Reports received of Marine Creatures sighted, stranded or landed during 2001
A list compiled by Raymond Dennis
 

1/1/01  Three dolphins were watched for 2 hours in Cawsand Bay SX4350
from 13:00 to 15:00. They were thought to be Bottlenose and were probably feeding. They eventually headed off toward Penlee Point.
2/1/01 A Harbour Porpoise was seen off the Minack Theatre SW387220 at 1245
4/1/01 At least 4 Harbour Porpoises including an adult with a juvenile were seen ½ mile south of the Minack Theatre SW387220
5/1/01 A pod of 3 or perhaps 4 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen in Carbis Bay SW5238 at 1100. Benty was one of the pod and many Gannets were diving in the area.
6/1/01 Two Harbour Porpoises were seen off the Minack Theater SW 387220 about 200 yds offshore. And a Minke Whale travelled westwards at 1315 also close inshore. It was about 18 - 20 ft long.
6/1/01 A pod of 3 or 4 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen again in Carbis Bay SW5283
7/1/01 During the first week of the year 4 Common Dolphin carcasses were found on west country beaches. One at Par SX0853, and another at Kennack Sands SW739166 on the 1st January, One at Marazion SW5031 on the 3rd. and another south west of Lowland Point SW802195 on the 7th.
7/1/01 Three Bottlenose Dolphins were seen travelling north past the Cowloe at Sennen SW3526 at 0940, and there was at least one Harbour Porpoise behind the Cowloe.
7/1/01 Three Harbour Porpoises were seen off Lizard Point SW694115 between 1230 and 1330 including an adult with a juvenile.
8/1/01 There were at least 4 Harbour Porpoises off Gwennap Head SW367215 between 0915 and 1100 and also at least 3 off the Minack Theatre SW387220 ¼ to ½ mile out at 1300.
10/1/01 A Minke Whale was seen off Gwennap Head SW367215 at 0825, it was 100 to 300 yds offshore and 18 to 20 ft long. It was still around at 1600 hrs.
11/1/01 A Harbour Porpoise was seen a mile south of the Minack Theatre SW387220 in the morning
12/1/01 An Octopus brought up in a lobster pot by the MFV Intuition TO40 operating out of Newlyn had a span of over 5ft, and its suckers were about the size of a 50p piece. It had eaten the lobsters in the pot and it was taken alive to the Newquay Sea Life Centre.
12/1/01 A Minke Whale is still around the Gwennap Head area SW367215 seen by coast-watchers and birdwatchers. It was present until midday
12/1/01 Three Harbour Porpoises were seen about ¾ mile off Pendeen Cliff SW383358 at noon.
14/1/01 3 Harbour Porpoises were seen close inshore off Gwennap Head SW367215 between 1030 and 1230. These were thought to be the same porpoises as seen off Pendeen on the 12th by their size and colour.
14/1/01 A carcass washed up at Church Cove, The Lizard today was headless but was considered to be a Porpoise. It had a knotted rope around its tail and there were abrasions to the fins and other parts of the body.
14/01/01 Two Common Dolphin carcasses were found stranded, one at Kennack Sands SW789160 and the other at Church Cove Landewednack SW715127.
15/01/01 A Common Dolphin carcass was reported at Coverack SW783182
15/1/01 A Red Band Fish was washed up dead on the beach at Torcross SX824420
16/01/01 A 4 to 5 Metre Basking Shark was seen about 12 nautical miles north of St Ives.
19/1/01 Three Harbour Porpoises were seen off Lizard Point SW694115 at about midday.
23/1/01 The carcass of a Harbour Porpoise was found on the beach at Long Rock SW498308
23/1/01 A Red Band Fish, Cepola rubescens was washed up dead on the beach at Maenporth SW790296 recently  I understand that the Looe fishermen used to catch them in fair numbers well off Plymouth particularly after bad weather. They have a very long tapering body with one long dorsal and anal fin. They breed in the Mediterranean and as far south as Senegal.
24/1/01 The carcass or a Striped Dolphin was found at East Portholland SW960412 Veryan Bay.
26/01/01 A dead Common Dolphin was found beached at Whitesand Bay SX4050 yesterday and two more were found floating at sea a few miles SW of Eddydstone today.
28/1/01 An unidentified dolphin carcass was found at Halzaphren  Beach Gunwallow SW655217
28/01/01 A 25ft to 30ft long Minke Whale was seen off Porthchapel  SW382218 at 1400 today.
29/1/01 A Minke Whale was seen again near the Runnelstone SW369200 from Porthchapel   SW382218. It was seen about 6 times between 1130 and 1400 finally from off the Minack Theatre.SW387220.
29/1/01 Six Harbour Porpoise carcasses have been found stranded in the last 11 days. One at Coverack SW783182 on the 18th Jan.  one north of Pernagie Point, St. Martins I.o.S. on 21st Jan. one at Marazion  SW5031on the 23rd Jan. one at Par Beach SX0853 and another at Carlyon Bay SX0552 on 24th Jan. and one by Straps Rocks Gwithian SW579411 on the 29th Jan
31/1/01 Six Grey Seal stranded carcasses have been found since Jan.17th. one at Coverack on 17th Jan. one at Wembury,Devon SX5147 on 20th Jan. one at Port Hellick on the 22nd  Jan.one at Godrevy SW581433 on 24th Jan. one at Booby's Bay SW8575on 26th Jan. and another at Hawkes Cove [also known as Harbour Cove] SW910770 on 31st Jan.
3/2/01 A Pilot Whale carcass was found stranded in the Hanover Cove area SW737531, south of Cligga Head.
5/2/01 A dead Common Dolphin was found stranded at Gwynver SW362276 Whitesand Bay.
5/2/01 A Minke Whale was seen at 1130 just east of Porthgwarra SW371216
9/2/01 A dead Grey Seal was reported at Port Loo St. Mary's I.o.S. yesterday and another at Treyarnon Beach SW856740 today. There was also a decomposed dolphin carcass on Samson I.o.S.
11/2/01 A Sperm Whale carcass arrived on Vault Beach Gorran Haven SX005400 and a Common Dolphin carcass at Lowland Point SW802195, also a dead Grey Seal on S. side of White Island, St. Martin's I.o.S.
11/2/01 A large Grey Seal was seen close inshore at Lowlands Point SW798193 with a 4" cut on the neck and various other abrasions. Staff from the seal sanctuary and others went to see if they could help. They managed to get near enough to see that the seal had cataracts on both eyes which were glassy green, however the seal went further out to sea and disappeared so no help could be given. It is thought that the seal had received its scars as a result of its inability to see clearly
12/2/01 A Minke Whale was seen east of the Runnelstone SW369200 between 1430 and 1600
12/2/01 A Sperm Whale carcass was stranded on Vault Beach, near  Gorran Haven  SX005405  It was a male of about 40ft long, They are known to grow to about 65ft. This is only the 3rd stranding of this species on the coasts of Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly since 1967. The last was in 1990
13/2/01 A mixed pod of about 50 Pilot Whales and dolphins, believed to be Bottlenose, were seen near the Wolf Rock Lighthouse.
14/2/01 A pod of about 150 Whitesided Dolphins were seen about 4 to 5 miles South East of The Lizard. This species had been seen in the same area on a recent previous occasion.
16/2/01 A small pod of Harbour Porpoises were seen in the area of the Runnelstone SW369200 between 0900 and 1300.
16/2/01 A Grey Seal carcass washed up at Marazion SW 5031
18/2/01 A Pilot Whale carcass stranded near Newfoundland Point St. Mary's I.o.S.
19/2/01 A pod of 4 to 6 Harbour porpoises were seen in generally quite a tight group resurfacing in different directions about 300m north of the Brisons Rocks SW340301 at 1700 hrs
20/2/01 Three Harbour Porpoises were seen from the Gwennap Head Lookout SW376215 at 1000. They were about 1 mile to the west.
