cgull
New member
Sailing this weekend off Brixham, had at least 20 Dolphins playing around us ,what a wonderful experience. Anybody else seen similar?
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Brixham,Dolphins
- Thread starter cgull
- Start date
Jools_of_Top_Cat
New member
nearly everytime we sail we get at least one escort by bottle nose dolphins. Their numbers are dropping though, seriously dropping, due to gill nets and the like which seem to be everywhere in cardigan bay
<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> Julian </font color=blue>
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<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> Julian </font color=blue>
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colvic
New member
Saw them four years back just off the harbourentrance at the August Bank holiday weekend when a hoard of idiots on jet ski's and small power boats were chasing them. Obviously made of tough stuff.
Lovely sight and should be treasured
Phil
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Lovely sight and should be treasured
Phil
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Aeolus_IV
New member
Eastbourne Dolphins
Sailed with a group of Dolphins off Eastbourne a couple of years ago. Fi and I were sailing our Dart 18 for fun one wednesday evening and suddenly we were surrounded by about a dozen of them - wonderful. They were so close that one of them surfaced between the hulls under the jib - it must have been nearly half the length of the dinghy. They were with us for half an hour before moving on. Sadly the only time in recent memory that I can recall seeing any sea life of that size our way.
Jeff.
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Sailed with a group of Dolphins off Eastbourne a couple of years ago. Fi and I were sailing our Dart 18 for fun one wednesday evening and suddenly we were surrounded by about a dozen of them - wonderful. They were so close that one of them surfaced between the hulls under the jib - it must have been nearly half the length of the dinghy. They were with us for half an hour before moving on. Sadly the only time in recent memory that I can recall seeing any sea life of that size our way.
Jeff.
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qsiv
New member
We regularly see them off Jersey, either just N of the Minquiers, or between the NE coast of the Island and France or Les Ecrehous.
We've also seen them inside the marina at St Quay Portrieux - they were surgacing beside children rowing in inflatables, and allowing the kids to stroke them.
Last year we also saw them in the Chenal du Four/ Chenal du Fromveur heading S to La Rochelle, we continued to hear them surfacing and blowing all through the night - very eerie, and something one would only experience in sailing boat ghosting along at 1 or 2 knots in almost flat calm conditions - a real privilige. We encountered a huge ?pod? just off Pte de Penmarch, just as we settling down to an early supper. They stayed with us for nearly an hour - I can only assume we were sailing over a school of fish, but it was a lovely quiet time as the sun went down.
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We've also seen them inside the marina at St Quay Portrieux - they were surgacing beside children rowing in inflatables, and allowing the kids to stroke them.
Last year we also saw them in the Chenal du Four/ Chenal du Fromveur heading S to La Rochelle, we continued to hear them surfacing and blowing all through the night - very eerie, and something one would only experience in sailing boat ghosting along at 1 or 2 knots in almost flat calm conditions - a real privilige. We encountered a huge ?pod? just off Pte de Penmarch, just as we settling down to an early supper. They stayed with us for nearly an hour - I can only assume we were sailing over a school of fish, but it was a lovely quiet time as the sun went down.
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rex_seadog
New member
Last October on a St Peter Port - Dartmouth passage (about 10 miles north of Guernsey) we had about a dozen dolphins swim with us for about 5 minutes. I have some digital pictures but have never mastered how to attach them to a posting.
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Sybarite
Well-known member
Regulary see dolphins around Brittany and on the way to Ireland. Other sightings :
Risso dolphins (grampus?) : Ile de Groix
20 / 30 Pilot whales : Basse Jaune (nr Glénan). This pod, according to fishermen, regularly goes along S Brittany coast mid August.
Large (Right ?) Whale : Basse Jaune (nr Glénan).
Basking shark Basse Jaune (nr Glénan).
Pod of large dolphins : Ile de Sein (This is their base apparently). Swam with them and watched them under water.
In the Med regularly saw whales around Corsica : Nearly ran over a sperm whale which surfaced just in front of boat.
