Marine Species
A report examining 14 years of cetacean (whale, dolphin and popoise) records from the South West highlights the many species of whale, dolphin and porpoise which are regularly observed off the coasts of Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. Some of the best places to see dolphins include Torbay, Plymouth, Falmouth, Mount's Bay, Land's End, Cape Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, with the best time of year to see dolphins being between June and August. Marine Connection & the Wildlife Trusts, 2007
According to this report, overall, more cetacean sightings are reported now than in 1990. However, rather than indicating an increase in numbers, this may simply be because more people know how important it is to report their sightings. However, there has also been a notable decline in sightings for some species, in particular the bottlenose dolphin and an increase in the number of dead dolphins washing up on the region's beaches. Sightings of bottlenose dolphins in the region peaked at 335 in 1992 but by 2004 the number had fallen to just 60. By May 2007, just 16 had been reported.
Research carried out by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust over the last 17 years indicates that, despite increased reporting of marine life, reports of bottlenose dolphins have declined and, more alarmingly, the average group size has decreased from an average of 17 in 1991 to 6 in 2007. Cornwall Wildlife Trust's Marine Strandings Network recorded 103 dead dolphins and Whales around the county in 2005, and 175 in 2006. Cornwall Wildlife Trust, 2007
Nationally, 2006 was a significant year for basking shark sightings. The Marine Conservation Society received 2,222 reports of basking shark sightings, representing a 70% increase over the previous record year when there was 1,301 reports. Report numbers have risen consistently since 2003. This increase may indicate a rise in the number of basking sharks present in UK waters, suggesting that populations could be starting to reproduce and recover after ten years of protection in inshore waters. However, there are a number of other possible explanations, including good weather which may increase the number of people visiting the coastline. Marine Conservation Society, 2007
The distribution of 2006 sightings indicates high densities of basking sharks in the South West (particularly Cornwall and south Devon), accounting for 888 or 41% of all reported sightings. Other hotspots include the Isle of Man and the west coast of Scotland (particularly around the islands of Coll, Tiree and Mull). This mirrors the trend in previous years.
Historically, sightings have peaked earliest in the South West (around May and June), followed by the Isle of Man (June and July), and lastly in Scotland (around August). However, recent years have shown some deviations, particularly in the South West where peaks have been as late as August.
More information about marine strandings is available from the South West Observatory Environment website. Factors affecting our marine species, such as bathing water quality, are also indicators used to monitor progress of the Regional Environment Strategy.