The 2010 marine mammal monitoring and research program in New Quay, West Wales has started with a huge splash!
The first six volunteers of the season have arrived and settled into life by the ocean. Following an intensive week of training the casual watch boat surveys began. Everybody was excited when they were told of the first boat survey training outing on Ermol VI (http://www.newquayboattrips.co.uk/).
All aboard and equipment in hand the Ermol VI headed out on an hour trip south down to Cwmtydu (Seal Bay) following the beautiful rugged coastline. Rain began to fall but it didn't dampen the spirits of the bolunteers who were rewarded with the season's first official sightings of a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phoconea) and two Atlantic grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). Further sightings of both species have been recorded throughout the week, with seals in abundance.
It is estimated that the UK is home to approximately 30% of the world's population of grey seal, with about 5,000 found in south-west Wales. They can usually be seen surfacing in the water while feeding or hauled out on the rocks sunbathing. The males (bulls) can grow up to 3m in length and weigh up to 300kg. The females (cows) are much smaller growing to 1.7m and 150kg. An estimated 66 pups are born in the secluded bays of the Ceredigion SAC in autumn each year.
Bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) have also been observed this season feeding in New Quay harbour and off shore from the cliff top viewing point, which is great news as Sea Watch Foundation researchers believe that some portion of the population spends the winter in north Wales and come back during the summer months.
In other new, the Sea Watch team continued their winning streak in the Queen's bingo last night - congratulations Michelle!
Sea Watch Foundation Team
www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk
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