A good way to spot dolphins when they are some way off is to watch the activity of gannets. When they start diving repeatedly in a compact group it is often because dolphins are driving shoals of fish up to the surface.
No matter how often you see them it is always a delight when they return.
John
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Risso dolphins (grampus?) : Ile de Groix
20 / 30 Pilot whales : Basse Jaune (nr Glénan). This pod, according to fishermen, regularly goes along S Brittany coast mid August.
Large (Right ?) Whale : Basse Jaune (nr Glénan).
Basking shark Basse Jaune (nr Glénan).
Pod of large dolphins : Ile de Sein (This is their base apparently). Swam with them and watched them under water.
In the Med regularly saw whales around Corsica : Nearly ran over a sperm whale which surfaced just in front of boat.
A good way to spot dolphins when they are some way off is to watch the activity of gannets. When they start diving repeatedly in a compact group it is often because dolphins are driving shoals of fish up to the surface.
No matter how often you see them it is always a delight when they return.
John
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BrendanS
Well-known member
I've been watching dolphins and porpoises in Cardigan bay for 40 odd years. The numbers go up and down for many reasons.
The numbers there currently aren't a great deal different to many other low patches, and certainly not as low as they were at points in the 70's and 80's.
The nets are an issue, but only a relatively small percentage compared to other causes, many natural
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The numbers there currently aren't a great deal different to many other low patches, and certainly not as low as they were at points in the 70's and 80's.
The nets are an issue, but only a relatively small percentage compared to other causes, many natural
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Jools_of_Top_Cat
New member
Not dissagreeing with you pre se, but I found an interesting site last year that is worth a good read on the falling nubers of dolphins in the bay. <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.fraw.org.uk/cbc/bottle/bottle-e.htm#Fishing>Cardigan Bay Dolphins</A>
Here is the best photo I took in 1989, it always amazes me how they dissapear the moment I nip below to fetch my camera.
<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> Julian </font color=blue>
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Here is the best photo I took in 1989, it always amazes me how they dissapear the moment I nip below to fetch my camera.
<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> Julian </font color=blue>
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rex_seadog
New member
Jools
Can you please explain in fairly simple terms how I can attach a digital photo to a posting?
Thanks
Rex
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Can you please explain in fairly simple terms how I can attach a digital photo to a posting?
Thanks
Rex
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stubate
New member
abersoch bay
weekend before last, 13 yr old in saloon, sun shining, no wind, heading for church bay, 13 yr old, boring boring,
dad spots wake up front, slows down and we were then escorted by the 12 strong pod with babies etc to the islands. the 13 yr old then decided it was a wonderful day !!
s
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weekend before last, 13 yr old in saloon, sun shining, no wind, heading for church bay, 13 yr old, boring boring,
dad spots wake up front, slows down and we were then escorted by the 12 strong pod with babies etc to the islands. the 13 yr old then decided it was a wonderful day !!
s
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BrendanS
Well-known member
OK, read in detail, but it doesn't support your hypothesis that dolphin numbers are declining due to nets
There was one line out of a very large article: "The bottlenose dolphin does not appear prone to drowning in nets, but the harbour porpoise does and this declining species is probably the most worrying by-catch" which suggests that harbour porpoises are declining
This is latter contradicted by "We know, for example, thanks to the work of Holly Arnold and her helpers, that over 100 different animals have been present in Cardigan Bay since 1990. Two-thirds of these have been seen more than once, and 18 individuals were photographed every year between 1990 and 1994. Numbers increase throughout the summer, reaching a maximum in October, and groups of more than 60 animals have been seen at that time. Photo-id research is expensive, however, and to be really worthwhile needs to be carried out consistently over a period of many years. Funding for it in Cardigan Bay has only been sporadic." which acknowledges that research has been limited, and has only occured since 1990. I mentioned that numbers were much lower in 70's and 80's from personal observation of myself and my family (many of who lived there, and observed every day of the year, for 80 years)
The article also says: "The local fishery is now largely dependent on lobster potting, with some gill- and tangle-netting, but fishing is still in decline and there are few full-time fishermen". I'd certainly confirm that fishing is far less prevalent in the bay than it was 20 or 30 years ago.
