Dolphin Watch

The seas around Wales and the UK are home to a diverse range of cetaceans. In Welsh waters, the most common is the harbour porpoise and the bottlenose dolphin. The most common is the harbour porpoise, present all year round in some areas with calves occur throughout Wales. Bottlenose dolphins are the second most recorded species in Wales seen almost all year round.

In 2016, working with Ceredigion SAC, the Welsh Fishermen’s Association, Wales Environment Link and others we produced the Gwynedd Marine Code.  The code explains how to behave responsibly and respect wildlife when out on the water.  In 2017, we produced marine codes for Anglesey and Conwy as well.  Each local authority has adopted the code and distribute the code to all registered vessels within their county.  For copies of the code, please click here.

The Dolphin Watch program was set up in Ceredigion more than 20 years ago.  In 2016, in partnership with Ceredigion, the SAC trailed the scheme in Abersoch.  Dolphin Watch also took place in Abersoch for a second year in 2017.  The purpose of Dolphin Watch is to monitor the compliance with the marine code and to gather data to fill evidence gaps.    

Dolphin Watch in Abersoch is going well with a number of volunteers taking part.  The program asks volunteers to adopt a 2-hour survey slot once a week over the summer (approx. 6 weeks).  The data is then used to determine where we should direct our efforts when promoting the marine code. 

For more information please read PLAS Dolphin Watch, an introduction.

If you would like to volunteer for Dolphin Watch or find out more please contact us:
 

info@penllynarsarnau.co.uk
01286 679 495  

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