The Wildlife Officer

The Biscay Dolphin Research Programme has been conducting scientific surveys aboard “The Pride of Bilbao”, the Five Star Cruise Ferry operated by P&O Ferries, since August 1995. BDRP is primarily concerned with cetacean data but also carries out seabird data collection.

Because of the work that BDRP carried out, the fame of the “Pride of Bilbao”, as an observation platform for seeing whales and dolphins spread, and now thousands of people travel on her each year to encounter the amazing diversity of wildlife that exists in the English Channel and Bay of Biscay.

To assist P&O Ferries the Biscay Dolphin Research Programme agreed to place a Wildlife Officer on board “The Pride of Bilbao” in June 2001. This unique position enables the ship’s passengers to have access to a specialist cetologist to help them and to enhance their experience. This position is independent of P&O but sponsored by them. All events that take place on board the ship are free of charge but BDRP is always appreciative of donations given by passengers to ensure continuance of this essential work.

The price of a “minicruise” (great value for money) buys you your ticket for a wildlife adventure which gives you the chance to see for yourself up to 28 of the world's species of cetaceans, a level of diversity that is hard to beat in any area of the World’s oceans. BDRP have recorded 24 species so far and have even managed 13 on one day! 7 species have only been recorded as strandings. To book a mini-cruise follow this link.

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Copyright of BDRP 2006