"This week New Quay has experienced almost a full range of weather conditions (well, except for snow) with a mixture of torrential downpours, glorious sunshine and gusty winds.
As the wind has originated from all directions, the "sea state" (the roughness of the sea) has varied: when the winds come off the land (from the south), the sea state tends to be calm; whereas the frequent northerly and westerly winds have created rough conditions. In these rough conditions, it is often more difficult to spot the resident marine mammals over the waves, especially as we are limited to observing from the land, rather than heading out on the boat. Nevertheless, in the rough weather a number of Atlantic grey seals were seen venturing into the harbour, as well as some large jellyfish, and locals accounted sightings of dolphins a bit further down the coast.
Taking advantage of the smooth sea state, our first boat outing after a few days of rough seas occurred on Friday. Although no dolphins were observed, successful sightings of porpoises, seals and a sunfish occurred. The dorsal fin of the sunfish protruding above the waters surface was spotted 60m away from the boat.
Their dorsal fins are often mistaken for a shark, although rather than moving in a straight line, sunfish use their dorsal fins to help with propulsion. Although usually timid, two Harbour porpoises (an adult and a juvenile) ventured close the boat, giving us an amazing view of both animals as they surfaced between bouts of underwater foraging. Porpoises tend to be more difficult to see than our other resident marine mammal, the Bottlenose dolphins, as they are considerably smaller and tend not to rise far up out of the water.
During the rather rainy Monday 13th, a group of 3 Bottlenose dolphins were seen foraging in and around New Quay harbour. The two adults were observed to be larger than the local norm; obviously they are among the pros at foraging. The third dolphin was slightly smaller and was often remaining at one of the adult's sides, so was presumed to be a juvenile. Bottlenose dolphin calves can remain with their mothers for a number of years after weaning; they are shown the ropes and gradually become more curious and independent.
These dolphins remained in the area for a number of hours and even began bow riding a yacht as it ventured into the harbour, giving the viewing public on New Quay pier an amazing view.
The week's sightings total was 23 Bottlenose dolphins, 33 Atlantic Grey seals, 2 Harbour Porpoises, 2 Sunfish and lots of jellyfish! "
Report by Jessica Holland, CBMWC Volunteer
