Sea Watch News
17 June - SWF announced as winner of the third “ASCOBANS Outreach and Education Award
ASCOBANS (Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, Northeast Atlantic, Irish and North Seas) has awarded SWF for recognition of efforts to further the conservation of small cetaceans in an agreement area. ASCOBANS is an agreement between engaged Parties in North-western Europe that are obliged to cooperate and take part in habitat conservation management, surveys and research. pollution, mitigation and public information. During the meeting of the ASCOBANS Advisory Committee 20-24 April 2009, comprising of government representatives of NW European countries as well as representatives of UNEP and non-governmental organisations, SWF was announced as winner of the triennial award. There are many large organisations that are dedicated to the conservation, education and outreach of small cetaceans, so it really is an honour for Sea Watch to be recognised as an organisation that has a significant impact on the conservation of cetaceans in the UK. The award will be presented at the UN campus in Bonn September 2009 by the executive secretary of the Convention on Migratory Species UNEP.
Click here to link to ASCOBANS homepage
17 June - 40+ bottlenose dolphins seen during SWF survey in Cardigan Bay SAC
During a SWF dedicated photo ID survey in southern Cardigan Bay SAC, more than 40 bottlenose dolphins were recorded during the 6 hours onboard Dunbar Castle II. The survey departed from New Quay, Ceredigion and travelled offshore and up to Mwnt (another popular site with the dolphins) and back down the coastline. Eight separate groups were recorded during the survey including a group of at least 18 dolphins which surrounded the boat. During the day there where plenty of leaps, bow riding and social behaviour, making it a fantastic trip for SWF staff and volunteers. Many great photos were taken for photo ID and are currently being matched with our Cardigan Bay catalogue that holds at least 280 dolphins so far.;)
8 June - Common dolphins at Gower
20-40 short-beaked common dolphins have been spotted on the Gower coastline on the 4th and 7th June. The report was made by Mick Parker on the 4th who saw the dolphins about 1 mile off Worm's Head near Rhossili. They were bowriding for about 20 minutes. Mick recorded video footage which can be viewed on You Tube (see link below). The second report came from Dave Harry who also had the dolphins bowriding his boat at East Helwick Bank on the south Gower coast on the 7th June. Common dolphins occur regularly in the summer months off Pembrokeshire. However, this species is rarely seen off the Gower coast.;)
Click here for video of common dolphins at Worm's Head.
29 May - 7 species of cetacean seen in 4 days on northern coast of Scotland
The northern coastline of Caithness has been spoiled last week with seven species of cetacean being recorded in just four days, between the 20th and 24th May. Counts of sightings included 4 White Beaked dolphins, 8 Minke whales, 13 Risso’s dolphins, at least 16 Harbour porpoise, at least 30 Short Beaked Common Dolphins, 5 Orcas and 5 Long Finned Pilot whales. Most sightings were reported by Karen Munro, a regular observer for Sea Watch who mainly watched from her home in Thurso Bay. Sightings were also reported off Dunnet Head to Karen by local boat charter and angling operators. Those that attended a planned Sea Watch, organised by Paul Castle, the Highland Council North Sutherland ranger on the evening of the 22nd were rewarded with sightings of Short beaked Common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, Harbour porpoise and Minke whale in just two hours. The watch which was included as an event during ‘Biodiversity Week’ sponsored by Scottish National Heritage, occurred between 1700 and 1900 hours at Strathy Point. Sea Watch Regional Coordinator, Colin Bird also spotted five Orcas off Duncansby Head on the 21st. The past few days have highlighted the rich diversity of cetacean species in the north of Scotland. There are a number of land watches planned for the season and particularly during National Whale and Dolphin Watch (18th-26th July), which the public are invited to attend. A list of the planned watches will be available on the website shortly. For further information on these watches contact Sea Watch Regional Coordinator Colin Bird.;)
29 May - Footage of Bottlenose dolphin attack on Harbour porpoise in Cardigan Bay
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Whilst onboard a wildlife tour boat in Cardigan Bay, two bottlenose dolphins were spotted attacking a harbour porpoise at Ynys-Lochtyn. . Bottlenose dolphin kills are the most common cause of death of harbour porpoises in Cardigan Bay. Despite this it is very rare to see an attack. Sea Watch volunteer Louisa Higby who was onboard Ermol V collecting data at the time, took photos of the event. She described seeing lots of splashing about 500 metres from the boat. The porpoise started to swim towards the boat presumably for shelter whilst being chased by two dolphins. One of the dolphins then started to continuously throw the porpoise into the air. At the end of the attack the dolphins were seen nudging the dead porpoise. It is not clear why dolphins regularly kill porpoises, especially since they do not seem to use the body once it has been killed. It is thought that is may be due to competition for the same food source however further investigation between the relationships and habitat use of these two species is needed.