Reports received of Marine Creatures sighted, stranded or landed during
2000
A list compiled by Raymond
Dennis
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1/1/00 Two Porpoises were seen 500M. north of the Brisons at 1400 from
Cape Cornwall. At least 6 had been seen earlier by another observer.
2/1/00 A scattering of By-the-wind-Sailors,
Velella
velella, was found right across Sennen Beach
2/1/00 A 5 Metre Basking Shark was seen feeding 2 Nm South of Mountamopus
Buoy SW551239
3/1/00 A Seal pup in a grey coat, after its first moult, was found
alive but apparently abandoned at Gwithian Towans SW5741. It was taken
to the Gweek Seal Sanctuary.
4/1/00 Grey Seal carcasses were found at Marazion and Poldhu Cove.
5/1/00 A Common Dolphin came close inshore at Porthallow Beach SW797233
making noises and seemed to be in distress with a bloody nose. The R.S.P.C.A.
and Marine Life Rescue team were informed but when they went out to it
the dolphin moved into deeper water and they were unable to help.
8/1/00 A Porpoise and a middle sized cetacean, possibly a Minke Whale,
was seen off Gwennap Head SW367215. during the morning.
9/1/00 Whales were seen spouting on and off from 1100 to 1600 several
miles off Carn Gloose. The blows looked ‘bushy’ and they were thought at
first to be Humpbacks, but later a fin was seen and it turned out to be
a pair of Fin Whales.
11/1/00 The carcass of a Grey Seal was found at Gwithian near St.Peter’s
Point SW5841 at 0800. It was a male with part of the head missing otherwise
it was fresh and in good condition.
13/1/00 2 Fin Whales were seen about 5 miles SW of Gwennap Head at
1200hrs.
17/1/00 A Crab Pot fisherman found 2 octopii in one of his pots this
morning.
20/1/00 A pod of at lease six Risso’s Dolphins were widely spaced along
the tide race ½ mile off Carn Gloose SW354313 at 1430 and were thought
to be feeding. There was some splashing and jumping about, and one had
much white about the head. Most were grey or darker and one was accompanied
by a juvenile
21/1/00 9 Bottlenosed Dolphins followed a small surveying boat on repeated
N/S tracks in Plymouth Sound between 1100and 1200. All were very agile,
with some jumping. Benty was among the pod.
21/1/00 Three dolphins were seen heading westward past Porthgwarra
SW371216 at noon. The observer was not sure of the species
22/1/00 Earlier this week a young lad of 11found a “mermaids purse”
complete with a Thornback Ray inside on the strandline of Porthcothan Bay.
Apparently Thornbacks expel their eggs from March to as late as August,
and with a gestation period of 4 to 5 months it is not unusual for them
to appear in January.
22/1/00 It was reported by a fisherman that a pod of Bottlenose Dolphins
were seen in the vicinity of a Mackerel shoal in Mounts Bay.
22/1/00 A 15ft Basking Shark was reported 100M offshore at Porthpean
SX032506
25/1/00 A pod of at least four Risso’s Dolphins were seen off the Minack
Theatre SW387220 at about 1400 including mother with baby and one with
a white head.
26/1/00 Four dead Grey Seals have been found in the last few days. One
at Portscatho Harbour SW8736 on the 22nd ;two at Holywell Bay SX3097 on
the 23rd and one at Portheras Cove SW3835 on the 26th.
26/1/00 A very large pod of Common Dolphins, in excess of 1000 animals
were reported 15 miles south of the Eddystone Light by the National Marine
Aquarium via Clive James of the Shark Trust.
27/1/00 A large pod of between 200 and 500 Common Dolphins were reported
by a fishing vessel 8 to 10 miles off the Eddystone Light in position 50º
4’ 06N 4º 20’ 03W.
30/1/00 Four Grey Seals, three adults and one pup, were seen at Towan
Beach, Roseland Peninsula SW8435
5/2/00 A carcass of a baby seal no more than two foot long was found
on the beach at Marazion. Probably the same as reported above
5/2/00 Four cetacean carcasses were found on beaches today, there
were 2 Common dolphins one at Kennack Sands and the other at Hemmick
Beach near Dodman Point. A Pilot whale was found at Polbream Point Polurrian
Cove near Mulliom and a Porpoise at Portwrinkle
8/2/00 Four Porpoise carcasses have been found in the last three days.
One at Marazion on the 6th, one at Compass Point,Bude on the 7th and today
one at Polurrian Cove and another at Wonwell, Bigbury Bay South Devon
10/2/00 A Common Dolphin Carcass was found Near Noss Mayo, Bigbury
South Devon
14/2/00 An immature male Porpoise carcass was found at Salthouse, Widemouth
near Bude.
14/2/00 A dead Grey Seal was found at Gwithian SW3741
14/2/00 Several dead birds were found on beaches in the south west
today.A Fulmar at Jangyy-ryn SW6520, A Guillemot at Poldhu SW6619, A razorbill
at Polurrian SW6618 and a Shag at Perranporth SW7554. The Shag wore a ring
number BTO1367755.
14/2/00 Two Guillemots found at Perranporth SW7554 were alive but badly
oiled
15/2/00 Two Bottlenosed Dolphins were seen in St.Austell Bay, One adult
with a juvenile.
17/2/00 A Striped Dolphin carcass at Wollacombe, Morte Bay, North
Devon was freshly dead when found and was buried until collected by the
Natural History Museum, London collected it for põst mort’ëm
18/2/00 Two Striped Dolphin carcasses were found, one at Porthgwidden,
St.Ives, and the other at Porth Loo, St.Mary’s, Isles of Scilly
19/2/00 Three cetacean carcasses were found today, A Common Dolphin,
female, at Crackington Haven, and Porpoises at Holywell near Newquay, and
the other west of Gwithian.
20/2/00 13 Guillemots, 4 Razorbills, a Fulmar, and a Gannet were all
found dead and oiled on beaches, mostly on the north Cornwall coast, in
the last 10 days, two other Guillemots found oiled but alive were taken
to be cleaned.
22/2/00 Several people were watching a medium sized cetacean at Lamorna
SW4523. It was unidentified, but was described as having a very tall dorsal
fin of at least 3ft. high so it was probably a Killer Whale or Orca.
23/2/00 An 8 Metre Basking Shark was seen feeding off Coverack SW783182
23/2/00 A Fisherman brought up an octopus in one of his crab pots laid
off Lamorna SW4523 today. Its body was from 5” to 6” diameter and
arms about 18” long. With only one row of suckers along the arms it would
be the northern species Eledone cirrhosa . He had brought one up in the
same string of pots about three weeks before.
24/2/00 A porpoise was seen 200 yards off Hella Point SW370214 at 1045
3/3/00 Turmoil in the water off Tintagel SX0489 was probably a feeding
frenzy. .Eight to ten creatures 3 to 4ft long causing the turmoil in the
water were thought to be large fish, some streaked away leaving a white
wake while others stayed to feed. These could have been Spur Dog Squalus
acanthias a small shark which normally lives and feeds near the bottom
down to as much as 500 fathoms, but occasionally come to the surface to
feed on schooling fish like herring, sprat pilchard and sand eels.
4/3/00 7 Risso’s Dolphins, including one adult with baby, was seen
off the Minack Cliff Theatre SW387220 between 1100 and 1200. They were
all quite active and one adult was frequently breaching sideways. They
were generally moving westwards.
4/3/00 10 Risso’s Dolphins, includine 2 adults with babies, (probably
the same pod as seen earlier today off the Minack Theatre) were seen off
the Brisons Rocks SW340301 Cape Cornwall at 1500. At one time they all
came to the surface and lay in the tide race facing the same way for a
few minutes. They left in the direction of Land’s End, southwards, except
for one which remained still lolling in the tide race. They were last seen
about 1630.