21/2/01 A pod of about 60 Common Dolphin was seen heading westward off Porthcurno SW387222 at 0930
21/2/01 A pod of about 60 Common Dolphins was seen heading westward off Levant Mine SW371216
23/2/01 A Bottlenose Dolphins was seen travelling westward off Porthgwarra SW371216,  ½ mile offshore at 0900. At about the same time a Harbour Porpoise was seen near the Runnelstone SW396200
28/2/01 A Minke Whale was just off the cliffs at Gwennap Head SW367215 at 0815. and 3 Harbour Porpoises were seen about a mile out from the same position at 1030
28/2/01 A pod of a dozen Atlantic White Sided Dolphins followed HMS York for several hours as she travelled westward 15 miles south of The Lizard. They were leaping quite high out of the water at times and many Gannets were diving in the area.
1/3/01 A Grey Seal was seen around moorings in Fowey Harbour at 1400
1/3/01 Three Harbour Porpoises were seen off Gwennap Head SW367215 at 1015 and a Minke Whale was seen from the same position in the afternoon
4/3/01 A pod of 4 dolphins spent the morning from 0930 to 1200 jumping and playing in calm sea just off Newlyn Harbour SW4628. Described as being larger than Harbour Porpoises they were probably Bottlenose Dolphins.
4/3/01 A harbour Porpoise carcass was found stranded at Portmellon SX016439 near Mevagissey
4/3/01 3 dolphins, probably Bottlenose were seen in Gwavas Lake SW4628 at 0940. Only dorsal and upper back seen, thought to be feeding.
8/3/01 Three Common Dolphin carcasses were found washed up today one at Long Rock penzance SW498308, another at East Portholland SW960412, and the third at Lamorna Cove SW4523
10/3/01 The carcass of a Grey Seal was found at Perranuthnoe SW7--5--,.
12/3/01 Two badly decomposed dolphin carcasses were found at Gunwalloe Church Cove SW656226 and a Common Dolphin carcass at Lesceave Rocks Praa sands SW587274
13/3/01 Two Common Dolphin carcasses were found stranded today one at Freathy, Whitsand bay SX398518 and the other in Porthleven Harbour SWSW6225
13/3/01 A Kemp Ridley Turtle was found alive on the beach at Holywell Beach SW7659 this morning. It was showing signs of septicaemia and was taken to Newquay Aquarium to be cared for. The prognosis is good for it is strong and otherwise seemed healthy.
13/3/01 A seal was popping up in the surf among surfers at Sandy Bay Exmouth today.
16/3/01 A dead Common Dolphin was found stranded between Penlee Point SW473269 and Newlyn Harbour
17/3/01 3 Harbour Porpoises were seen about 1 mile south of Lizard Point SW694115 at 1500
18/3/01 An unidentified small cetacean carcass was found stranded at Polpeor Cove The Lizard SW699112.
22/3/01 During the last three days seven Common Dolphin carcasses have been found stranded; one at Porthpean St Austell SX032506 on 20th Mar. one at Kennack Sands SW736166 and another at Porthcurno SW387222 on 21st Mar. and three below Tregantle Fort Whitsand Bay SX387526 and one west of Treganhawke Cliff  SX4051 east Cornwall on 22nd March.
24/3/01 A decomposed dolphin carcass  was found stranded in Mevagissey Harbour SX016448.
25/3/01 A dead Common Dolphin was found between Penlee Point SW4726 and Mousehole
26/3/01 A Common Dolphin carcass was found at Long Rock SW498308
27/3/01 A 12ft Risso's Dolphin with a 4ft juvenile was seen off Towan Beach Newquay
2/4/01 A dolphin Carcass was found on Pendower Beach SW897382
4/4/01 The carcass of a Common Dolphin was found on Wherrytown Beach Penzance SW4727
6/4/01 The carcass of a Harbour Porpoise was found at Tregantle, Whitsand SX3853
8/4/01 Two Bottlenose Dolphins were seen off Gyllingvase SW808316 heading east toward Pendennis between 1600 and 1639
8/4/01 Beaky and two other Bottlenose dolphins escorted a sail boat from Helford to The Carrick Roads Falmouth late afternoon and then turned their attention to a gig race in the harbour area
9/4/01 Three Bottlenose dolphins followed the Lantic Bay Dredger across St Austell Bay from Par Harbour toward Lantic Bay at 0950. They were seen playing around the bay after leaving the dredger.
12/4/01 3 Dolphins spent a short while in Fowey Harbour during the morning, These were probably Bottlenose.
12/4/01 Two dolphins were seen heading eastward off Hannaford east Looe SX257523 at 1015. They were described as man sized or larger so were probably Bottlenose. The sea was calm, it was cloudy with showers and mist patches but one was seen to jump clear of the water.
12/4/01 4 Adult Bottlenose Dolphins with two juveniles were seen in the lower harbour at Fowey SX1251 at 0845. Benty was one of the pod.
12/4/01 A pod of 4 - 5 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen in Portnadler Bay SX2451 between 1520 and 1530. They were 300 yds offshore west of Looe Island. Benty was one of the Dolphins. The sea was calm with light winds.
12/4/01 Two Harbour Porpoises were seen from MV Scillonian III when about two miles east of the Isles of Scilly   at 1700
13/4/01 8 Common Dolphins were watched for some time off Giant's Castle St. Mary's I.o.S  SV924100 at 1600. These were joined by a strung out pod arriving from the east. Eventually there were about 30 Common Dolphin and two Harbour Porpoises in the pod at 1700Wind N.E. 1 to 2 . Calm sea. Overcast.
14/4/01 A pod of 10 to 12 Bottlenose Dolphins were off Penzance promenade including 2 juveniles. They were playing and breaching around boats and bow riding a yacht. One was seen playing with a plastic bag tossing it into the air.
14/4/01 The carcasses of two Common Dolphins were found at Tregantle SX3853
14/4/01 A pod of Bottlenose dolphins was seen just East of St. Michael's Mount SW5130 at 0830. A sail boat left Marazion hoping to get identification photographs. Benty was with the pod which included two juveniles. The pod split into two groups which made it difficult to count but there were at lease 8 dolphins present and could have been as many as 15. Two speed boats came out and the dolphins made off toward Mousehole, South West.
14/4/01 A Basking Shark was seen ½ mile offshore between Kilcobben Cove and Cadgwith SW7213. Described as being of average size.
14/4/01 4 Bottlenose Dolphin were reported just off the Minack Theatre SW387220 in the late afternoon
16/4/01 The carcass of a Common Dolphin was found at Tregantle SX3852
16/4/01 The carcass of a Common Dolphin was found at Porth Ledden SW353320
16/4/01 The carcass of a Grey Seal was found at Perranporth SW7857
16/4/01 A dead Common Dolphins was found at Cape Cornwall SW352317
17/4/01 A pod of 6 Bottlenose Dolphins headed eastward off Polzeath SW9378 at 1900
19/4/01 A Sturgeon was caught off the coast of Cornwall and landed at Cadgwith SW722142 from the fishing boat FH529 Kingfisher II, skipper John Tonkin. Weighing about 40 Kg or 90lb and over 6ft long it was only the 22nd Sturgeon to be landed in Cornwall since 1820. Sturgeon are very rare and being a Royal Fish is traditionally offered to the Queen,  or in the case for Cornwall, the Duchy, but the offer was declined, so it was taken to Newlyn Market where it was sold for
£285-00 and on the 21st was being served to customers in a Sea Food Café in Bath.
20/4/01 Quite a large pod of dolphins was seen from Gwennap Head SW367215 this morning as MV Scillonian III passed on her way to the Isles of Scilly . The dolphins were heading in the opposite direction, eastwards, and passed quite close to the ship so the passengers would have had a very good view. Light and distance did not give a clear enough view to be sure of the species, but these were most probably Common Dolphin for there were about 100 or more animals. Later from the same location a pod of about 10 Bottlenose Dolphins with 2 juveniles were seen also heading eastwards. Benty was not seen with this pod
20/4/01 A dark coloured dolphin was seen in lower Fowey Harbour at 1500
23/4/01 A Whale was seen feeding in Mounts Bay between Mousehole and Newlyn . It was 10 to 15ft long with black back and pale belly and small hooked dorsal. The blow was U shaped when it dived. The head seemed bulbous and the tail was small.
