Dolphin watchers recorded interesting sightings in June 2009, and, as the countdown began to National Whale and Dolphin Watch in July, experts are hoping for many more.

Some included unusually large numbers of bottlenose dolphins outside Cardigan Bay where they normally reside in summer.

Other unusual sightings have included common dolphins off Gower coast.

Sea Watch research director Peter Evans said: "Our surveys and photo ID research are revealing just how far the bottlenose dolphins from Cardigan Bay can range not just in winter but in summer too."

Elsewhere off the Welsh coast, a school of 20-40 short-beaked common dolphins was spotted off the Gower coastline by Mick Parker who saw them about one mile off Worm's Head near Rhossili.

Three days later, a report came in from Dave Harry who had also seen the common dolphins bowriding his boat at East Helwick Bank on the south Gower coast - probably the same group.

Sea Watch Sightings officer Gemma Veneruso said : "Common dolphins occur regularly in the summer months off Pembrokeshire. However, this species is rarely seen off the Gower coast. We believe they were probably attracted by offshore fish shoals coming into the area."

The charity is hoping that more people than ever before will take part in the National Whale and Dolphin Watch which runs from July 18-26.

Members of the public can freely join co-ordinators at land watches to look for species, or they can send in any sightings they have from anywhere on the coast. There are also opportunities to join boat surveys, at a small cost. To find out more, visit www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk

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