5/3/00 Another Octopus was brought up in a fishermans crab pot which
had been laid on the eastern side of Mounts Bay near the Mount Mopus Buoy.
It was the northern species Eledone cirrhosa Arm length was
about 16”
13/3/00 A Basking Shark was seen off Mousehole
13/3/00 A Porpoise was seen close inshore in the tide race off Carn
Gloose SW3531 at 1530.
14/3/00 A porpoise was seen about a mile off Gwennap Head SW3621 travelling
west, at 1130. Two were seen from the same place 2 days ago on the 12th
March at 1100, they were a bit further out.
16/3/00 Two large Basking Sharks, at least 6 Metres long, were seen
in open water about 30 miles SE of Plymouth
16/3/00 A large pod of between 60 and 80 Common Dolphins were seen
off Gwennap Head SW3621 at 1400. Earlier in the day some were seen bow
riding about 3 miles out.
17/3/00 4 Porpoises were seen in the vicinity of the Runnelstone Buoy
SW3620 from 1100 to 1130. A small animal was also observed. Another porpoise
was seen off the Minack Cliff Theatre SW3822 at 1830 travelling west.
18/3/00 Another westward travelling Porpoise was seen ¾ mile
off the Minack Theatre SW3822 at 0820.
18/3/00 The crew of a fishing vessel returning to Newlyn passing
St.Loy Bay SW4222 noticed dolphins jumping ahead, but a little further
out to sea (about 1½ miles off shore) and they steered toward them
for a closer look, when they approached they came upon a feeding frenzy.
The dolphins had herded a shoal of fish, thought to be small mackerel,
into a tight circle and the sea appeared to be boiling with the fish jumping.
About 30 dolphins, probably Common Dolphins, were circling the shoal and
taking turns to dive in for a meal. The largest dolphins were no more than
6ft and some of the smallest about 2 - 3 ft. long. The fisherman were delighted
by the exhilarating display and stayed to watch for more than 20 mins.
19/3/00 A pod of dolphins, at least 6 and possibly as many as 10 were
seen by several people in the Helford River area. One observer reported
seeing them playing around boats which suggests that they were probably
Bottlenosed Dolphins.
21/3/00 A pod of 6 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen in Coverack Bay SW7818
This was Benty's group which had gained a new member that had
a dorsal fin with a white patch near it's tip.
28/3/00 A Leatherback Turtle was found stranded and decaying at Harlyn
Bay SW875755
28/3/00 15 Unidentified dolphins were seen close inshore not
far from Polzeath SW9378
29/3/00 3 Porpoises were seen heading west off Gwennap Head Sw3821
at 1100 about 1 mile offshore.
31/3/00 A Pod of about 20 Common Dolphins were seen off the Minack
Cliff Theatre SW3822 at about 1500. Also from the same area 20 were seen
following Pete Goss's Catamaran
31/3/00 A pod of dolphins were seen in Coverack Bay SW7818. They were
not counted but were described as being very large dolphins.
31/3/00 Divers returning from a dive in the afternoon saw a large pod
of Common Dolphins near the Runnelstone Buoy SW3620. They counted 60 but
considered the pod to be much larger, nearer to 100 animals.
31/3/00 A lone Bottlenose Dolphin was in the Carrick Roads, near the
St.Just Channel Buoy at 1700. It had white scarring on the right side below
the dorsal fin and the right side of the head. It was generally well
scarred and came alongside a boat.
31/3/00 A lone Bottlenose dolphin was seen in the Carrack Roads between
St. Just and St.Mawes at 1530 hrs. It surfaced an hour later beside the
observers boat and stayed for 3 minutes.
1/4/00 Two dead Rays were found on Porthoustock beach, thought to be
discarded by fishermen. One was the remains of a Thornback Ray, Raja clavata
which is found from northern Norway to as far south as tropical and
southern Africa. The other however was a much rarer and usually more southern
species the Marbled Electric Ray Torpedo marmorata a Mediterranean
and African coast species but is also found on the other side of the English
Channel. The have a powerful electric organ on each side which can generate
up to 220 volts, used to stun prey and for defence.
2/4/00 A lone Bottlenose dolphin was seen near the western end of the
Plymouth Sound breakwater, it had a white patch on its head and scratch
marks on the leading edge of its dorsal fin.
4/4/00 A Common Dolphin which had become stranded in shallow water
in Hayle Harbour was picked up by the R.S.P.C.A and the Gweek Dolphin
Rescue Team and taken to Marazion for release, because the seas off Hayle
were too rough. A vet considered that there was nothing wrong with the
animal and it swam happily away when released at Marazion.
8/4/00 A pod of 5 or 6 Common Dolphins were seen from the Scillonian
III when half way on her journey to Isles of Scilly, shortly afterwards
at least 2 Risso's Dolphins were seen. On the way back from the I.o.S in
the late afternoon there was 4 separate sightings of Common Dolphins
One was a single dolphin, the others three groups of about 5 in each.
14/4/00 A pod of at least 20 Common Dolphins were seen about 2 miles
off Hella Point SW370214. They were heading eastwards.
21/4/00 Three dolphins were seen playing around Jet Skiers in Carbis
Bay between 1200 and 1300. The observer did not know which species.
22/4/00 Several Basking Sharks were seen from the Scillonian III at
1000 soon after she left for the I.o.Scilly.
23/4/00 Three Bottlenose Dolphins were seen 200M offshore at Gwithian
SW573416 at 1330
23/4/00 Three Bottlenose dolphins were seen off Hellsmouth SW602432
at 1821 heading northeast and at 1841 were seen again further up the coast.
24/4/00 Several Basking Sharks were seen from the Scillonian III on
her trip to the Isles of Scilly at about 10 a.m.
24/4/00 Three dolphins, thought to be Bottlenose, were seen moving
westward off East Pentire Head, Newquay at 1500hrs.
25/4/00 Two Bottlenose Dolphins were seen well out in St.Austell
Bay SX0650 at 1630. They were watched feeding for 20 minutes.
27/4/00 Eight Risso's Dolphins were seen off Pendinnis Head I.o.Scilly
at 2015
27/4/00 A Turtle was seen swimming in Mother Ivey's Bay SW8676 measuring
5ft long by about 3ft wide so probably a Leatherback
28/4/00 A pod of about 6 Bottlenose Dolphins were playing off Marazion
while the Sail Club boats were out but the dolphins seemed to be more interested
in the cover boats.
28/4/00 A Basking Shark was discovered in Penzance Dock and the gates
were opened at high tide to allow it to escape
28/4/00 Small pods of Common Dolphins were seen from The Scillonian
III on two occasions during her trip to the Isles today.
30/4/00 A 4 Metre Basking Shark was seen off the Skerries in Start
Bay 50º17.19'N 03º34.02'W
2/5/00 Two dolphins were reported playing in the entrance of the harbour
at Fowey by the Lantic Bay Dredger at 0800 and they were still around at
1435. One had a bent over dorsal fin, probably Benty.
2/5/00 Three Bottlenose Dolphins were seen by a jogger in St.Austell
Bay SX070520 between Spit Beach Rocks and Carlyon Bay
3/5/00 4 Risso's Dolphins were seen off Porthgwarra SW371216 during
the morning. A Basking Shark was also seen.
3/5/00 It was reported from the Polruan Coast Watch that Two Bottlenose
Dolphins were seen near the Fowey Harbour entrance at 0800 and were still
there at 1024. One had a bent over dorsal fin, probably Benty.
3/5/00 A pod of 4 Risso's Dolphins were seen heading westward off Gwennap
Head SW367215 at 1015. 3 were quite pale the other very white.
5/5/00 Two Bottlenose Dolphin were seen in the Carrack Roads between
Black Rock and the Docks playing around boats in the evening.
