Dolphin observatory was a world first
A partnership between P&O and the Biscay Dolphin Research Programme in 2001 led to the creation of the world's first ferry-based floating dolphin observatory.
The observatory, onboard Pride of Bilbao, boasts information panels to give passengers a better understanding of the whales, dolphins and seabirds they may see while travelling to Spain.
Since 1995, P&O has supported the work of the Biscay Dolphin Research Programme in its research into the whales, dolphins, seabirds and other visible marine life in the English Channel and Bay of Biscay.
Research Director Andy Williams says: "People are always astounded to discover that some of the world's most enthralling creatures are right on their doorstep. We have recorded 20 different species in our surveys and seen groups of dolphins that number over 2,000. You should see the look on passengers' faces. That is what led us and P&O Portsmouth to want to help the passengers understand what they are seeing."
Principle scientist Doctor Tom Brereton says: "Our work has shown that this is one of the richest areas in the world for whales and dolphins and through ourwork aboard Pride of Bilbao, we have been able to identify population trends, seasonal movements and we have discovered a species not previously thought to be in this area."
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