Warm Working Weekends

While rain fell over most of Great Britain for the Queen's Jubilee weekend, New Quay was lucky to have a warm and sunny bank holiday Monday which encouraged tourists and locals on to the harbour wall for some dolphin watching! The holiday atmosphere was making everyone smile, the dolphin-spotting boat trips were busy and the town was buzzing! Whilst looking forward to an evening of a barbeque and music festival in town, Sea Watch volunteers did their usual land-watch shifts – recording cetaceans and seals seen from New Quay harbour wall – which provides a great opportunity to answer visitor's questions about the mammals, as well as collecting valuable data. Three dolphins were seen leaping in the bay most of Monday, to the delight of many satisfied dolphin-spotters!

The eighth of June every year is designated World Oceans Day by the United Nations to build awareness that we must do more for our world’s oceans, which are threatened by pollution, depleted fishery resources, the impacts of climate change and the deterioration of the marine environment. With this message in mind we took the opportunity to promote Sea Watch's important conservation work in New Quay. On Saturday we took our usual place on the sunny harbour wall and set up our information stand including publications, dolphin toys and postcards to purchase as well as face painting for children. We were modestly proud of our artistic attempts and the resulting sea creatures on little happy faces! It was encouraging to have so many interested people asking about our work and generously filling our donation box with very much appreciated funds! Unfortunately the dolphins didn't show this time for the crowds, as is the unpredictable nature of wild animals. Happily we know they are never far away and can appear at any time, as they often do, reassuring us that all is well and healthy in the waters of Cardigan Bay. But if we fail to listen to the World Oceans Day message, the absence of these fascinating creatures in their natural environment could become reality; what a tragic day that would be! If we all do our best to care responsibly for our environment, we and future generations will continue to enjoy its many blessings.

The Sea Watch Team.