23/4/01 A small pod of about 6 Common Dolphins were seen from MV Scillonian III about 4 to 5 miles off Land's End at 1050
23/4/01 A Minke Whale was seen heading toward Newlyn but turned and headed back toward Mousehole and out of the Bay. It surfaced after each dive which lasted no more than a couple of minutes.
26/4/01 The carcass of a Grey Seal was found at Porth Loo St.Mary's I.o.S. SV908511
27/4/01 A pod of 4 or 5 Bottlenose Dolphins was seen heading northwards across Fistral bay SW7962 at 1630.
27/4/01 A pod of 15 to 20 Common dolphins were seen travelling west about 1½ mile south of Gwennap Head SW387220 at 1045 and a single Harbour Porpoise was seen heading westward 1 mile off the Minack Theatre SW387220 at 1245.
29/4/01 The carcass of a Harbour Porpoise was found at Poldhu SW600195
30/4/01 A pod of 4 or 5 dolphins were in the area of the Poole Harbour Entrance SY0585 over the weekend. A dolphin known as "No-nose" (due to its short white beak)was present
1/5/01 A large Grey Seal has been seen in St Loy Cove SW4242320 off and on for the last fortnight at about lunchtime.
1/5/01 A pod of about 20 dolphins were seen a mile south of Lizard Point SW694115
2/5/01 A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins was seen off St. Michael's Mount SW5029 just before dark in the evening, they were heading S.E. toward the Grebe. Benty was one of the pod and there was a juvenile present.
2/5/01 4 Common Dolphins were seen circling between Tye Rock and the Harbour at Porthleven SW628253 between 1130 and 1500. And were reported to have entered the harbour at about lunchtime
2/5/01 5 dolphins including 2 juveniles spent most of the morning just off Porthleven SW6225 harbour. One of the adults had a lot of white on the belly. These were probably Common dolphins.
3/5/01 2 Dolphins were seen off Dartmouth SX8949 inside the Port hand Buoy. One was extremely large and they swam alongside a fishing vessel.
4/5/01 Three Harbour Porpoises were seen from MV Scillonian III on her outward journey this morning. They were off Porthcurno SW387222
4/5/01 A Basking Shark was seen near the Longships Lighthouse, Land's End  from the Sennen Lifeboat.
4/5/01 A Harbour Porpoise was seen SW of Gwennap Head SW368215
5/5/01 There was a Basking Shark off Cot Valley SW355309
5/5/01 A pod of 12 to 15 dolphins were corralling a shoal of fish in Bigbury Bay South Devon  SX6--4-- from 1300 to 1315. They were occasionally jumping clear of the water and being followed by excited gulls. Species not known,  but larger than porpoises.
5/5/01 A Basking Shark was seen off Porth Nanven SW3630
6/5/01 5 or 6 dolphins including one juvenile were being followed by pleasure craft in the Salcombe area over the Mayday weekend.
6/5/01  2 Basking Sharks were seen off Gwennap Head SW3621 and 4 Risso's Dolphins were seen spy hopping close to Newlyn Harbour  SW4628.
6/5/01 Two Basking Sharks were off Porthgwarra Cove SW371216 at 0930 One very large with a rounded dorsal.
6/5/01 Two Harbour Porpoises were seen off Pendeen SW378360
6/5/01 12 Grey Seals were seen hauled out on rocks below Gwennap Head SW367215. Two were very large and 4 were juveniles. Low tide, calm sea
7/5/01 A basking Shark and 2 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen off Land's End
7/5/01 Four Risso's Dolphins were seen off Newlyn SW4628 between 1600 and 1630
7/5/01 A Basking Shark was seen off Gwennap Head SW3621 a whale thought to be a Minke was seen off Sennen toward Land's End
7/5/01 There was a 20ft Basking Shark in Church Cove The Lizard
SW 715127 at 8.p.m.
8/5/01 A Basking Shark was seen between St. Michael's Mount and the mainland at Marazion SW515301
8/5/01 A Basking Shark was seen off Gwennap Head, also 2 Harbour Porpoises and 2 Bottlenose Dolphins. A pod of Common Dolphins including  a few very small ones was also seen.
8/5/01 A pod of 6 to 8 Bottlenose Dolphins including Benty followed the Lantic Bay dredger into Fowey Harbour at 0945.
8/5/01 A pod of about 20 Common Dolphins were feeding at the Runnelstone SW396200 from 0830 to 1000 several babies were present as were two Bottlenose Dolphins. Two Porpoises were in the area at 0800.
8/5/01 There was a Basking Shark off Porthgwarra Cove SW371216 at 0945
9/5/01 Two Basking Sharks were seen in Cadgwith Bay SW722142 at 0700. One was very large, and had been seen  around for the last three weeks the other was smaller. There was an Algal bloom in the Bay.
9/5/01 Two Basking Sharks were heading east in a westerly tidal stream of 2½ knot 1 mile SE of Start Point SX830370 at 1200 hrs.
9/5/01 Two Basking Sharks were seen off Cot Valley SW355309
9/5/01 A pod of 8 to 10 Bottlenose Dolphins were at the entrance of Fowey harbour SX1251
10/5/01 Two basking Sharks were seen off Pendeen SW378360 and 5 more were off cape Cornwall SW349318
10/5/01 A small pod of 4 dolphins were seen off Bedruthan SW848696 between 1100 and 1130.
10/5/01 Three Basking Sharks were travelling east 1 mile off Southerly Point The Lizard at 1030. They were between 18 and 22 ft long  It was sunny with a force 3-4 ENE wind with migrating Swifts and Swallows coming in and quite a few Gannets moving out at sea.
11/5/01 Two swimmers ¼ mile off Penzance promenade SW4730 at midday were approached by two adult Dolphins and a baby of about 3ft long. The dolphins seemed to be curious about the swimmers approaching several times before leaving. They were thought to be Bottlenose.
11/5/01 24 basking Sharks were reported off Start Point SX830370 between 1300 and 1430. They wre moving slowly east.
11/5/01 Benty the Bottlenose Dolphin was seen from MV Scillonian III today.
12/5/01 Three Basking Sharks were off Start Point SX830370 during the day
12/5/01 A pod of 5 to 7 Bottlenose Dolphins moved south across Fistral Bay Newquay SW7962 at 1930 hrs. The pod included a dolphin thought to be Benty, and was followed by a lone Canoeist paddling quickly.
12/5/01 3 Dolphins were seen moving westward off Porth Joke SW7763 in the evening. These were probably part of the pod of Bottlenose seen off Newquay earlier in the day.
12/5/01 A pod of Dolphin was seen moving westward off perranporth SW753536 at 2015. They were about 100 yards offshore. These were probably the Bottlenose seen moving westward of the north Cornish coast during the day.
13/5/01 Benty's pod of about 10 Bottlenose Dolphins including 2 babies followed the Mojo Marine work boat around Land's End into Sennen Bay where divers from the boat were working on cables. The dolphins stayed playing around the boat all day and did the same the following day.
14/5/01 A Basking Shark was reported to be off Bass Point SW716118 by the Lizard Coastwatch  at 0945
14/5/01 A pod of 10 to 12 Bottlenose Dolphins were watched for an hour off Gurnards Head  SW432387 this morning. The pod included one with a bent fin, probably Benty, and 2 juveniles.
14/5/01 A pod of Bottlenose dolphins were seen in Sennen Bay during the day.
14/5/01 Seven Bottlenose Dolphins were sen at Sennen SW3526 and later at Cot Valley SW355309
15/5/01 A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were seen proceeding south east off Marazion SW5131 at 0915. Two juveniles were in the pod. This would be Benty's pod which has moved from Newquay on the 12th down the north coast of Cornwall and around Land's End in the last three days.