5/5/00 A 14ft long Basking Shark was seen circling off Pencarrow Head
SX152502 at 1730hrs
5/5/00 3 Risso's Dolphins were seen in the Isles of Scilly off Giant's
Castle
6/5/00 Three dolphins, thought to be Bottlenose, were seen close inshore
off Newquay SW8262
7/5/00 A Basking Shark seen of Pencarrow HeadSX152502 at 1730 was over
14ft long. It was circling ,probably feeding
7/5/00 Two Bottlenose dolphins were seen off Pendennis Point Falmouth
SW826314 between 0915 and 0930. One had a bent over dorsal fin.
8/5/00 Nine dolphins including one juvenile followed a racing Gig across
St.Ives Bay from Carbis Bay to St Ives. They were probably Bottlenose dolphins.
9/5/00 A 20ft Basking Shark was watched for some time cruising back
and forth feeding 100M off Porthpean Beach SX0350
10/5/00 Two Bottlenose Dolphins followed a boat for a while in the
Carrick Roads SW8334 and then went off towards Pendennis. One had
a bent dorsal and a scar across back.
11/5/00 5 Bottlenose Dolphins gave a fantastic display off St. Ives
today.
11/5/00 Hundreds of the internal shells of Cuttlefish were found floating
on the sea off Penwith south coast during the last few days. Cuttlefish
come together for mass spawning and then die. Last years spawning occurred
around about the 22nd April so it has been a little later this year.
13/5/00 A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins have been in St.Ives Bay off Carbis
Bay for the last three days
13/5/00 At 0900hrs a 20ft Basking Shark was seen swimming eastwards
about half way between the Plymouth Breakwater and the Eddystone Light.
14/5/00 At midday a Basking Shark was seen ¾ mile offshore at
Yealm Head South West Devon.
14/5/00 At 1400 hrs a 4 Metre Basking Shark was seen off Gara Point
SX522467 South Devon
!4/5/00 A 3ft long Sunfish was seen lying on flat calm water in the
mist off Lamorna SW4523 early in the day
14/5/00 A large Basking Shark was seen heading South East in the middle
of Mount's Bay today in position 50º 02'N 05º 26'W
14/5/00 Gannets diving off Porthguarnon SW410225 drew attention
to a large Basking Shark at 1300 to 1500.
15/5/00 A pod of 5 or 6 Bottlenose Dolphins were playing near surfers
at Sennen Cove at 1445 but when a surfer moved towards them and left his
board to swim with then they moved away. They were still there at 1630.
15/5/00 Two Basking Sharks both about 20ft long were seen swimming
side by side off St.Michael's Mount SW515301 at 0730hrs.
16/5/00 4 Bottlenose were seen by surfers at Sennen Bay SW3526
17/5/00 Two Basking Sharks were seen behind rocks close inshore off
Geevor SW371350 at 1p.m.
18/5/00 A Basking Shark has been seen off Downderry SX315538 most of
this week and today was seen to breach. There were many crab pots in the
area.
18/5/00 From 0945 onwards two Bottlenose Dolphins were moving around
boats in the lower Fowey Estuary. One had a bent dorsal fin.
19/5/00 A pod of at least 10 Common Dolphins, including one baby, were
strung out from SE to SW , 1 mile to 3 miles off Gwennap Head SW367215from
0930 to 1100hrs.
19/5/00 A pod of 4 Risso's Dolphins were seen off Gwennap Head SW367215
at 1045.
21/5/00 Three Basking Sharks were seen to breach about 200 to 300 metres
offshore at Portwrinkle SW356538
24/5/00 Three Basking Sharks were seen off Porthgwarra SW37121
and two others off Carn Gloose SW353313
25/5/00 Three Basking Sharks were off Porthgwarra SW371216 today and
two others off Carn Gloose SW354313. No sizes were given
26/5/00 4 Bottlenose dolphins followed MV Scillonian III across
Mounts Bay and into Penzance Harbour at 1930. They remained near the ship
for some time before moving off towards the Gear Pole
27/5/00 Six Basking Sharks were seen by passengers aboard MV Scillonian
III during their trip to the Isles of Scilly which departed Penzance at 0630.
Five Basking Sharks were also seen from Porthgwarra SW371216
during the afternoon
27/5/00 A Killer Whale was seen to breach by fishermen off Godrevy
SW581433
27/5/00 6 Basking Sharks were seen off Lands End moving in a south
westerly direction at 0715hrs. It was cloudy with a SW wind.
28/5/00 Four Bottlenose Dolphins were seen playing in the surf in the
mouth of the Salcombe Estuary SX7337. One was a juvenile.
28/5/00 5 Bottlenose Dolphins were in Sennen Bay SW3526 during the
day
28/5/00 5 Basking Sharks were seen off Cape Cornwall SW3431
29/5/00 A pod of 5 Bottlenose Dolphins were watched from1230 to 1900
in Sennen Bay SW3526
29/5/00 Three large Bottlenose Dolphins joined surfers at Gwynver Beach
SW362276. They were estimated to be 4 - 5 Metres in length. (Although 4
M is about as big as they get), The dolphins were darting about swimming
parallel with the waves threading themselves between the incoming surfers.
One of the surfers became so scared that he left the water.
30/5/00 Three Bottlenosed Dolphin were watched for an hour from about
1900 from the Dolor at Coverack SW786183. One was a juvenile and they jumped
right out of the water on quite a few occasions. After moving around the
bay for some time they made their way out to sea.
30/5/00 A pod of about 6 or 7 Bottlenose dolphins were seen off Porthleven
SW6225
31/5/00 Passengers aboard MV Scillonian III on the passage from Penzance
to the Isles of Scilly at about 1015 saw four Basking Shark feeding in
the Runnelstone area SW369200. On the return journey late afternoon the
sharks were still in the same area.
1/6/00 A pod of 6 or 7 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen playing in the
surf at Sennen Cove SW3526. They were all adults.
1/6/00 A pod of at least 5 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen in Whitesand
Bay SW355275 from 1700 to 1900. There was also a Basking Shark in another
part of the Bay and sea birds appeared to be trying to land on its dorsal
fin.
1/6/00 A pod of 6 to 10 Bottlenose dolphins were seen leaping in the
surf zone at Zennor SW450395.
1/6/00 A Nursehound, or Bullhuss otherwise a Greater Spotted Dogfish
Scyliorhinus
stellaris was caught by an angler off the Fal estuary. It was
8.13 Kg (17lb 15oz) 2 lb short of the U.K.record
3/6/00 20 to 30 Basking Sharks were seen off The Lizard SW694115 today
and they were still there on the 4th June.
3/6/00 6 Bottlenose Dolphins were watched at Sennen SW3526 between
1300 and 1800. Benty was in the pod.
4/6/00 Two Basking Sharks, each about 14ft long were seen in St Ives
Bay SW5041
4/6/00 5 Basking Sharks were seen in Mounts Bay well out off St. Michael's
Mount at 1600hrs.
4/6/00 A boatman going from St. Ives to the Carrack Rocks SW467408
saw many Basking Sharks strung out along the coast during the afternoon.
He thought there were at least 20 sharks present.
4/6/00 A pod of 3 or 4 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen off Pednvounder
Beach at 1300hrs
4/6/00 A pod of about 6 Bottlenose Dolphins were playing and jumping
below the cliff at the Minack Cliff Theatre SW387220 at 1930hrs.
4/6/00 A pod of 10 Dolphins, probably Bottlenose, moved from Minack
Point toward Logan Rock SW3821 from 1600 to 1630. Several Herring Gulls
were present.
5/6/00 5 basking Sharks were seen off the Manacles Sw8120. One
was 18ft long and the rest between 8ft and 12ft.There was also a porpoise
in the locality.
5/6/00 Three Basking Sharks were seen about a mile off Tater du SW440229
at 1000hrs. They came very close to a boat hauling crab pots.
