Port of London Authority

Marine Mammal Survey

The PLA has joined with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) to assist in a survey of marine mammals in the tidal Thames. PLA Pilots, Harbour Service, Surveyors and other marine-based staff have been issued with guidance on the different types of marine mammals that may visit the Thames and a form on which to record sightings.

For further details please view the documents provided by the ZSL or visit the ZSL website

ZSL Thames Marine Mammal Sightings Survey

Illustration copyright
Martin Camm

The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) has launched the Thames Marine Mammal Sightings Survey and is appealing for people fortunate enough to spot dolphins, porpoises and seals in the Thames to participate in the survey. 

Marine mammals are known to visit the Thames estuary but, until now, sightings have not been formally recorded.  This survey is ongoing and will address this information gap.  Data collected will help to develop patterns and trends in species distribution, behaviour and habitat use.  Findings will also be fed into national databases.  The survey is operating in the tidal Thames area, between Teddington upriver to Shoeburyness and Sheerness in the outer estuary.

If you would like to help - please display information (such as survey forms) on your vessels, and keep your eyes peeled!  Check out www.zsl.org for more information, or contact Sophie Oliver at marineandfreshwater@zsl.org for posters and survey forms. You can also download a copy of the Survey Form here  (pdf file - 179kb)

Cetaceans in the Thames

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue has produced a Code of Conduct for watching cetaceans (dolphins, porpoises etc). Click here to view the code (pdf file - 44kb)  
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