15/5/01 There were 6 or 7 Basking Sharks between Black Head SW779162 and Lizard Point SW694115 at 0915 today. One was very large,  over 30ft.
15/5/01 Three Basking sharks were seen at Lizard Point SW694115 in calm seas between 1010 and 1125. 2 were about 18ft long and the other 12ft.
15/5/01 A 10ft Basking Shark was about 50metres from the cliff in Housel Bay SW7011 at noon. It left the cove and went west.
15/5/01 Benty's pod of Bottlenose Dolphins seen early morning off Marazion returned during the evening and were feeding just east of the Mount for an hour before dark.
15/5/01 10 Basking Sharks were feeding just outside the Salcombe/Kingbridge estuary entrance during the morning.
15/5/01 a 25ft Basking Shark was found caught in net 20 miles south of Plymouth but was released unharmed by crew of Fishing Vessel Our Louise who also reported seeing 2 Basking sharks near the Eddystone Reef 50º 10'N  04º 16'W
16/5/01 Three dolphins were playing in the surf within 20ft of surfers at Polzeath SW9378 from 1700 to 1745.
17/5/01 A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins have been in Whitsand Bay for most of the past week. They came close inshore near Downderry SX315538
18/5/01 A Thornback Ray was reported to have come to the surface for a look around off Snapes Point SX7439 Salcombe Estuary at about 0900. This behaviour has been observed in tanks before but not reported in open water.
18/5/01 A pod of Dolphins was seen off Swanpool SW8031
18/5/01 2 Grey Seals were seen in St Loy Cove SW424230, they have been seen in the cove regularly recently.
19/5/01 Benty's pod of about 10 Bottlenose Dolphins arrived in Sennen Bay and were very playful in the surf occasionally jumping over human surfers. Benty's fin is even more bent, now lying completely flat on its back.
19/5/01 A 30ft Basking Shark sent all the morning in St. Loy Cove SW424230
19/5/01 Two Basking Sharks were circling near some gulls ¾ mile off Land's End at 1700. The 6 metre sharks disappeared when a boat approached. There was also a Grey Seal on the rocks near the Longships lighthouse, and another one was seen in Sennen  Cove
19/5/01 A Basking Shark was seen heading NE off Start Point SX830370 at noon.
19/5/01 A Basking Shark was feeding in St. Austell Bay 1 nm from the Gwineas East Buoy at 1652. Heading east.
!9/5/01 A small dark grey/black cetacean was seen 3 miles east of St. Anthony Head SW846311 at 1350. The head and tail was not seen above water so this was probably a Harbour Porpoise
20/5/01 A small dark grey black cetacean was seen 3 mile south east of Polperro SX209509 at 1545. The head and tail was not seen above water. This was probably a Harbour Porpoise
20/5/01 8 Basking Sharks were at Skerries Bank off Dartmouth during the day. Some were quite large including one with a baby.
20/5/01 The 30 ft basking Shark was back in St Loy Cove and spent all day there.
20/5/01 A pod of 7 Bottlenose Dolphins including Benty and a juvenile were near the entrance to Salcombe harbour SX7338  at 1100hrs.
20/5/01 2 basking Sharks were off Pedn-mên-du SW346262 near Land's End at 1400.
20/5/01 5 or 6 Basking Sharks were between Prawle Point SX771350 and Start Point SX830370 at 1230.
20/5/01 A large Basking Shark was feeding 1 nm off Start Point SX830370
 at 0848 200M from observers boat, and another was seen feeding off Salcombe Estuary at 0934.
20/5/01 8 basking Sharks were at Skerries Bank off Dartmouth today. Some were quite large including one with a baby.
20/5/01  A pod of 4 Bottlenose Dolphins were playing around yachts in Salcombe Estuary. Benty was in the pod. And there was a Basking Shark feeding off Start Point SX830370 at midday
20/5/01 An Ocean Sunfish was seen off Sennen SW3526.
20/5/01 A Basking Shark was seen off the Minack Cliff Theatre SW387221 during rehearsals at 2000hrs
20/5/01 Two Basking Sharks were ¼ mile SW of Gwennap Head SW368215 at 1740
21/5/01 A Basking Shark was off Porthgwarra Cove SW371216 at 1130
21/5/01 A 7ft Leatherback Turtle was landed at Trevaunance Cove St Agnes SW721516 after being trapped in crab pot ropes and hauled in dead with the pots.
21/5/01 A Basking Shark was off the Minack Cliff Theatre SW 387221 during the afternoon.
21/5/01 A pale 4 metre Basking Shark was feeding in choppy seas off Charlestown Harbour SX045510 at 1700
21/5/01 A dark 7 metre Basking Shark was feeding offshore at Carlyon Bay SX055515 at 1900
22/5/01  A young seal was seen swimming ½ mile off St. Just In Roseland SW8435in the evening
23/5/01 A Basking Shark was seen from the Lantic Bay Dredger at 1600hrs in position 50°19 38'N   04° 32 73'W .
23/5/01 There were 2 Basking Sharks south of Looe Island SX2652 at 1900hrs
23/5/01 A 3M Basking Shark was 60M offshore at Polperro SX209509 today
24/5/01 4 basking Sharks were seen off Towan Beach SW810620. First seen at 1115hrs and were there all day after that
24/5/01 Fishermen reported seeing about 25 Basking Sharks between Fowey SX1251 and Looe Sx2652 during the morning
24/5/01 About 20 Basking Sharks were reported to be off Plymouth Sound
24/5/01 2 basking Sharks were seen in the approaches to Fowey harbour at 1130hrs.
24/5/01 8 Basking Sharks were in Gerrans Bay SW8937 during the afternoon and one was seen to breach at 1830hrs.
24/5/01 A small pod of 6 dolphins were seen about 2 miles off Cadgwith SW722142
24/5/01 There were 6 or 7 Basking Sharks off Polperro SX2150. One was about 7M long the rest 3 -4 M
24/5/01 A 10 to 12ft long Basking Shark was seen in Gerrans Bay SW8937 at 1300hrs.Described as black in colour with a rounded dorsal fin.
24/5/01 A Basking Shark was seen ½ SW of Gwennap head SW368215 at 1350
24/5/01 There were 6 Basking Sharks between The Minack Cliff Theatre SW387220 and Porthgwarra SW371216
25/5/01 A pod of 5 to 7 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen heading SW in Whitsand Bay off Rame Head SX4148 at 1400. The sea was choppy with a swell and there were many Gannets in the area.
25/5/01 There was a basking shark ½ west of Gwennap Head SW368215 at 1720
25/5/01 6 Basking Sharks were 1 mile off Pendower Beach SW900381 from 1550 to 1700
26/5/01 Two basking Sharks were seen off Carn Gloose SW353313 and four more were seen off The Crowns, Botallack SW361336
26/5/01 Two Basking Sharks were in Wembury Bay SX5147 at 1500hrs. There were no distinctive fin markings or damage.
27/5/01 3 Basking Sharks were seen off Looe Island SX2652. 2 were together and the other a little way off. A pod of dolphins had been seen in the area.
28/5/01 An Ocean Sunfish was seen off Gwennap Head SW368215.
29/5/01 A diver carrying out a decompression stop at 3 metres on the site of the wreck of the Lincoln  noticed a basking shark swim by below at about 8 metres. The shark turned and swam up very close to the diver and circled the diver a couple of times before descending to 8 metres again and making off.
29/5/01 Two harbour Porpoises were seen off Godrevy  SW581433 at 1300 and another was seen 2 miles west of Gwennap Head SW368215 at 1900
29/5/01 2 Basking Sharks were following each other closely all day off Sennen SW3526 breaching from time to time
30/5/01 Earlier this week a small pod of about 7 Common Dolphins followed a boat for 20 minutes between Hartland Point SS230279 and Lundy Island SS1345
30/5/01 There was a very large number of Basking Sharks in the area from The Longships SW320253 to Cape Cornwall SW352317 probably 50 or more. The sea was very inky and glassy with no wind.
