NATURE lovers can enjoy a whale of a time in Amsterdam for free – in return for scanning the sea on the ferry crossing.
The UK whale and dolphin conservation charity ORCA is hosting a marine mammal survey training course in Newcastle in partnership with DFDS Seaways.
The course on Saturday is part of its conservation work to learn more about whales and dolphins living in the North Sea and develop accurate habitat protection priority maps.
It is hoped that those who complete the course will become marine mammal survey volunteers covering the DFDS Seaways’ Newcastle to Amsterdam route from May to September next year.
DFDS provides free travel on the route for the purpose of the survey although spotters have to either buy their meals or bring their own food.
Alison Lomax, new ORCA community engagement officer who is based at the North Shields ferry terminal, said that spotters would travel in teams of three or four. They can enjoy a day out in Amsterdam between sailings.
The charity is concentrating on recruiting volunteers from the North East because they will be in easy reach of the ferry departures from the Tyne.
Alison said: “We rely on a team of volunteer observers to carry out important research, but in order to achieve the standard required, we ask that they complete the training course first.
“ORCA volunteers have the opportunity to experience life at sea, encounter whales and dolphins and gain a greater understanding of ocean ecosystems and the threats they face and in collecting scientific data they can contribute to the mammals’ conservation and future welfare.”
Stephen House, head of product at DFDS Seaways, said: “We regularly provide space onboard our vessels for volunteer surveyors and value the work they do in conjunction with ORCA to chart cetaceans in the North Sea.”
Spotters will be looking for minke whales, porpoises and dolphins.
The course on Saturday at Discovery Museum in Newcastle between 10am and 4.30pm. The fee is £60, or £54 for concessions.
To book a place on the course, visit the ORCA website www.orcaweb.org.uk or telephone 0191 293 6202.
Last month DFDS Seaways won the responsible cruise or ferry operator category at the Virgin Holidays Responsible Tourism Awards organised by responsibletravel.com
The award recognises DFDS Seaways commitment to protecting the marine environment by monitoring wildlife with the aim of developing more accurate marine protected zones in the North Sea for its collaborative project with ORCA plus other commitments to the environment.
We regularly provide space onboard our vessels for volunteer surveyors
