Bottlenose Dolphins in Cardigan bay
Bottlenose Dolphins
Cardigan Bays is home to one of only two resident groups of
Bottlenose Dolphins in the UK
Estimates to the number of Dolphins in the Bay vary but a figure of 127
is often quoted.
Click on the dolphin at the top to hear the 'chirp' sound it makes.
The dolphin below is making a typical 'clicking' sound.
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The
New Quay Dolphin Monitoring Group have been observing dolphins in
order to learn how they use their remarkable sound faculties as a sensory
tool, a hunting weapon and a means of communication.
From the observations made in New Quay Bay, the bottlenose dolphin population appears to co-exist with groups of Atlantic grey seals and harbour porpoises using the same habitat.
Click here for underwater images taken in Cardigan Bay
Bottlenose Dolphins grow to around 4 meters in
length and can weigh more than 400 kilos.
They live for more than 40 years and produce only one calf in three years.
They cruise at around 10km/hour with a maximum speed of 40km/hour.
It is possible to spot dolphins almost anywhere as you explore the beautiful coast of Cardigan Bay. The best places to observe them are:
Cardigan Island Farm Park
Mwnt,
Ynys Lochtyn at Llangrannog
New Quay.
Or why not try
Winston Evans Boat trips from New Quay beach.
Coastal Voyage Catamaran from Aberaeron
Remember these are wild free ranging animals so there is no guarantee of a sighting. May to November are the best months. The best times being early morning, evening and immediately after high tide.
Links:
Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation
Detailed information on how the Relevant Government Authorities are managing local activities to protect the internationally important marine environment of Cardigan Bay.
New Quay Dolphin
Monitoring Group
For more information on the Marine Wildlife of Cardigan Bay. They are
an independent voluntary group of local people dedicated to the long-term
study and well-being of the Bottlenose Dolphin and other marine wild life
of Cardigan Bay.