30/5/01 There was a Basking Shark 2 miles South of Porthgwarra Cove SW371216 at 1530 and 3 more off Cot Valley SW355309 and 3 more off Cape Cornwall SW349318
30/5/01 8 Basking Sharks were reported in Sennen Bay SW3526 during the day.
30/5/01 4 Basking Sharks were seen by divers from Merseyside branch No.5 of the BSAC when diving between Land's End and the Longships Rocks. They were 12 to 14ft long and one had a hook with trailing line in the right corner of its mouth and a badly damaged right eye, and was probably blind in that eye.
30/5/01 There were 3 Basking Sharks off Trevean SW411361
31/5/01 5 basking Sharks were seen off cape Cornwall SW349318 and a Harbour Porpoise was seen ½ south of Gwennap Head SW368215
1/6/01 A Grey Seal pup was seen near Godrevy SW587434. It was 2 to 3 ft long with moulted head , flippers and tummy, the rest of the body was white and it seemed healthy and active.
2/6/01 Diver on the wreck of the Hellopes in Mounts bay were accompanied by four Bottlenose Dolphins during the morning one of which was a juvenile. Other diver who visited the wreck in the afternoon said that the dolphins were still there.
2/6/01 Benty's pod of four Bottlenose dolphins were by the wall at Brixham Harbour today.
3/6/01 An Orca was seen to breach about 500metres south of Logan Rock SW398215. It came completely out of the water.
3/6/01 An Orca was seen near the Sharks Fin Rock off Land's End about 1 mile from Mayon Cliff lookout SW349260. It was clearly seen through a telescope as it breached twice showing its distinctive tall fin and black and white markings. Many Gannets were diving, Basking Sharks were in the area and seals could be seen hauled out on the rocks around the Longships Lighthouse SW320253.
3/6/01 A pod of 3 to 6 dolphins or porpoises were  seen speeding along off Bolt Tail SX667397
3/6/01 A Minke Whale was seen off the Minack Cliff Theatre SW387220
3/6/01 Two small Basking Sharks were seen off PorthLoe SW364219 and 3 larger sharks were seen at Sennen Cove SX3526. Three Basking Sharks were also reported off Porthcurno SW387222.
3/6/01 A dolphin was seen heading eastward off St. Loy SW424230 at 0800 but was seen again ½ hours later heading west.
3/6/01 A 12ft Basking Shark was seen close inshore at Logan Rock SW398215  at 1500hrs.
4/6/01 Two basking Sharks were seen feeding off St. Loy SW424230 between 0830 and 0930. One was very large.
4/6/01 A Basking Shark was seen off Kennack Sands SW739166 during the afternoon. There was a small pod of 2 or 3 dolphins in the area.
4/6/01 A Basking Shark was seen at Carn Gloose SW353313
4/6/01 2 Basking Sharks were seen off cape Cornwall SW348318
4/6/01 A pod of 6 dolphins were seen by the Coastwatch at Bass Point the Lizard SW716118 at 1637. They were about ¾ mile south of Point.
4/6/01 A 20ft Basking Shark was seen travelling west at 2 - 3 knots against the tide 1 km off Gurnards Head SW432387.
4/6/01 2 Grey Seals have been in and around Fowey Harbour since May 28th.
4/6/01 A 20 ft Basking Shark was seen feeding in the shallows heading west off Wembury Point SX502479.
4/6/01 A Basking Shark was seen off Carn Les Boel SW356232 at 1830hrs
4/6/01 6 Basking Sharks were off Mayon Cliff SW349260 at 1930. Flat calm sea and good light.
4/6/01 3 Orcas were seen near the Farne Islands off Northumberland
5/6/01 9 Basking Sharks were off Marazion just west of the Mount, 2 were very large, at least 25ft long. Sea flat calm, no swell, some chop.
5/6/01 There were at least five Basking Sharks off Marazion SW5131 sharing the area with the sailing club between 1930 and 2000. The sharks came close to the becalmed boats and one was very young.
5/6/01 Two Basking Sharks were feeding in the area of the Lampus Buoy Plymouth Sound for about an hour from 1930
5/6/01 A Basking Shark was seen in Plymouth Sound travelling south at 1850
5/6/01 A Long Nosed seahorse Hippocampus guttulatus (=H. ramulosus) was found and photographed off Pendennis Head SW827315 and the pictures appeared in local newspapers.
5/6/01 There were 2 Basking Sharks off Bosigran SW416369
6/6/01 There were 6 Bottlenose Dolphins off Durgan SW772273 in the Helford River. One was much larger than the others
7/6/01 A Red-billed Tropicbird was seen and photographed 20miles SSE of the Isles of Scilly .These are oceanic birds normally found near to the Caribbean.
8/6/01 There were 11 Basking Sharks and a pod of at least 6 Bottlenose Dolphins off Porthgwarra SW371216 at 0920. Later in the morning a Basking Shark was seen off Pendeen SW378360 and in the afternoon 6 were off Carn Gloose SW353313
8/6/01 There was a Basking Shark off Pendeen SW378360 during the morning
8/6/01 There were 6 Basking Sharks off Carn Gloose 3535313 in the aftternoon.
8/6/01 2 basking Sharks were in Le Scathe Cove SW407229 at 1100 hrs.
 One was 20ft long the other about 15ft.
8/6/01 There was a pod of 5 to 7 Bottlenose Dolphins between Porthgwarra SW371216 and the Minack SW387220 from 0915 to 1430, they were a mile offshore most of the time. This was not Benty's pod.
8/6/01 4 Harbour Porpoises were feeding in the rip tide off Morte Point SX593591 from 1400 to 1700. Gannets were also feeding.
9/6/01 A pod of 5 to 7 Bottlenose Dolphins was off the Minack SW387220
9/6/01 A pod of 15 Bottlenose Dolphins were off the entrance to Fowey Harbour at lunchtime. One adult was with a calf.
9/6/01 8 Dolphins, believed to be Commons, were off the mouth of the river Fowey in calm seas.
9/6/01 A small pod of 3 or 4 dolphins were seen at the entrance of Fowey Harbour at 1200 and again at 1730. There was some harassment by small boats following the dolphins.
9/6/01 Benty's pod of Bottlenose dolphins were in Fowey Harbour including one juvenile
10/6/01 Two Pilot Whale were seen off the Lizard and 3 Basking Sharks in Cadgwith Bay SW7214. The Sharks had been seen in the area for some days.
11/6/01 6 Basking Sharks were off Boat Cove Pendeen SW382361at 1800
11/6/01 A pod of dolphins was seen heading south SE of the New Stone off Plymouth
11/6/01 7 Basking Sharks were off Botallack SW361338 at 1920
12/6/01 4 or 5 Harbour Porpoises were off Morte Point SX593591 at 1500. Gannets were present but there was no sign of feeding.
12/6/01 8 basking Sharks were off Pendeen Watch SW3736 at 0900
12/6/01 A pod of about 15 dolphins, thought to be Bottlenose were seen heading south across Coverack Bay SW7818 at 1030 these were followed by 10 more and a further 5 later.
12/6/01 A Crab caught on the edge of the Continental Shelf off Ireland has been taken to Weymouth Sea Life Centre where it has as yet not been identified. Similar in size shape and colour to the Edible Crab but the carapace is spiky all over.
12/6/01 A pod of 20 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen heading toward the Lizard in Coverack Bay SW3526 during the morning.
12/6/01 There were 6 Basking Sharks in Sennen Cove SW3526 at 1900 and a diver was trying to get photographs of them.
12/6/01 A Harbour Porpoise was seen in Whitesand Bay from Carn Gloose SW353313 at 1630
12/6/01 7 Basking Sharks were off Botallack Head SW361338 during the morning
12/6/01 8 Basking Sharks were off cape Cornwall SW 352317 during the morning
12/6/01 A pod of about 60 dolphins, thought to be Bottlenose, were seen heading toward Falmouth off Black Head SW779162  at 0800.