The article also mentions many of the other hazards which I initimated in my original post.
I stand by my original comments, that as a long time observer of dolphins in the bay, the population is currently in good standing, and that fishing nets are not the most common cause of death
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There was one line out of a very large article: "The bottlenose dolphin does not appear prone to drowning in nets, but the harbour porpoise does and this declining species is probably the most worrying by-catch" which suggests that harbour porpoises are declining
This is latter contradicted by "We know, for example, thanks to the work of Holly Arnold and her helpers, that over 100 different animals have been present in Cardigan Bay since 1990. Two-thirds of these have been seen more than once, and 18 individuals were photographed every year between 1990 and 1994. Numbers increase throughout the summer, reaching a maximum in October, and groups of more than 60 animals have been seen at that time. Photo-id research is expensive, however, and to be really worthwhile needs to be carried out consistently over a period of many years. Funding for it in Cardigan Bay has only been sporadic." which acknowledges that research has been limited, and has only occured since 1990. I mentioned that numbers were much lower in 70's and 80's from personal observation of myself and my family (many of who lived there, and observed every day of the year, for 80 years)
The article also says: "The local fishery is now largely dependent on lobster potting, with some gill- and tangle-netting, but fishing is still in decline and there are few full-time fishermen". I'd certainly confirm that fishing is far less prevalent in the bay than it was 20 or 30 years ago.
The article also mentions many of the other hazards which I initimated in my original post.
I stand by my original comments, that as a long time observer of dolphins in the bay, the population is currently in good standing, and that fishing nets are not the most common cause of death
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Jools_of_Top_Cat
New member
ok, I am certainly not looking for an argument, I hope you are right, I love these animals, I am like a child when I see them.
Last year near the middle of September I was sailing back to Porthmadog, it was about 0200 and very quiet. My crew had just nipped to the heads so I was alone tood at the helm, gliding in.
About 6ft from my left shoulder a dolphin jumped clean out the water blew water took a breath and then dissapeared again, remember we only had moonlight.
I nearly lost my guts, absolutely terrifying but totally exciting. Long live our sailing companions.
<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> Julian </font color=blue>
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Last year near the middle of September I was sailing back to Porthmadog, it was about 0200 and very quiet. My crew had just nipped to the heads so I was alone tood at the helm, gliding in.
About 6ft from my left shoulder a dolphin jumped clean out the water blew water took a breath and then dissapeared again, remember we only had moonlight.
I nearly lost my guts, absolutely terrifying but totally exciting. Long live our sailing companions.
<hr width=100% size=1><font color=blue> Julian </font color=blue>
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BrendanS
Well-known member
Julian,
not looking for an arguement either, just commenting on my observations and the article you linked ( I trained as a biologist, so I have a interest, even a love, of such things)
One of my dreams as a young biologist was to become a cetacean researcher. Used to love watching them playing in Newport bay in the evening while we were barbecuing.
Talking about being terrified but excited..was snorkelling when a teenager off Ceibwr Bay ( a well hidden treasure, between Cardigan and Fishguard). Steep sided inlet, where you can step of the rocks into 30+ foot of water. Normally crystal clear water.
There'd been a storm, and water was murky. Sunny day, and I knew that often the bottom would be clear water, and still bright enough to see.
I'd already been down a few times. Down I went again, about 15 feet down in murky water, felt a huge pressure wave....panic and fear, and ended up on surface with mask and lungs full of water.
All I could hear were the few families up on the rocks and grass, Ooohing! and AAghing!. Horrible fishy bad breath smell. Got mast off, and eyes clear, and there was the cheeky face, huge eyes and wiskers of a seal, regarding me with interest from a few feet away.
Scared the hell out of me, but is one of the most perfect memories I have.
The seals live and breed near there - there's a 'witches cauldron' . A big blow hole, almost perfectly round, tens of feet across, and very deep. You can look down it in the breeding season and see mothers and young white pups on the bottom on the beach (there's access to open sea via a tunnel)
God I love that area.
