300 dolphins spotted (From Western Telegraph)

300 dolphins spotted

A pod of 300 common dolphins has been sighted off Pembrokeshire. Reports of the spectacle have been pouring in to chairman of the Sea Trust, Cliff Benson.

"There have been numerous sightings from various people, between July 18th and 27th," he said. "Mr Watts, of Porthclais Caravan Park made a video of his sighting, which I have seen. It shows adults, small calves and very active juveniles."

The Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) said a pod of 40 common dolphins was sighted in the Skomer Marine Nature Reserve on Wednesday morning (July 28th), when they followed the passenger boat Dale Princess.

The dolphins were probably feeding on shoals of mackerel about one mile off the north side of the island when the Marine Nature Reserve boat Skalmey joined them for research observations. This was the first time CCW staff had been able to observe common dolphins at close-range near Skomer.

Kate Lock, Countryside Council for Wales marine conservation officer, said: "The dolphins swam alongside the boat for around ten minutes, slip streaming and bow riding. We observed several metre long juvenile 'calves' accompanying the adults, which was wonderful to see. We have never had that experience before as the dolphins don't usually venture so close to Skomer."

During the afternoon another larger pod of 100 plus individuals were observed further out in St Brides Bay. Common dolphins are regularly around the offshore islands of Grassholm and the Smalls, but it is not so common to observe them so close inshore.

Cliff Benson said if readers see anything unusual off the Pembrokeshire coast, they can contact the Sea Trust on 01348 875639.