5/6/00 A pod of 5 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen off Castle Zawn SW346257
between Sennen and Land's End during the afternoon.
5/6/00 A pod of 9 Bottlenose Dolphins including Benty were still off
the Minack Theatre Sw387220. And a pod was also seen at Sennen SW3526
6/6/00 A pod of 5 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen off Porthcurno SW388222
during the afternoon
6/6/00 A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were seen playing and jumping below
the cliff at the Minack Cliff Theatre SW387220 during the evening performance.
6/6/00 1000s of Jellyfish with a cross pattern dotted markings were
seen floating 100 metres offshore at Gyllyngvase Beach Falmouth SW808316
7/6/00 2 Harbour Porpoises were seen ¼ mile off Gwennap Head
SW367215 during the morning.
7/6/00 A crew member of MV. Scillonian III reported that a lone Bottlenose
Dolphin followed the ship into Penzance harbour in the evening.
8/6/00 A Bottlenose Dolphin was seen off Marazion SW5131
8/6/00 5 Basking Sharks were seen off Zennor Head SW450393 at
10 a.m.
10/6/00 10 Basking Sharks have been close inshore near Levant Zawn
SW366345 for the past week, and a single Bottlenose Dolphin was seen in
the area during the week.
12/6/00 A pod of about 12 Bottlenose Dolphins were moving about the
bay off the Minack Theatre SW387220 during the afternoon. There was a lot
of jumping and active behaviour and Gannets were fishing around them.
12/6/00 The pod of Bottlenose Dolphins including Benty has been off
The Minack Theatre SW387220 for the past week.
13/6/00 Three Basking Sharks were seen from a boat in the western approaches,
One in position 50º 10'N. 09º 16'W at 1352hrs
was 16ft long, circling and probably feeding, another at 1355hrs in position
50º 10'N 09º 15'W was 21ft long and also feeding,
the third at 1445 hrs was not clearly seen in position 50º 10'N
09º 14'W so size was not determined.
15/6/00 6 dolphins were leaping and playing quite close to the shore
at Porthcurno SW387222
15/6/00 2 Porpoises were ¾ mile off Porthgwarra SW371216 between
1000 and 1230
17/6/00 4 Porpoises were 2 miles off Pendeen SW377358 between 1500
and 1630
17/6/00 2 Basking Sharks, both about 14ft long were south of the western
entrance of Plymouth Breakwater SX4650 at 1400hrs
17/6/00 A small pod of 3 or 4 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen just off
the north end of Praa Sands Beach during the afternoon.
17/6/00 5 Bottlenose Dolphins were playing around in the outer harbour
at Porthleven SW6225 between 0800and 0900, and then they rode the bow wave
of a boat as it left the harbour at 0900.
18/6/00 5 Bottlenose Dolphins, includimg Benty were playing around
the outer harbour at Porthleven SW6225 from 0800 to 0900, and 6 or 7 dolphins
were also reported to be there in the evening. A whale, possibly a Pilot
was seen to breach off Cudden Point SW548275
18/6/00 Six Basking Sharks ranging in size from 8ft to 30ft were seen
just south west of The Runnelstone SW369200 and a further three just SW
of Treryn Dinas Cliff Castle SW396221. A Sunfish was seen further along
the coast off Penzer Point SW466249
20/6/00 10 Bottlenose dolphins were putting on a display below the
Minack Cliff Theatre SW387220 between 1430 and 1530. Six were closer inshore
than the others.
22/6/00 A Bottlenose Dolphin was playing beside a boat just south of
Black Rock SW833317 during the evening.
22/6/00 A Basking Shark was seen close to the Gear Pole off Penzance
Prom during the afternoon.
23/6/00 Two Basking Sharks were seen in Coverack Bay SW7818
23/6/00 Two Basking Sharks were seen heading east towards Looe, off
Fowey Harbour entrance SX1251 at 1900hrs
24/6/00 2 basking Sharks were circling about 2 miles east of Mevagissy
in St Austell Bay SX0545 from 2p.m. to 5.30.p.m. A large one 20 to
25ft long had a white patch behind the dorsal fin, and the smaller
one, 10 to 12 ft long, had a knotch in the tail fin
24/6/00 Two Basking Sharks were seen about 5 miles south of Falmouth
at 1800 and 1845. One was 8ft long and the other 10ft.
25/6/00 4 basking Sharks were seen from a boat moving westward from
the Lizard. Two sharks were just off The Lizard, one of which was 10ft
long and the other 20ft. Another a few miles west of the Lizard was 18ft
long and the fourth was south of Mousehole and 20ft long.
25/6/00 5 Basking Sharks were off Cadgwith SW7214 all day today
25/6/00 2 Basking Sharks were in Kennack Bay Sw7316 today
25/6/00 A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were in the Porthleven Harbour
area SW6225 during the day., and the pod of 7 or 8 animals included the
well known Benty.
25/6/00 A very large Leatherback Turtle, said to be nearly 8ft long
and weighing 2 tons was found entangled in ropes of a crab pot buoy about
5 miles south of the Runnelstone SW369200.After a long struggle in which
the fishermen got very wet the turtle was set free. About 20 Pilot Fish
sought shelter under the boat while the rescue took place but returned
to the turtle as it swam off.
25/6/00 A small Basking Shark was seen in Coverack Bay SW7818
25/6/00 3 Basking Sharks were seen between Mousehole and Lamorna SW4724
at 0800
25/6/00 2 Porpoises were off Gwennap Head SW367215 between 0800 &
1000
26/6/00 A large Basking Shark was seen in Coverack Bay SW7818
26/6/00 Over 20 Basking Sharks were off Cadgwith SW7214 all day today
26/6/00 Four Basking Sharks were seen off Porthgwarra Sw371216
26/6/00 9 Basking Sharks were close inshore at Kennack Sands SW7316
and small boat were getting too close and appeared to be disturbing the
animals
26/6/00 A large cetacean was seen to breach off The Minack Cliff Theatre
SW387220 at 1800
27/6/00 A pod of 6 to 8 Bottlenose dolphins were feeding on a shoal
of small fish near the surface between Penzance harbour mouth and the Gear
Pole SW480295 at 1300hrs. There was a Basking Shark feeding close by.
27/6/00 Four Basking Sharks were reported off Lizard Point SW6911
28/6/00 Two Basking Sharks were seen off Fowey Harbour entrance SX1251
28/6/00 Two 14ft Basking Sharks were in Housel Bay SW7011
28/6/00 Eight Basking Sharks were seen 9 to 13 miles north of Gurnards
Head SW432387 between 0530 and 0930.
28/6/00 A pod of 6 Bottlenose Dolphins were off Safeways Longrock SW493309
at 1600. The pod included Benty.
28/6/00 There were 6 Bottlenose Dolphins in Mounts Bay close inshore
just west of Long Rock SW495307 at 1600hrs. Benty was in the pod.
28/6/00 Two Basking Sharks were seen off Porthleven SW6225 in the evening.
29/6/00 A basking Shark was seen off Pendennis Head SW827315
during the evening.
29/6/00 Several groups of Long Finned Pilot whales were seen south
of the Wolf Rock SW270120 The pods were not far apart and formed a larger
group of 45 animals about 10 of which were juveniles. Two of the juveniles
were quite small, about half the size of the adults. They were swimming
slowly west with some tail slapping. A lone Porpoise was seen near bye
heading south west.
29/6/00 A lone juvenile Porpoise was seen east of the Isles of Scilly
heading westward.