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not looking for an arguement either, just commenting on my observations and the article you linked ( I trained as a biologist, so I have a interest, even a love, of such things)
One of my dreams as a young biologist was to become a cetacean researcher. Used to love watching them playing in Newport bay in the evening while we were barbecuing.
Talking about being terrified but excited..was snorkelling when a teenager off Ceibwr Bay ( a well hidden treasure, between Cardigan and Fishguard). Steep sided inlet, where you can step of the rocks into 30+ foot of water. Normally crystal clear water.
There'd been a storm, and water was murky. Sunny day, and I knew that often the bottom would be clear water, and still bright enough to see.
I'd already been down a few times. Down I went again, about 15 feet down in murky water, felt a huge pressure wave....panic and fear, and ended up on surface with mask and lungs full of water.
All I could hear were the few families up on the rocks and grass, Ooohing! and AAghing!. Horrible fishy bad breath smell. Got mast off, and eyes clear, and there was the cheeky face, huge eyes and wiskers of a seal, regarding me with interest from a few feet away.
Scared the hell out of me, but is one of the most perfect memories I have.
The seals live and breed near there - there's a 'witches cauldron' . A big blow hole, almost perfectly round, tens of feet across, and very deep. You can look down it in the breeding season and see mothers and young white pups on the bottom on the beach (there's access to open sea via a tunnel)
God I love that area.
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cariad
New member
Re:and the Falmouth area
We also see them around the coast towards Lands End. But have to agree to see and hear of more and more being found dead on beaches here.
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We also see them around the coast towards Lands End. But have to agree to see and hear of more and more being found dead on beaches here.
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oldharry
Well-known member
Used to love watching them in Newport Bay back in the 50s,Brendan, often out in my Canoe to get closer, but have not seen any down there in more recent vists. Sailing from Mochras in the 80s I got the impression they had moved north to the stretch between Cardigan Island and Aberporth. Nearly always we had an escort through that patch of at least half a dozen Bottle Noses. We foiund we were seeing them sufficiently often in Porthmadog and Barmouth bays, that we didnt note it in the log anymore.
Except of course the famous one at Newquay - 'Jack' I think they called him, who came up and inspected us closely as we left one morning, and clearly deciding we were not local friends of his, swam off with an audible sniff!
I also remember counting a huge school of 60 plus off Brixham Head in June 1978.
About 3 years ago I saw a pair in Spithead heading west down the Solent, a couple of miles off Hayling. Dolphin Watch at Durleston told me later it was their first reported Solent siting.
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Except of course the famous one at Newquay - 'Jack' I think they called him, who came up and inspected us closely as we left one morning, and clearly deciding we were not local friends of his, swam off with an audible sniff!
I also remember counting a huge school of 60 plus off Brixham Head in June 1978.
About 3 years ago I saw a pair in Spithead heading west down the Solent, a couple of miles off Hayling. Dolphin Watch at Durleston told me later it was their first reported Solent siting.
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BrendanS
Well-known member
They still appear in Newport Bay, but they are not regular by any means. I've seen them quite often from the hotel bar at Cardigan Island.
Never seen any near the Solent though - that would be a treat. I'd guess the traffic in the solent would keep them away.
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Never seen any near the Solent though - that would be a treat. I'd guess the traffic in the solent would keep them away.
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bigmart
New member
I had 8 Dolphins under my old boat around 4 years ago in the Bognor Side of the Looe Channel. My eldest thought the whole display was magical, as did I. I have heard stories of them being seen in the Swanage/Poole area. As an aside I was surprised, a few years ago, to see a Seal playing in the water off the Arne Peninsular, in Poole Harbour.
Experiences like this make me realise how priviledges I am to be able get out where these wonderful animals are. Something your regular Land Lubbers will never appreciate.
Martin
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Experiences like this make me realise how priviledges I am to be able get out where these wonderful animals are. Something your regular Land Lubbers will never appreciate.
Martin
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oldharry
Well-known member
There are - or at least were, seals living in Chichester Harbour. Not been to their haunt to check this year yet.
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