Our apprenticeship scheme is now open! Learn more
17 July 2020
Shoreham Port are delighted to reveal an exciting new partnership is underway with the Brighton Dolphin Project, a local initiative set up by the World Cetacean Alliance (WCA) to protect local marine wildlife and promote conservation of the Sussex coast.
The Brighton Dolphin Project work collaboratively with organisations and individuals who are regular users of the Sussex coast to record dolphin sightings and run activities – such as their popular sunset wildlife cruises, which aim to inspire future generations to protect our oceans. Their project facilitates the study and research of marine mammals in our waters, as well as helps to engage directly with the community to educate and build awareness of local marine ecosystems and species.
Dylan Walker, CEO (WCA) commented “We have a range of exciting plans and community projects underway this year, including moving our existing education centre, currently situated on Madeira Drive in Brighton, over to Shoreham Port. This will enable us to provide an improved education centre with better facilities to cater for adverse weather.”
Dylan added “Our partnership with Shoreham Port also allows us to be involved in the plans for a sustainable green port to better serve our Biosphere, with additional strategies for further restoration and rewilding.”
Shoreham Port are also an active partner of the Brighton & Lewes Downs Biosphere, also known as The Living Coast and they are one of only ten accredited Eco-Port’s in the UK. Their new partnership with the Brighton Dolphin Project signals their ongoing commitment to protecting the environmental and cultural heritage of the local area, as well as developing a positive approach to sustainability.
Over the past few years, the Port’s Marine team have enjoyed reporting dolphin sightings and providing dolphin footage, popular on their social media channels, to the project. The new education centre will now provide a fun, educational and interactive experience for their stakeholders to enjoy, helping deepen their understanding of our incredible local dolphin populations, and what we need to do to preserve their habitats.
Tom Willis, CEO at Shoreham Port commented “We are thrilled that the Brighton Dolphin Project will be joining our Port community, and we are also looking forward to strengthening our ties with them by becoming an official Research and Conservation Partner, mapping the behaviour and travel of local dolphins and aiding local conservation measures needed to protect them.”
Tom continued "The Brighton Dolphin Project’s focus on community engagement complements our own objectives as a Trust Port perfectly, and I’m sure the addition of their education centre will be an asset and inspiration across the Port. We look forward to sharing more details of our collaborations later in the year!”
Check out the Biosphere’s #WeAreTheLivingCoast campaign for more information, or take a look at some recent behind-the-scenes virtual Port ‘boat tour’ videos here.
Category: Sustainability