29/6/00 A juvenile basking Shark of only 2 Metres was seen a few miles
south of Mousehole at 1444hrs
29/6/00 Three Leatherback Turtles were seen from a boat travelling
between the Isles of Scilly and the mainland between 0800 and 1500. One
was 1.5Metres, another 1.8 Metres and the third 2.2Metres
29/6/00 Two basking Sharks were reported off Pendennis Head SW827315
by Falmouth Coastguard. They were about 16 to 18ft long
29/6/00 A report came today that there was an algal Bloom around the
Isles of Scilly
29/6/00 A Leathery Turtle, 4'6" long over the carapace, was found dead
in a net hauled in by a fishing boat about 12 miles south of Plymouth.It
was brought to Plymouth Fish market where it was photographed and examined
by National Marine Aquarium staff and the press. It was later taken by
a local artist who will attempt to cast a model from it.
29/6/00 Two Basking Sharks were in Gunwallow Church Cove at 1500 One
was larger than the other and they were circling a crab pot marker buoy
about 200 metres offshore. Watched for 2 hrs.
30/6/00 Two groups of 3 Basking Sharks were reported between Lizard
Point and Kynance SW6812. About one mile offshore
30/6/00 Six Basking Sharks were feeding about 200 yards off the mouth
of Newlyn Harbour SW467286 at 0800hrs.
30/6/00 Three Basking Sharks were seen of St.Loy SW425231 early this
morning
30/6/00 2 Basking Sharks were 50 Metres off Coverack Quay SW783182
at 1100hrs. They were about 14ft long.
30/6/00 2 Basking Sharks were in Gunwallow Cove SW654223 at 1500 hrs
30/6/00 A Basking Shark has been seen on two occasions during the past
week off Vault Beach SX0040.
1/7/00 7 Bottlenose Dolphin were close inshore at Porthcurno SW387222
1/7/00 3 Basking Sharks were feeding near the channel entrance to Falmouth
Docks SW819327 at 1830. 2 were from 15 to 18ft long and the other was about
25ft long.
1/7/00 A Basking Shark was seen in Falmouth Bay SW8130 in the morning
1/7/00 2 Basking Sharks were seen of St. Anthony Head SW8431
during the afternoon
1/7/00 7 basking Sharks were seen off Blackrock SW834317 at the entrance
to the Fal river. There was an Orca seen in the area also.
2/7/00 A Basking Shark was seen off Swanpool SWSW8031
2/7/00 5 Basking Sharks were seen off Trefusis Point SW818335
today.
3/7/00 Two pods of 6 Pilot Whales were 1½ to 2 miles off Porthcurno
SW387222 at 1530 and 4 Basking Sharks were seen earlier in the day.
3/7/00 An 18 to 20 ft Basking Shark was seen off the Manacle Rocks
SW8120 at o930. There were several medium sized Brown Jellyfish [probably
Compass Jellyfish Chrysaora hysoscella] and small Blue Jellyfish
[probably Aurelia aurita] in the area.
4/7/00 Another report came in of a further Leathery Turtle being brought
into Salcombe Market
4/7/00 Three Bottlenose Dolphins were just off the entrance to Penzance
Harbour SW476303 at 1720hrs.
4/7/00 Two Basking Sharks were seen off Charlestown SX039515 at 1700
One was about 15ft long the other 20ft.
4/7/00 A young Gannet was seen with a transmitter attached in St Austell
Bay
just NE of the Gwineas at 1130., and a small Sunfish was seen repeatedly
jumping about 2 Nm West of Dodman Point SX000392 at 1235
5/7/00 A Porpoise was seen from Gwennap Head SW367215 about 1 mile
SW at 1045
5/7/00 A Leatherback Turtle was spotted ¼ mile off Start Point
SX831370. Brixham Coastguards reported it to be about 2 Metres long
5/7/00 There were about 10 Basking Sharks around the Longships Lighthouse
SW3225 between 1200 and 1430.
5/7/00 A Sunfish was seen briefly from a dive boat off Penzer Point
SW467249 at 1600. The fish moved swiftly away as the boat approached
and disappeared below the surface.
6/7/00 A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were seen jumping off the Penzance
Harbour entrance SW476303 at 2030
6/7/00 Three Basking Sharks were near Newland Island SW814811 off the
Camel Estuary at 1000. 2 were adults of about 16ft and the other a juvenile
at about 7ft.
6/7/00 Six Basking Sharks were near Gulland Rock SW878789 at 1500.
Two were about 16ft long, two were about 10ft long and two juveniles were
about 7ft long.
6/7/00 17 Basking Sharks were reported off Padstow SW9175. Sizes ranged
from 8 to 15ft. There were Mackerel in the area.
8/7/00 A Porpoise was seen off Hella Point SW370214 about 1 mile SE
at 1445
14/7/00 A Basking Shark was off Pendeen SW3735 today and also seen
in the area was a Porbeagle Shark, 2 Sunfish, 3 Storm Petrels and a Balearic
Shearwater.
14/7/00 4 Basking Shark were South East of Lundy Island between 1100
and 1300. One was 15ft long and the others smaller. There was another 15ft
shark off Landing Beach Lundy at 1400
15/7/00 A Harbour Porpoise was seen from Mv Scillonian III and on the
same trip 32 Storm Petrels and a Pomarine Skua were seen.
15/7/00 A porpoise was seen from MV Scillonian III about a quarter
of the way to Scillies at 1030
15/7/00 Three adult Bottlenose Dolphins were in the Camel Estuary between
1700 and 1730 swimming alongside and under a dingy and then following a
trawler and bow wave riding toward Padstow. Last seen heading out of estuary
19/700 Benty and his pod spent most of the day off the North Cornwall Coast
between Porthtowan and St.Agnes. Various people reported seeing them either
off St.Agnes, playing around surfers at Chapel Porth or jumping around
boats at Porthtowan
19/7/00 A pod of 5 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen off Newquay
SW7861
19/7/00 Four Bottlenose Dolphins were seen off Porthtowan SW691485
at 1200 and again at 1300.
20/7/00 A pod of about 5 Bottlenose Dolphins joined the surfers at
Perranporth SW7554 at 2000 and stayed for at least half an hour.
21/7/00 Four Bottlenose Dolphins were seen off Hayle SW549391
25/7/00 A pod of a least 6 Bottlenose dolphins were seen off Fistral
Bay SW7962 in the afternoon
26/7/00 A Bottlenose Dolphin was reported to be in the Salcombe estuary
SX7337 and was said to have been there for about a week playing around
boats.
26/7/00 Four Basking Sharks were off Padstow SW9275 during the day
and one 16ft shark was rammed in the middle by a boat out of Padstow called
Free Spirit with 20 anglers aboard , no evasive action was taken, the sea
was flat calm. The incident was reported to the Padstow Harbour Master.
26/7/00 A small pod of Bottlenose Dolphins , at least three,
were off Lusty Glaze, Newquay SW8262 swimming slowly eastward at
2000hrs. Two small boats were in the area and one was keeping an acceptable
distance from the dolphins, but the other was circling the dolphins at
high speed. This would be harassment which is totally unacceptable.
26/7/00 On a fine day with mirror calm seas 28 Porpoises were seen
from MV Scillonian III on its way to the Isles of Scilly . These were all in
small groups often ones or twos but the largest group was 6 plus. Only
one was seen on the way back late afternoon when the seas were not so calm.
29/7/00 Two Killer Whales were seen in Bideford Bay SS4032 by
fishermen earlier this week.
31/7/00 A member of the public reported to Julia Moss, Coast and Countryside
Officer Caradon Countryside Services, that a Penguin was sighted in Looe
Harbour SX2652. A common enough sight around Cornwall, but
we call them Guillemots.
31/7/00 Three Bottlenose Dolphins were seen in the range just off Salcombe
bar SX7336 at 1830
31/7/00 2 Killer Whales were seen in Bideford Bay SS4234 during the
last week of July
1/8/00 A pod of 4 or 5 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen off Barras Nose,
Tintagel SX052895 by holiday makers on the cliff and they also spotted
a Basking Shark circling a short distance away.
