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Cardiganshire Coast and Country
Dolphin pictures and sounds from Cardigan Bay Bottlenose Dolphins

 

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.

 

Dolphins in Cardigan Bay West Wales
dolphin click


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.

 

 

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Cardiganshire Coast and Country