Increase in whale and dolphin sightings reported on Newcastle Amsterdam ferries

Sightings of whales, dolphins, and porpoises from ferries sailing between Newcastle and Amsterdam increased hugely last year, a wildlife charity has reported.

Data gathered by marine conservation charity ORCA, which conducts research on board DFDS' Newcastle ships, has revealed the figures in its State of Cetaceans 2024 report. The report found that the Newcastle - Amsterdam route is a hotspot for harbour porpoise and white-beaked dolphins due to the feeding opportunities that the unique features of the North East coast and its sea beds offer.

In 2023, there were 33 sightings of harbour porpoise, with 60 animals recorded on the route. White-beaked dolphins were seen six times (a total of 22 animals), a large increase since 2019, while there were also four sightings of unidentified dolphins (eight animals) recorded.

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There were also nine sightings of minke whales on the route, representing one of the highest numbers recorded since 2018. In total, there were 52 sightings, and 99 animals recorded, during survey activity across the year.

Though figures for the 2024 season are still some way off, May to September has been identified as the key season to spot whales and dolphins off the North East Coast - so there is still a chance of spotting the marine mammals this year.

Sally Hamilton, CEO of ORCA, said that last year's surveys had revealed "significant patterns of behaviour for species in the North Sea. She said: "This area has been identified as a hotspot for harbour porpoise since 2016.

"It supports important life cycle activities such as calving and feeding based on evidence from strandings and sightings. The changes we’re seeing in the abundance of white-beaked dolphins here over time are of particular interest as the ocean warms, given that this is a typically a cold-water species.

Sally described the high density of minke whale as good news too. She added: "Their presence is closely linked to prey distribution, so changes in occurrence between years could relate to greater availability of prey."

ORCA's work on ferries operating from Newcastle helps scientists to understand cetacean distribution and hotspots. A large part is carried out by volunteer "citizen scientists".

Sally continued: "An up-to-date picture of cetacean distribution and abundance is critical in order to manage threats and mitigate their impact as much as possible. The pairing of citizen scientists with ships crossing our understudied seas means that every year we unravel a little more of the mystery of our marine environment and build the evidence that will help safeguard it for the future."

Each year, DFDS hosts ORCA Ocean Conservationists on board its ships and passengers can participate in a wildlife watching mini cruise. This year's cruises are available to book until October.