2/8/00 An Ocean Sunfish Mola mola
was seen swimming on its side just under the surface outside Polperro Harbour
SX209509. It was about 1.5M diameter and the skin appeared to be badly
scarred and pitted overall., but the fish was not showing signs of obvious
distress. ( The pitted appearance may be due to the parasitic copepod Lepeophtherus
nordmanni which is often found on this fish.)
5/8/00 Four small groups of Porpoises were seen from MV Scillonian
III on her way to the isles of Scilly between 1000 and 1200 hrs Pod sizes
were 4, 3, 1, and 1 On the return journey at 1715 at pod of about 15 Common
Dolphins were seen. During the trip three Ocean Sunfish were also sighted.
6/8/00 Four Bottlenose Dolphins were seen very close inshore off Looe
SX2652. There were many sightseers enjoying watching the three adults and
1 juvenile which were very interested in the contents of crab pots which
they could see.
6/8/00 Three Bottlenose Dolphin were off Looe Harbour and beach between
0800 and 1200. For most of the time the dolphins dictated what was happening
irrespective of 8 to 10 boats motoring around them but at the end there
was a lot of tail slapping and they moved off.
7/8/00 A small pod of 3 or 4 Bottlenose Dolphins were in Fowey Harbour
most of the day and stayed around the harbour area for the next two days.@
7/8/00 Four Bottlenose Dolphins, three adults and 1 juvenile, spent
most of the day off Portscatho SW8735 creating much spectator delight.
However the report from an Auxiliary Coastguard said that there was some
harassment and that he would try to do something about it.
7/8/00 3 Sunfish were seen from MV Scillonian III on the morning trip
to the Isles. The first was within sight of Land's End and the other two
about half way across.
7/8/00 A Basking Shark was seen from MV Scillonian III in Mounts Bay
at 0940 soon after leaving Penzance, and four Bottlenose Dolphins were
seen on the same trip a various places along the south Penwith coast between
0930 and 1145
8/8/00 6 Risso's Dolphins were seen about 7 miles south of the Bishop's
Rock lighthouse in the late afternoon.
8/8/00 2 Sunfish were seen on a bird watching trip from the Scillies
4 to 5 miles SW of the Bishop Rock SV807066 one was about 1.2m long and
the other a little bigger.
8/8/00 3 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen in Coverack Bay SW7818 . They
were there from 1000 until sunset, and were seen again the following morning
(9th Aug)
8/8/00 At 11 a.m. 3 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen in Mother Iveys Bay
SW8676 and also a Grey Seal, and at 1300 a small Sunfish was seen followed
by a 16ft. Basking Shark at 2030.
8/8/00 6 Pilot whales were seen 2 miles south of Fowey between
4.p.m. and 5.p.m. Photographs were taken. One tail-slapped several times.
8/8/00 Three Ocean Sunfish and 5 Porpoises were seen from Gwennap Head
SW367215 in mirror calm conditions. There were scattered sightings all
day.
9/8/00 Two Sunfish were seen about 6 miles South of Gugh SV8908
9/8/00 Two dolphin were reported in Fowey Harbour SX1251
9/8/00 A small pod of about 5 Common Dolphin were seen about 2 miles
south of Gugh I.o.S SV 890080.
9/8/00 A Basking Shark was seen off Lands End at 1400hrs
10/8/00 A Basking Shark was seen in Mounts Bay from MV Scillonian III
as she approached Penzance at 1940hrs
10/8/00 Three dolphin were seen all day and followed a boat bow riding
and playing for two hours or more all the way from falmouth to Fowey. Once
in the estuary they played around before heading for the sea again
10/8/00 4 Porpoises were seen from Gwennap Head SW367215 in the morning
10/8/00 A Sunfish was seen from the MV Scillonian III on the return
trip from Scillies about half way across.
11/8/00 A 20ft Whale and 5 dolphins were seen about 5 miles out off
Falmouth Bay
11/8/00 Over 20 Basking Sharks were off the coast at Pendeen SW383358
during the afternoon.
11/8/00 3 Ocean Sunfish, 15 Storm Petrels and 2 Great Skuas were seen
from MV Scillonian III on it's morning crossing to the Isles
11/8/00 About 25 Basking shark were close inshore in Port Issac Bay
SS030826 from 1230 to 1630 remaining in the same area feeding. The largest
was over 14ft and had distinctive markings on its dorsal. There was another
shark away from the main group off Portgaverne S001813. There was a 2ft
diameter Ocean Sunfish in the centre of the pod of Sharks. The water was
very green with lots of debris and jellyfish in the area, also slicks of
red algae. A pod of 6 Bottlenose Dolphins went E to W. at first then W
to E about 100 metres off Portgaverne between 1730 and 1830 . One
had a bent fin. There were 3 Basking Sharks within 100 metres of the dolphins.
12/8/00 4 Blue Sharks were seen 7 miles off the bishop's Rock lighthouse
,Isles of Scilly SV807066. Also seen were 2 Wilson's Petrels and 4 Cory's
Shearwaters.
12/8/00 4 Basking Sharks were seen off Porthgwarra SW371216 during
the morning. Also in the area were 3 Bonxies (Great Skuas) , 30 Manx Shearwaters
and an Arctic Skua.
12/8/00 On a Birding / Fishing trip about 3 to 5 miles off St.Agnes.
I.o.S. Seven Risso's Dolphins and one Common Dolphin was seen..The fishermen
caught 6 Blue Sharks and the birders were rewarded with 2 Wilson's Petrel,
30+ Storm Petrel, 2 Cory's Shearwaters, 1 Great Shearwater, 4 large unidentified
Shearwaters, 20+ Manx Shearwaters, 5 Great Skuas (Bonxies), 3 Sandwich
Terns, and 6 Comic Terns (Common or Arctic)
12/8/00 Benty's pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were watched for several
hours in Bideford Bay SS4234
13/8/00 A large pod of at least 50 Common Dolphins were following a
boat off Penberth SW404226 but turned to follow a crabber fishing boat
as it passed.
13/8/00 A Sunfish was seen about 30 yds offshore at Pentire Head. 30"
across.
14/8/00 A Basking Shark was seen off Porthgwarra SW371216 at 0850.
14/8/00 An Opah Lampris guttatus was observed jumping
clear of the water just offshore at Towan Head, Newquay. SW7963
During the evening. It was about 1 Metre long.
14/8/00 An unidentified whale was seen about ½mile off Rinsey
Head SW589269 being followed by a large boat, not fishing, possibly scientific.
No fins seen just a large body surfacing. Possibly Bowhead or Right whale,
neither of which have a dorsal fin. Black in colour
14/8/00 A Leatherback Turtle was seen 2 miles off St. Martin's Head,
St. Martins, Isles of Scilly. earlier this week.
15/8/00 A large Bottlenose Dolphin was seen going into the River Dart
at 0930
16/8/00 Three Basking Sharks were seen off Porthgwarra SW371216 a.m.
18/8/00 A Pilot Whale was seen off Giant's Point Isles of Scilly, also
seen were 4 Cory's and 1 Great Shearwater.
18/8/00 A large Bottlenose Dolphin was seen at the entrance of the
River Dart.
18/8/00 Two Basking Sharks were seen off Porthcurno SW387223 at 5 p.m.
They were both quite small only 2 to 3 metres long.
19/8/00 One, possibly two, Harbour Porpoises were seen off Porthmoina
Cove Bosigran SW415368
19/8/00 A Grey Seal was seen at Godrevy Point SW579433 at 1800. She
had fishing line or net tight around her neck.
