Archive - Wednesday, 27 March 2002


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Concern for porpoises after killer whales sighted

Three rare orcas were spotted at Strumble Head on Monday by Pencaer Observation and Recording Programme (PORP) observer Adrian Rogers.

Also known as killer whales, the creatures - which have also featured in the Hollywood blockbuster Free Willy - are rarely seen in British waters. Speaking of the sighting, Cliff Benson, of PORP, said: I was delighted and amazed by news of the sighting, but also slightly concerned for Pembrokeshires porpoise population, who are at risk from orcas. After observing Strumble Head on Tuesday, I was relieved to spot several porpoises swimming in the tide race, and hope they will return for the porpoise watch.

Following the success of last years porpoise watch event, PORP has again teamed up with the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority to organise a similar event.

The porpoise watch will be held from noon on Easter Monday, at the Strumble Head car park, near Fishguard, and will continue until late afternoon. Those wishing to attend are invited to bring picnics. Cliff Benson said: After encouraging turn-outs for the two porpoise watches last year, it is now hoped that the porpoise watch will become an annual event, encouraging awareness of these wonderful creatures. Activities for children include a decorated egg competition with a mariner motif, with categories ranging from 3-6, 7-11 and 12-15. Those wishing to enter are asked to decorate hard-boiled eggs at home and bring them to be judged.

As well as egg decorating, the event will offer an egg-rolling competition for all ages, with the egg that rolls the furthest declared the winner. Once again, those entering the egg-rolling competition are asked to bring their own hard-boiled eggs.

Prizes, including National Park goodie bags and Easter eggs, will be awarded for each competition.

In the event of bad weather, the competitions will be held at the Ocean Lab in Goodwick at 1.30 pm. Further information is available from Cliff Benson on 01348 874507.