Sea Trust Stena Europe Survey of Cetaceans in the St George's Channel, April 2004- April 2011

The purpose of these Sea Trust surveys is to build a factual picture of the seasonal and spatial presence of cetaceans, as well as relative abundance of the cetacean species to be found in the area transected by the Stena Europe Ferry on a year round basis. The records in this dataset originate from the observations of Sea Trust volunteers from the Stena Europe Ferry operating between Fishguard (Wales) and Rosslare (Eire). Geographical coverage comprises a 112 km transect of the St George's Channel between the Welsh mainland at 52 00 65 N, 04 59 11 W decimal, and the Irish mainland at 52 15 35 N, 06 20 26 W decimal. Each survey represents a transect between the two locations and cetacean species records are captured with latitude/longitude, date, time, numbers, adult/juvenile, sea state and other attributes from crossing the Irish Sea twice in daylight with two night time crossings in between. Surveys are carried out on a monthly basis (minimum one per month) and observers are equipped with high quality binoculars and/or a telescope, and are accompanied by at least one experienced observer on board. The bridge of the ship is the observation point, a standard recording sheet is used, and surveys are targeted for favourable weather conditions (Sea State Favourable 0-3) as sightings drop off considerably above this. The systematic methodology employed has been guided by marine scientists. Five species have been sighted: Harbour Porpoise, Bottlenose Dolphin, Common Dolphin, Risso's Dolphin and Fin Whale. Of 330 surveys, only 28 yielded no sightings of cetaceans.