12/6/01 A pod of about 20 dolphins were seen 2 miles off Cadgwith SW7214
12/6/01 A small pod of harbour porpoises were off Morte Point SX593591 at 1500. There appeared to be no feeding activity although Gannets were present
13/6/01 A lone Bottlenose Dolphin was travelling west ½ mile off Porthgwarra SW371216 at 1345
13/6/01 Three dolphin were seen off Hannafore Looe Bay SX257524 at 1600.
13/6/01 A pod of 6 to 8 dolphins were seen off Nare Head SW915369.
13/6/01 A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were seen in Fowey Harbour being very playful.
14/6/01 There were 13 Basking Sharks scattered over a wide area of Sennen Bay SW3526 at 1930
14/6/01 A pod of 10 Bottlenose dolphins were seen off Falmouth SW8735.
14/6/01 A pod of 6 to 10 Bottlenose Dolphins arrived at Porthpean SX032506 from the east , stayed feeding for an hour before moving off west ward. They were seen later off Ropehaven SX036489.
15/6/01 An angler at Carlyon Bay was surprised when he had his catch stolen by a group of 4 or 5 Grey Seals. There was a Basking Shark further out in the Bay
15/6/01 A Basking Shark was seen off Spit Poinr SX075524 ½ mile offshore
15/6/01 A pod of 4 or more dolphins were seen in choppy seas off Gyllyingvase Beach SW808316 at 1300. They were watch for 20 to 30 minutes and were thought to be Bottlenose.
16/6/01 A Minke Whale was seen near the Runnelstone SW369200 at 0915 and 2 Harbour Porpoises at 1030
16/6/01 Between 0800 and 1045 a Minke Whale, a Basking Shark and 2 Harbour Porpoises were seen off Porthgwarra SW371216, also seen were 2 Arctic Skuas, 15 Common Scoter and a Cory's Shearwater.
16/6/01 Basking Sharks have been seen off Sennen SW3526 every day since May 8th except on a few days when sea or visibility conditions had not been good enough, usually 3 or 4 with larger numbers in the afternoons.
16/6/01 At least six Basking Sharks were off Trevean SW411361. Four were circling together and Gannets were diving within a metre of the sharks. Within minutes all the sharks and Gannets disappeared
17/6/01 A pod of about 10 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen feeding off Newlyn Harbour SW4628 at 1245 and were watched as they continued to feed moving slowly across the Bay toward the Gear Pole SW479293. Although two boats left Newlyn Harbour, one specifically to see the dolphins there appeared to be no harassment for the dolphins approached and followed the boats rather than the other way around. A lone sailboarder fell off and sat on his board for a while and the dolphins approached and surrounded him for a few minutes before eventually moving off.
17/6/01 A pod of about 6 Bottlenose Dolphins were leaping and playing around the sailing boats off Marazion at midday
17/6/01  A Grey seal was seen playing in the surf at Coombsgate near Woolacombe SS4542
17/6/01 4 or 5 Dolphins were seen off Newlyn Harbour at 1325 and later near the Gear Pole
18/6/01 A Porpoise was seen 1 mile west of Land's End from MV Scillonian III  at 1015, another was seen as the ship approached St. Mary's I,o.S. at 1145 and 2 more were in the sound between St. Mary's and St. Agnes at 1200
18/6/01 3 basking Sharks were feeding in the Tribbens, the sea gulley between the Cowloe Rocks at Sennen Cove SW3526 at 0930.
18/6/01 There were 6 Basking Sharks off Trevean SW411361
19/6/01 Benty's pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were off Cot Valley SW355308 at 1215. A juvenile was present.
19/6/01 A pod of 10 to 12 dolphins were seen far out in Fistral Bay SW7962
Newquay,at 0900.
19/6/01 4 Dolphins were reported to be playing in the surf at Sennen Cove SW3526 at 1200
19/6/01 There were 15 to 20 Basking Shark in Housel Bay SW7011 near The Lizard early in the morning.
19/6/01 There were an estimated 25 dolphins playing in the surf at Sennen Cove SW3526 at 1400
19/6/01 A very large Basking Shark was off Bosigran SW416369
20/6/01 A pod of about 10 Harbour Porpoises were feeding in the tide race just off the Cowloe Rocks SennenSW3526 from 1100 to 1300.There was a good tide race and Gannets were diving.
20/6/01 10 dolphins were playing around a catamaran off Newquay SW7962 for 3 hours during the evening
20/6/01 10 to 12 dolphins were in playful mood off the mouth of the Helford River. Pictures appeared in the Western Morning News on the 21st.June.
21/6/01 A Sunfish was seen about 30ft from the rocks below the Mayon Cliff lookout SW349260. It was there for about ½ hour clearly seen in calm and very clear water. Basking Sharks were present.
21/6/01 About 30 Basking Sharks were seen between Lamorna Cove SW4523 and the Runnelstone SW369200 at 0700 There were 3 groups of four and several scattered sharks. The observer stopped counting at 20.
21/6/01 An angler on Pentire Point SW923804, the eastern point of the Camel Estuary, over an 8 hour period counted 48 Ocean Sunfish in twos and threes.
21/6/01 A Pilot Whale was seen I mile off Cadgwith SW722142 in the evening
21/6/01 An Orca was seen 4 miles off Porthleven SW631252 . It was about 25ft long and breached, re-entering the water with a great splash. The markings were clearly seen.
22/6/01 Benty's Pod of 8 or 9 Bottlenose Dolphins including a juvenile were off Godrevy Point SW581433 at 1730. They headed across the bay toward Hayle and continued westward toward Land's End.
22/6/01 5 Basking Sharks were seen off Porthgwarra SW371216 and one more at Carn Gloose SW353313 where 2 Puffins were also seen.
23/6/01 4 Basking Sharks were  feeding offshore at Kennack Sands SW739166 at 1030
23/6/01 A Killer Whale was seen 6 miles south of St. Mary's I.o.S.  Two Storm Petrels were also seen in the area
23/6/01 A pod of 5 or 6 Bottlenose Dolphins, including Benty was in Fistral Bay, Newquay SW797620 at 2030.
23/6/01 Eleven Dolphins, thought to be Bottlenose, were off Trescore Islands Porthcothan SW848720 at 1430. They were in two groups including one large adult.
23/6/01 A 5 day old Grey Seal pup has been brought into the Gweek Seal Sanctuary. Rescued from Boscastle Harbour SX097913, it is the earliest pup rescue, being 3 months ahead of the main breeding season of the Grey Seals.
23/6/01 A large Grey Seal was seen between Godrevy and Navax Point SW585438
23/6/01 4 or 5 Dolphins were seen off Poly Joke at 2110hrs
23/6/01 There were 40 to 50 Basking Sharks feeding offshore at Cadgwith at 1130hrs and  a further 4 were off Kennack Sands SW739166
23/6/01 Benty's pod of 7 or 8 Bottlenose Dolphins were off Mawgan Porth SW8467 at 1330 heading from Newquay toward Park Head when they were harassed by a lifeguard in a RIB. He herded them into a group and circled them despite protests from anglers on the beach. He will be reported to the Police Wildlife Liaison Officer. The pod was seen later at 1900 heading back toward Newquay.
23/6/01 A small Ocean Sunfish was seen off Mousehole SW470263 at 1530 It was only about 12" to 15" across the fins.
23/6/01 A 15ft Basking Shark was seen off Porthcurno SW387222  at 1500hrs
23/6/01 Two Basking Sharks were seen off Lamorna SW450240 at 1030hrs. They were about 18ft long
24/6/01 A pod of 20 to 25 dolphins were seen in Mount's Bay at 1700hrs.
24/6/01 A pod of 7 to 10 Bottlenose Dolphins were in Fistral Bay Newquay SW797620 at 0845.
24/6/01 A Basking Shark was feeding offshore at Gwynver Beach, Sennen SW362276 during the day.