19/8/00 2 Porpoises were seen south of Porth Chapel SW382218 at 1630
20/8/00 6 or more Leatherback Turtles were seen from MV Scillonian
III which was on a birders trip from Penzance to position 49º 07'N
007º 04'W and back. Also seen on the trip were 23 Common Dolphins
a Harbour Porpoise and 4 Ocean Sunfish. Several birders said that the turtles
were the highlight of the trip. Other observers on the same trip saw 2
Fin Whales, 30 or more porpoises and a pod of dolphins thought to be a
mixed pod of Commons and Bottlenose Dolphins.
20/8/00 4 Ocean Sunfish were seen moving East to west between St.Ives
and the Carrack Rocks SW4840 at 1300. 16 Grey Seals were hauled out on
the Carrack Rocks , 2 appeared to be quite small, but one adult male had
fishing line around its neck. Not the same seal as seen at Godrevy on the
19th.
20/8/00 A Basking Shark was seen west of the Manacles Buoy at 9 a.m.
21/8/00 3 Dolphins were playing at the entrance of Fowey Harbour at
1.p.m..They were around tugs at first then bow wave riding on a yacht.The
had no obvious markings.
21/8/00 5 basking Shark were off kennack Sands SW739166 and had been
in the area for the past two weeks. There had been a lot of pilchard spawning
in the area.
21/8/00 6 Bottlenose Dolphins moved westward across Trevaunance Cove
St.Agnes SW721519 at 1800. Benty was one of the pod and they were bow riding
a small boat.
22/8/00 3 Basking Sharks were seen off Sennen SW351263 and many very
large Sea Slaters were found on the beach possibly Ligia oceanica
23/8/00 Benty's Pod of 3 Bottlenose Dolphin were seen briefly at Long
Rock SW498308 close inshore in strong SE winds. Some Gannets were present
24/8/00 There was a brief glimpse of a juvenile Basking Shark
off Ranie Point, Port Issac Bay SX020820 at 4 p.m.. It was quite small
no more than 2 Metres. There were also 2 Ocean Sunfish in the area.
26/8/00 Nine Bottlenose Dolphins were just outside Porthleven harbour
at 1500hrs. Benty was one of the pod. This pod has been in the area for
the last three days.
26/8/00 9 Ocean Sunfish Mola mola were seen together at the
surface just east of St. Ives Head SW5421 at 1330 They were being picked
at by gulls , probably removing parasites the copepod Lepeophtheirus nordmanni.
27/8/00 3 Basking Sharks were seen circling and feeding off Mayon Cliff
SW589269 at 1300
27/8/00 Ten Ocean Sunfish proceeded westward off Naxav Point SW592436
between 1400 and 1900. The first one seen at 1400 was about 20m offshore
the others passed between two rocks in groups of two or three. The last
one seen looked the biggest and its dorsal fin was at least 3ft long
29/8/00 Earlier this month a Saddled Bream Oblada melanura of
440grams
(15 0z 8 dr.) was caught from St.Austell Bay. Cornwall. This was the
first reported catch of this species by an angler from U.K. waters This
species is normally found in the Mediterranean and its most northerly distribution
is off the Biscay coast. This one was 31 cm long (Max length 35 cm).
It was identified by experts at the National Marine Aquarium at Plymouth
29/8/00 A Basking Shark was seen off Cape Cornwall SW3431 during the
afternoon. Also seen were 40+ Cory's Shearwaters.
29/8/00 6 Blue Shark were seen off the Isles of Scilly (pelagic) also
100+ Cory's, 2 Manx, and 45+ Great Shearwaters, 12 Storm Petrels and a
Chiffchaff.
30/8/00 A Seahorse came up in a crab pot
off Lamorna SW4523 but unfortunately it was crushed on the deck of the
crabber before it was noticed.
1/9/00 A pod of 7 or 8 Bottlenose Dolphins that had been in the area
since August 3rd were within 20m of the beach in Talland Bay SX2251 and
in only 1M of water. They seemed unconcerned by the attention they
were receiving from the people in the water. The observer waded in and
was prodded and poked by 3 or 4 of the dolphins which he described as an
unforgettable experience.
3/9/00 A pod of 7 or 8 large Bottlenose Dolphins came alongside a crabber
fishing boat off Tater du SW440230 at noon.
3/9/00 A Sunfish Mola mola was seen between Portmadog and Harlech SH5535
on the west coast of Wales
3/9/00 An Ocean Sunfish was seen on the north side of Newquay headland
between 1700 and 1730. It jumped out of the water several times up to 2ft
high. It was 3 to 4 ft long and 2 to 3 ft deep. Olive green in colour on
top and silvery underneath. There was a large black male grey seal in the
same area.
8/9/00 A Truncated Sunfish Ranzania laevis was landed
at Newlyn Market. It was taken 150 miles South West of Ireland and is only
the 7th of this species to be landed in Great Britain. Five were taken
between 1743 and 1895 and the sixth earlier this century.
11/9/00 A lady walking barefoot on Crantock Beach, Newquay SW780601
on August 1st received an excruciating sting from what was certainly a
Weever
Fish, leaving three puncture marks in her toe. The pain responded to
hot water treatment after about 20 minutes, but the wound swelled up and
after two operations, the second requiring a 6 day stay in hospital,
the toe is still inflamed today. Both the Lesser Weever Echiichthys
vipera and the Greater Weever Trachinus draco occur in British
waters and both have poison glands along the spines of their short-based
front dorsal fin and along a spine at the upper corner of the opercle (
gill cover) They bury themselves up to their eyes in sand and are occasionally
stepped on by people entering the sea on the beach and the poison causes
localized swelling and great discomfort but rarely death in humans.
12/9/00 A Harbour Porpoise was seen 1 mile SW of Gwennap Head SW367215
at 1100hrs
15/9/00 A large pod of Common Dolphins were seen about 3 miles east
of the Isles of Scilly at 1710. There were approximately 400 Gannets in
the area at the time.
15/9/00 2 Common Dolphins were off Porthguarnon SW410230 in calm sea
at 1845hrs. They were about 1 km offshore.
15/9/00 An Ocean Sunfish was seen off Pendeen SW383358 during the day
17/9/00 An 18ft Pilot Whale came alongside a boat off Cadgwith SW722142
19/9/00 2 Harbour Porpoises were seen 1 mile east of Gwennap Head SW367215
at 1700hrs
20/9/00 A pod of about 30 Common Dolphins were seen off St. Michael's
Mount, Mounts Bay SW515301
20/9/00 A Harbour Porpoise was seen off Carn du SW572238 at 0945
23/9/00 A large pod of at least 100 Pilot Whales were seen earlier
this week about 6 miles off St. Anthony's Light Falmouth SW846311 They
were travelling westward toward The Lizard.
28/9/00 Several Portuguese Man-of-War
have been washed up along the south coast of Cornwall recently; 2 at Swanpool
SW802312 on the 23rd Sep., 2 at Maenporth SW790296 on the 25th Sep., 1
at St. Michael's Mount SW515301 on the 28th Sept. and as many as 40 reported
today at Prussia Cove SW56279
30/9/00 A Pomarine Skua followed MV Scillonian III for while off Land's
End on her way to the Isles of Scilly .
30/9/00 Many Portuguese Man-of-War were washed up on the sand bar between
St. Agnes and Gugh Isles of Scilly during the past week.
1/10/00 A Basking Shark was seen at the entrance to Plymouth Sound
today.
2/10/00 A pod of 20 or more Common Dolphin were seen from MV Scillonian
III on her return trip from the Isles of Scilly, also seen were 15 Storm
Petrels and one Wilson's Petrel, 6 Manx Shearwaters and one Cory's, and
2 Bonxies or Great Skuas.
3/10/00 A Portuguese Man-of-War was found washed up at Watergate SW8464
and another at Mawgan Porth SW8467. Also many Buoy Barnacles Dosina facicularis
and thousands of By the Wind Sailors Velella velella were found stranded
on the beach at Porthcothnan SW8572
6/10/00 A pod of several Common Dolphin were in Old Town Bay, St. Mary's
Isles of Scilly mid-morning
6/10/00 Two Harbour Porpoises were off The Garrison, St. Mary's I.o.S.
during the morning.
