
Notes to Editors:
Isles of Scilly Steamship Company Ltd was formed on 26 March 1920 and the first Scillonian Ship began regular trips to the Isles of Scilly on Thursday 2 February 1926. Since then the company has continually operated the shipping service which is a life line for the Isles of Scilly.
The Gry Maritha was built in 1981 to operate in the Norwegian fjords carrying mixed cargos to the isolated communities of the region. Purchased in 1989 by the Isles of Scilly Steamship Company, Gry Maritha continues her role as a mixed cargo carrier between Penzance and the Isles of Scilly. The vessel carries all the fuel requirements of the islands by means of transportable fuel tanks, and is loaded and unloaded by a deck crane. At the rear, the deck is strengthened to accept standard containers. The Gry Maritha can carry a maximum 6 passengers and 5 crew members.
For Further information please contact:
Ryan Martinez
Deborah Clark Associates
01208 77900
[email protected]
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