24/6/01 A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins including Benty were off Greenaway Beach Polzeath SW926782
24/6/01 Splashes and Breaches of a Whale have been seen over the last three days by surfers and lifeguards at Gwynver Beach Sennen SW362276
24/6/01 6 Basking Sharks were seen off St. Ives Head SW521411
24/6/01 A large Ocean Sunfish was seen 1 Nm east of the Gwineas Rocks SX031420 at 1449.
25/6/01 A Sunfish was seen from MV Scillonian III off the Penwith south coast at 0940
25/6/01 A pod of over 50 dolphins were seen off Rame Head SX419481
25/6/01 6 or more Basking Sharks were feeding off Jubilee Pool Penzance at 2000
25/6/01 Two Bottlenose Dolphins were seen off Coverack SW7818 at 1430
25/6/01 A small pod of Harbour Porpoises were seen heading westward off Penberth SW404226 at 0900hrs. There were at least 5 and possibly 8.
25/6/01 10 Dolphins were off Looe Harbour from 1255 to 1850 hrs
25/6/01 A Basking Shark was seen off the Minack Cliff Theatre SW 387220 by children and teacher of  Year 3 of Trewirgy Junior School, Redruth. A canoeist was present but there was no harassment of the shark.
26/6/01 A Basking Shark was seen ¼ mile offshore at Cape Cornwall SW352317 at 1400 hrs
26/6/01 A pod of 30 or more Bottlenose Dolphins were watched for over an hour late afternoon off Coverack SW7818 There were many juveniles among the jumping animals.
27/6/01 A small Ocean Sunfish was seen about ½ mile SW of Bolt Head SX725359 at 1425.
27/6/01 2 Basking Sharks were seen off Porthgwarra  SW371216 before 0830. Also seen were a Mediterranean Shearwater, an Arctic Skua and 2 Storm Petrels
27/6/01 A Basking Shark and 3 Puffins were seen at Cape Cornwall SW352317 during the afternoon
28/6/01 5 Basking Sharks were seen off Cape Cornwall SW352317 early afternoon, also seen were 3 Puffin and 50 Manx Shearwaters.
28/6/01 3 basking Sharks were seen off Pendeen Watch SW377358 late afternoon. Also seen were 10 Manx Shearwaters.
29/6/01 A Sunfish was seen from MV Scillonian III when on her way to the Isles of Scilly at 1115hrs.
29/6/01 6 Basking Sharks, 25 Manx Shearwaters and 3 Puffins were seen at Cape Cornwall SW352317 during the morning.
30/6/01 R.S.P.B. birdwatchers aboard MV Scillonian III during April May and June reported seeing many Common Dolphins, Porpoises, Bottlenose and other unidentified Cetaceans well off the mainland. And several Basking Sharks off the Penwith south coast.
30/6/01 Reports of Basking Sharks off the coast of West Penwith have come in nearly every day during June. Mainly between Pendeen SW377358 on the north coast and the Minack SW387220 on the south. Some were solitary but many others were in groups up to 10, and a few larger groups of 15, 20, and 24, and the largest number seen was on the evening of the 12th June when 50 were off Carn Gloose SW353313.
30/6/01 A pod of 5 to 7 Bottlenose Dolphins were playing in the surf with surfers at Putsborough Sands SS4441 in the afternoon.
1/7/01 2 Basking Sharks were seen off Teignmouth SX940730 at 1500. They were 12 to 15ft long and heading toward Torquay
1/7/01 7 Basking Sharks were off Cape Cornwall SW352317 in the late afternoon.
2/7/01 2 basking Sharks were feeding close in to the rocks at Polbarrow SW717135 Between Church Cove The Lizard and Cadgwith in the late afternoon.
2/7/01 15 Basking Sharks were off Cape Cornwall SW352317. Also seen in the are were 5 Puffin.
2/7/01 A Basking Shark was off Penzer Point SW467249 at 1400 hrs.
2/7/01 A Basking Shark was ¼ to ½ mile offshore at  Rinsey Head SW589269 at 10 a.m.
3/7/01 Throughout the day there were at least 6 Basking Sharks off Gwennap Head SW367215.
4/7/01 A Basking Shark was off Carn Gloose SW353313 at 2p.m.
4/7/01 15 Basking Sharks were off Cape Cornwall SW 352317 during the morning. 5 Puffin were also seen.
4/7/01 3 Orcas were seen off the Farne Islands Northumberland.
5/7/01 A Basking Shark was off Cape Cornwall SW352317 at3.30p.m.
5/7/01 Three Basking Sharks were feeding off Charlestown SX039515. One was 15ft, another 20ft and the third over 20ft. The 15ft shark swam under a stationary boat in an investigation move.
5/7/01 Spanish Mackerel were caught while fishing for Whiting, 10 to 15 miles off Dodman SX000392. This is a southern species, with stripes and spots below the midline.
6/7/01 A Basking Shark was off Sennen SW351263 at 4.p.m.
6/7/01 A lone Bottlenose Dolphins was seen heading steadily eastwards off Porthgwarra SW371216 and a Basking Shark was feeding 50Metres off Hella Point SW370214
6/7/01 Two large Grey Seals of about 5ft were seen playing in the surf at Portheras Cove SW388358
7/7/01 A Basking Shark was off Cape Cornwall SW352317 at 11.30a.m.
7/7/01 There were at Least 6 Basking Sharks off Lizard Point SW694115 in the mid afternoon. They were about 1½ miles SE of the Point
7/7/01 A Basking Shark was seen a couple of times in Coverack Bay SW7818 during the morning
7/7/01 7 basking Sharks were seen feeding a mile offshore between Cadgwith SW723145 and Black Head SW779161, and three more were seen off Coverack SW783183 and 3 more off the Manacle Rocks SW8120 between 1300 and 1500 hrs
8/7/01 A Basking Shark was off Cape Cornwall SW352317at 11.30.a.m.
8/7/01 A Risso's Dolphin and 2 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen together off Logan Rock SW396219. These two species have been seen together locally before. . A little further west, off Hella Point, SW370214 a Basking Shark was feeding 400metres offshore.
8/7/01 A Fea's or Soft Plumaged Petrel was seen and photographed 7 miles south of St. Mary's I.o.S. Taken on board "Kingfisher" This bird would normally be found around or near the Canary Isles
8/7/01 A sickly dolphin which has been seen in the Thames over the past few days has been found dead and an Orca in Cork Harbour also died.
9/7/01 A Basking Shark was seen 1 mile off Gwennap Head SW367215
9/7/01 An Ocean Sunfish was off Mayon Lookout SW349260
10/7/01 A Risso's Dolphin was seen heading south off Newlyn SW4628
10/7/01 A pod of about 30 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen from the Lantic Bay Dredger. The pod of adult and young were in position 50º 19.06'N
04º 37.20'W
11/7/01 2 Basking Sharks were off Cape Cornwall SW352317 at 11.a.m.
11/7/01 A birdwatcher reported seeing a Basking Shark off Hella Point SW370214 at 1000hrs.
11/7/01 A Grey Seal popped up 20 metres away from an observer sitting on a rock at the waters edge at Godrevy at 1100hrs, and popped up again for a second look
11/7/01 A Thresher Shark was found stranded on Gunwallow Beach SW656226. Local experts thought it might be a Big-eyed Thresher so a digital photo was sent to Alwyn Wheeler B.N.H.M. for confirmation or otherwise. The last recorded sighting of a Thresher in Cornish waters was off Portwrinkle SX356538 in 1993.
12/7/01 4 Basking Sharks were off Pendeen SW377358 at 9a.m.and 2 Ocean Sunfish were seen there in the late afternoon.
12/7/01 4 basking Sharks were seen off Porthgwarra SW373216 during the morning.
12/7/01 A solitary large Bottlenose Dolphin was seen off Slinke Dean
 SW461245 at 1100hrs.
