We once again got involved in this annual event at Berry Head National Nature Reserve which took place between 29 July – 2 Aug 2024. Our Engagement Range Marije Zwager was at the forefront of the event and here shares a roundup of what was discovered…
“Exposed at the end of the headland we were treated to 5 days of sunny (at times very hot!) weather with low winds and flat calm seas which allowed us to see for many miles into the distance. Our dedicated annual volunteers Kate and Len were already in post from 6 am each morning and residential volunteers and Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust ranger staff took turns to look out for any cetacean activity and engage with enthusiastic visitors until 4pm.
We recorded many sightings of Common dolphins every day by using the SeaWatch Foundation App – a convenient and quick way to capture essential biodiversity data which can be used to inform future marine conservation efforts. As an example, on Tuesday alone we had some 45 sightings involving around 136 Common dolphins, 2 Harbour porpoises and 3 Grey seals.
The App also asked us to reflect the presence of boats within a certain radius. Given the proximity of Brixham marina, the favourable weather conditions and regular reports of dolphins, the large number of vessels spotted off Berry Head came as no surprise. Most boat users would cut their engines and keep a respectful distance from the animals but we also witnessed disturbance to the pods from visitor boats and jet skis, with one jet skier relentlessly pursuing and even corralling the Common dolphins while filming all on his mobile phone. A report was made to the Torbay Harbour Authority.
On Thursday we were joined by Jake from the Devon Wildlife Trust team based at Wembury who generously shared his two telescopes and extensive marine knowledge to all who would listen. Over the course of the week, we spoke to no less than 400 people, many of which got the opportunity to see dolphins through our binoculars for the first time and I recall many an excited shriek at the sight of their gleaming dorsal fins. Highlights were the Common dolphin calves breaching alongside their mothers and the large adult who decided to thrust itself out of the water vertically in order to perform a series of 4 body slaps, twice in a row!
We’d like to thank Jake and all the volunteers and visitors who made this week very special and we look forward to seeing you for NWDW next year.”
