Bottlenose dolphins near the Runnelstone (N. Tregenza)
Being near the ocean it is so easy to take for granted that we share the same space with such wonderful creatures. Dolphins, though not all that often seen & rarely surfed/swum with in local waters are never far away. Any-one who has been lucky enough to experience being in the water with them, or even watching them play will have a memory never to be forgotten.
We at SURF98 hope that by raising awareness through the site we can at least encourage people to take an active interest in order that the balance of nature is maintained. If you are lucky enough to see them or surf with them (or other marine animals, seals, etc.) let the relevant people know. All the links you need are below, along with a brief guide to the different species likely to be spotted off Cornwall, Devon & the UK Channel Coast.
© terry george
(courtesy of sennen-cove.com) check for more information at
http://www.sennen-cove.com/wildlife.htmPlease use the information below & report ANY sightings, your input is always valuable.
Email reports of large marine animals should go to Ray Dennis email or to discuss sightings and verify identifications you can ring him on 01736 363928. Reports of DEAD stranded large marine animals should go to Stella Turk by phone on 01209 712069.Reports of stranded LIVE dolphins should go to the RSPCA on 0990 5555 999 and they will contact the key people. Reports of sick seals in Cornwall should go to the Gweek Seal Sanctuary on 01326 221361.
You can also report sightings online & gain more detailed up to date information by visiting the www.wdcs.org web site.
Bottlenose Dolphin 'the surfers dolphin'
Short beak, heavy body, no distinct markings except white beneath. Swims slowly or fast with leaps, some falling sideways or backwards. Upside down swimming, tail lobs surf riding, general fun & games especially from juveniles which are paler and show their face more often. Come very close to rocks and people. Often seen but not numerous. In shore and offshore forms exist. The Wildlife Trusts are pressing for a ban on the inshore use of gill nets that may be catching these fantastic animals. A group arrived in Cornwall on September 19th 1991 and has been seen regularly around the south-west ever since One animal, 'Benty', born October 1991 is now well known as Benty as its dorsal fin is bent right over to the left, and has a serious spinal deformity that creates a big fold in its side behind the dorsal fin. Benty keeps going and if you are lucky enough to see him (or her), or any others, please get in touch with Ray Dennis by email or telephone on the number above.
Common Dolphin 'the fisherman's dolphin'
Rides the bow waves of boats, prominent beak, fast swimming often with fast forward 'racing' leaps. Dark back with strong markings on it's side. These graceful dolphins are not often seen from the coast as they prefer deep water, but this is the species that most often strands on beaches alive. It is also the species that most often strands dead and the cause is most often capture in mid-water trawl nets.
Porpoise 'almost the smallest dolphin on earth'
Porpoises are small and rarely leap out of the water, they are quite hard to spot and don't play with boats or surfers. Though it doesn't bow ride it may swim around stationary or slow boats, when noisy breathing can be heard, (old local name 'piffers'). Often works against the tides when feeding in tide races. Surfaces several times every few seconds, then dives for a few minutes. Look under foraging seabirds to see porpoises, especially in North Devon.The distinction between the porpoise and the dolphin is just small details (the beak doesn't protrude, the teeth are flattened), less than the difference between a wren and sparrow. Think of them all as dolphins. Porpoises are liable to get caught in gill nets and please report any strandings.
