Sailors, nature watchers, fishing enthusiasts and boat operators are being asked to help spot the UK’s smallest population of rare coastal bottlenose dolphins off the coast of Eastbourne.
The south coast pod of only about 40 dolphins is known to swim along the Sussex coastline but travel as far afield as Cornwall, making it difficult to monitor and protect.
Sightings will help marine conservationists find out if the pod visits certain places at different times of the year, and whether it is reproducing enough for the population to survive. It has not grown significantly since it was first identified in the 1990s.
Local anglers have been given information about the project, which is being co-ordinated by the University of Plymouth and the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
One Eastbourne angler, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s strange that we can go 12 miles out and never see a dolphin, then you can be 100 yards out near the pier and see them right by the boat.
“Everything you see at sea is worthwhile. It’s not only about the fishing but also the solitude and enjoyment of everything around you being so serene.”
The South Coast Bottlenose Consortium was formed in 2022 to try to build a picture of where the dolphins travel and whether human activity or environmental conditions influence their movements.
Dr Simon Ingram, associate professor of marine conservation at the University of Plymouth, has spent years studying dolphin populations around the UK coastline.
He said: “The small size of this group of dolphins is very concerning in terms of their conservation status and long-term survival. Coastal pods in countries such as Ireland, Scotland and France have larger populations with hundreds of animals.
“When you add in the fact that the south coast pod is inhabiting one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world and is an area prone to marine pollution and intense fishing, there is no question they are extremely vulnerable.
“If we are to adequately protect them, we need to know more about their behaviour and, with such a large area to cover, citizen science is a great way to achieve that.”
Guidance for dolphin watchers is:
:: Know what you’re looking for – bottlenose dolphins are grey all over, rather than patterned, and measure between 2m and 4m in length
:: If you can, take clear straight-on pictures of dorsal fins as individuals can be identified by markings
:: Note the date, time, and location of when the sighting took place
:: It is a criminal offence to deliberately harass dolphins so don’t get too close as it may disturb them and cause unnecessary stress
Sightings can be reported by email to SCbottlenosedolphins@outlook.com or through the South Coast Bottlenose Dolphin Consortium Facebook page.
:: Main image credit: George Karbus
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