6/10/00 A pod of about 50 Common Dolphins were off Wingletang Down,
St. Agnes I.o.S. at noon.
6/10/00 A mixed pod of Common and Striped Dolphins were off St.Agnes
I.o.S. during the afternoon. It was estimated that there were about 100
of each species in the pod.
6/10/00 A pod of dolphins, probably Bottlenose, were 200M off Portwrinkle
at 1840 There was a large Adult with a juvenile followed by 3 medium sized
dolphins heading toward Rame Head.
6/10/00 60 or more Common Dolphins were feeding beneath diving Gannets
off Gwennap Head SW367215 at 0915. They broke up into smaller groups and
one of the groups was watched until 1230.
7/10/00 A mixed pod of at least 100 Striped Dolphin and many Common
Dolphin were off St. Agnes, I.o.S. during the afternoon.
7/10/00 8 Common Dolphins were seen from MV Scillonian III on her return
trip from the Isles this afternoon. Also seen were 1 Harbour Porpoise,
1 Storm Petrel, 2 Balearic, 1 Sooty and 1 probable Cory's Shearwaters
7/10/00 An 8ft Shark, believed to be a Basking Shark, was seen between
Perranporth and St Agnes SW7253.
9/10/00 3 Portuguese Man-of-War were found stranded on the beach at
Bigbury on Sea south Devon SX6444.
12/10/00 There was a recent stranding of an Atlantic White Sided
Dolphin at Croyde Bay, North Devon SS4339. This is the first
record of this species in SW waters since 1974. The head was collected
and taken to the British Natural History Museum London.
14/10/00 A pod of at least 20 Common Dolphins were seen from MV Scillonian
III on her return trip from the Isles, also seen were 2 Harbour Porpoises
a Sooty Shearwater, 30 Kittiwakes and an unidentified Petrel.
15/10/00 This morning 15 unidentified dolphins were off Peninnis Head,
St. Mary's I.o.S.
15/10/00 There were two Harbour Porpoises about one mile off The Minack
Cliff Theatre SW387220 at 1400hrs
16/10/00 The coiled shell of the cephalopod Spirula spirula
was found on the beach at Perranporth SW753546 This tiny cephalopod is
more closely related to the cuttlefish than the octopus and is believed
to live in the depths of the Sargasso Sea, but the shells are occasionally
washed up on west country beaches. This one was large at 1" for they are
rarely more than ½" and exceptionally it was found with some remains
of the living animal inside.
16/10/00 200 yards offshore at Mylor yacht harbour SW823353 a Cormorant
Phalacrocorax carbo was observed eating an eel-like fish but the fish being
held by the snout was not behaving like an eel and was putting up quite
a good fight but eventually lost the struggle. It was identified with the
use of binoculars as a Broad-Nosed Pipefish Sygnathus typhle
17/10/00 A Sunfish was swimming around on the surface in Devonport
Dockyard for about 3 hours making grunting noises.
17/10/00 About 8 Common Dolphins were seen feeding beneath diving Gannets
1 mile off Gwennap Head SW367215 at 0900, but moved westward later.
At 1400 hrs two others were seen off the Minack Theatre SW387220.
18/10/00 A pod of 6 to 8 Common Dolphins were seen from MV Scillonian
III both on her way to the Isles and on her return trip at 1130 and 1800
18/10/00 On a fishing trip 3 miles north of St. Martins I.o.S.
a pod of 15 Common Dolphins were seen, also 2 Bottlenose Dolphin. Birds
seen were a Great Shearwater and a Sabines Gull.
19/10/00 Four Common Dolphins were seen from a boat trip off St. Mary's
I.o.S. this afternoon. Also seen was a Sooty Shearwater and a Great
Skua.
21/10/00 A pod of 10 unidentified dolphins were seen between St. Mary's
and St. Martins, Isles of Scilly during the afternoon.
21/10/00 Two Grey Seal pups were found at Mutton Cove near Godrevy SW582433
at 15.30. One was dead the other wore a white hat with HP on it which was
underlined red.
21/10/00 An 18 to 20ft Minke Whale was seen off Black Head south of
Coverack SW779162 at 1700. It circled a boat only 12ft
away.
21/10/00 There were about 50 Grey Seals hauled out on the beach at
Godrevy SW581428 today. One was wearing a hat with the letter I on it underlined
in red. Another large dark animal had what appeared to be
ulcerations on its back.
24/10/00 A large Pod of Pilot Whales were seen and filmed off The Lizard
today from a naval helicopter and the film was shown on regional television.
25/10/00 A Basking Shark was seen from the cliff top at Hartland Point
SS230277. in choppy seas. It appeared to have something yellow on its side,
possibly netting.
26/10/00 A pod of about 12 Common Dolphins were seen travelling westwards
about 1 mile off the Minack Cliff Theatre SW387220 at noon.
6/11/00 A group of about 30 grey seals were seen from Godrevy Headland
SW587441. Some were lying on the beach and others bottling in the water
from 1130 to 1200.
10/11/00 A fishing boat crew out of Coverack reported having a pod
of over 30 Common Dolphins around the boat according to a report on Radio
Cornwall.
15/11/00 3 Harbour Porpoises were seen heading westward off Port Quin
SW968806 at 1100hrs
18/11/00 A pod of about 6 Harbour Porpoises were seen in rough sea
conditions off The Rumps SW931812 at 1600hrs
21/11/00 A report was received today of a turtle being found stranded
on Fistral Beach, Newquay. SW797620. The animal was thought to be a Loggerhead
and was taken to Newquay Sealife Centre to be examined by a vet.
23/11/00 The turtle taken to the Newquay Sealife Centre on 21/11/00
was treated by a vet but died at 1100 today from septiceamia.
2/12/00 At least three Harbour Porpoises were seen off Pendeen SW377358
at 1530.
3/12/00 5 Sperm Whales were spotted off the Dutch coast near Schouwen-Duivenland.
They were close inshore and locals thought they might strand so a dive
boat patrolled up and down between the whales and the shore until dark
to fend them off. They were not seen again next day.
5/12/00 2 Harbour Porpoises were seen about 1 mile north of the Brisons
Rocks SW340301 and 4 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen just north of Cape Cornwall
SW348318 during the day.
6/12/00 A pod of 10 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen just north of Cape
Cornwall SW348318
8/12/00 A small pod of at least three dolphins were seen in Sennen
Bay SW3526 at 1300. These were probably Bottlenose.
8/12/00 A Harbour Porpoise was seen off Cape Cornwall SW348318
13/12/00 Two large and two small Pilot Whales were seen off Giants
Castle,
St. Mary's Isles of Scilly during the afternoon.
17/12/00 Two large Bottlenose Dolphins were seen off Lamorna SW450240
17/12/00 A Harbour Porpoise was seen ½ mile south of the Minack
Cliff Theatre SW387220
18/12/00 A pod of at least 7 Harbour Porpoises were seen about 1 mile
north of the Brisons Rocks SW340301
Cornish
Marine Life Records (Ray Dennis) 2001
Cornish
Marine Life Records (Ray Dennis)
2002
Vince
Smith's One-List/Cornish Wildlife
Seaquest
SW (Cornwall Wildlife Trust web pages)
BMLSS
Pages:
| Cetaceans (Whales & Dolphins) | |
| Pinnipeds (Seals) | |
| Elasmobranchs (Sharks & Rays) (including Basking Sharks) | |
| Sunfish | |
| Jellyfish | |
| Cephalopods (Octopuses & Cuttlefish) | |
| Turtles | |
| Fishes |
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