13/7/01 There were 3 Basking Sharks off Land's End between 1000 and 1130. A Balearic Shearwater was also seen
13/7/01 An Ocean Sunfish was seen off Pendeen SW377358 at 3 p.m.
13/7/01 Benty's pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were cavorting around a catamaran off Newquay SW8262 in the afternoon. The pod has increased in size to 10 including one quite small and others as big as Benty.
13/7/01 There were at least 9 Ocean Sunfish in the channel between The Rumps and Mouls at Pentire Head SW936814 from 1400 to 1600 passing east to west close inshore, some actively swimming others drifting on side.
14/7/01 2 Basking Sharks were off Pendeen SW377358 during the morning and two others were off Carn Gloose SW353313 in the afternoon.
14/7/01 Some very large flukes were seen disappearing into the sea off Pendeen SW377358. They were pale underneath with a wavy edge. It was thought to be a Humpback Whale.
14/7/01 There were 2 Basking Sharks off Carn Gloose SW353313 in the morning. Also seen were 9 Common Scoter and 9 Puffin.
14/7/01 There were 4 Basking Sharks off Porthgwarra SW371216 in the afternoon.
15/7/01 A Minke Whale was seen near the Brisons SW340301
15/7/01 A Minke Whale was seen off Sennen SW351263 at 1400hrs and watched as it moved to a position off Carn Gloose SW353313 in the evening.
15/7/01 3 Basking Sharks were seen off Charlestown SX039515 in calm but foggy seas. Two were about 20ft long the other 15ft. The smaller shark swam under a stationary boat in an investigatory move, just once. The other sharks ignored the boat.
15/7/01 A small Ocean Sunfish was seen about ½ mile E of Black Head Coverack SW779162 at 2000hrs.
15/7/01 A solitary Harbour Porpoise was seen a mile off Porthgwarra Cove SW371216 at 1545hrs.
15/7/01 A Minke Whale was seen off Cape Cornwall SW352317 at 1240. It was later seen off Sennen  SW3526 20 to 30 times between 1830 and 2030 moving south towards the Longships Light SW320253. There were tens of thousands of Manx Shearwaters passing and the whale ½ breached amid the birds.
15/7/01 A Mediterranean Puffer Fish was stranded alive on Towan Beach Newquay SW869328 and was taken to the Blue Reef Aquarium Newquay, for recovery.
16/7/01 A pod of 5 to 8 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen off Higher Sharpnose Point SS195147. There were 2 juveniles present and they were travelling westward and leaping clear of the water.
16/7/01 A pod of 5 or 6 Whales were seen 3 miles off Lizard Point SW694115 by fishermen who said they were larger than Pilot Whales and probably Sperm Whales travelling east.
17/7/01 A Basking Shark was off Porthgwarra SW371216 today and also seen were 9 Balearic Shearwaters, 8 Sooty Shearwaters, 6 Storm Petrels and a Pomarine Skua.
17/7/01 A pod of dolphins was seen moving south across Fistral Bay SW797620 at midday.
17/7/01 A young Porpoise was found stranded alive but damaged. The R.S.P.C.A. were informed but it did not survive, and was collected for post-mortem.  This was the 72nd dead cetacean found on Cornish shores this year.
18/7/01 A medium sized Ocean Sunfish was seen well off Polperro SX209509 at 1220hrs.
18/7/01 An unidentified whale of 40 to 50ft was seen at 8p.m. heading west off Kennack Bay SW7316. It spouted vigorously twice. There were Portuguese man-o'war in the area in 2s and 3s.
18/7/01 A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were off Marazion at 1400 and moved out into the bay behind the mount.
18/7/01 A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were close to the wall at Penzance Harbour mouth at 1710 and moved around the lighthouse pier toward Battery Rocks
19/7/01 A large 7ft male Grey Seal was seen close inshore off Charlestown SX039515
19/7/01 A medium sized Ocean Sunfish was seen off the Manacles SW8120 at 1831 hrs.
19/7/01 A Sunfish was seen to breach in a rock pool at the mouth of the Hayle River SW554387. The 30" Sunfish was released back into the river at 1430 hrs.
19/7/01 A large Sting Ray of 15Kg. Was landed at Newlyn Market today and a small  (15cm) Marbled-Electric Ray was caught in a crab pot off Freathy Cliff SX398518. Whitsand Bay SE Cornwall.
20/7/01 A Basking Shark and an Ocean Sunfish were off Cape Cornwall SW352317 between 0930 and 1030.
20/7/01 A small Ocean Sunfish was seen 1 mile ESE of Black Head, Coverack SW779162 at 1120hrs.
20/7/01 There was a Basking Shark near the Runnelstone SW369200 during the morning
20/7/01 A huge tail was seen to slap the water off Nanven SW355307. It was thought to be a Humpback Whale.
21/7/01 A Basking Shark was off Cape Cornwall SW352317between 1215 and 1300hrs.
21/7/01 A Minke Whale was seen near Lundy Island SS1345
22/7/01 There were 2 Basking Sharks near the Runnelstone SW369200 at 1000 hrs and 3 Harbour Porpoises were in the area ½ an hour later. One was quite small.
23/7/01 A Basking Shark was off Hella Point SW370214 in the morning.
23/7/01 Three Harbour Porpoises were seen off Carn Gloose SW353313.
23/7/01 A Basking Shark was off Porthgwarra SW371216 during the morning.
23/7/01 A Minke Whale was reported off the Eastern Isles I.o.Scilly. SV9414
24/7/01 On the outward journey to the Isles on Scillonian III two Ocean Sunfish were seen, also 8 Basking Sharks between Lamorna SW450240 and the Runnelstone SW369200 from 0940 to 1020 and 3 Harbour Porpoises south of St. Mary's I.o.S.  On the return journey there were 4 sightings of single porpoises several miles off land, and one Basking Sharks off Porthcurno at 0646
24/7/01 A 15ft Basking Shark was seen 1 mile off Cudden Point SW548275
24/7/01 There was a Basking Shark ½ mile off Gwennap Head SW367215
25/7/01 A Harbour Porpoise was seen in the tide race near the Shark's Fin Rock SW327262 Land's End
25/701 2 Basking Sharks came alongside a boat half way between Pendennis Head SW826314 and Helford River Mouth SW7926 in Falmouth Bay. They were about 20ft long.
25/7/01 A Leatherback Turtle was seen between Wolf Rock and the Isles of Scilly
26/7/01 5 harbour Porpoises were off Morte Point SX593591 from 1115 to 1800. Feeding and generally milling around, possibly resting some of the time. Gannets were diving during periods of feeding.
26/7/01 2 Grey Seals were bobbing in the shallows around rocks off Morte Point SX593591 at 1155.
26/7/01 A Basking Shark was seen 1 mile south-west  of Dodman Point SX000392 at 1700hrs
26/7/01 3 Harbour Porpoises were seen off Pendeen SW377358 during the afternoon and in the evening a Basking Shark was seen off Carn Gloose SW353313.
26/7/01 Seven Harbour Porpoises were seen off Pendeen SW377358. 4 were in a group the rest spread out singly about 1½ miles offshore. There were also 2 Sunfish off Carn Gloose SW353313 and another off Pendeen SW377358
26/7/01 There were at least 6 Basking Sharks between the Brisons SW340301 and the Longships SW320253 at 1230hrs.
26/7/01 Three Basking Sharks and 6 Common Dolphins were seen off Land's End.
27/7/01 3 Harbour Porpoises  and a Basking Shark were seen off Carn Gloose SW353313 between 1100 and 1500hrs.
27/7/01 Two Basking Sharks were off Gwennap Head SW367215 at 0800hrs.  1½ miles offshore.
27/7/01 A small black fin was seen close inshore at the beach end of Coverack Bay  at 0730 today and yesterday. This was probably a Harbour Porpoise
28/7/01 6 Grey Seals were seen at Lizard Point SW694115 in the evening.
28/7/01 An unidentified Whale was seen in Kennack Bay SW7316
28/7/01 There was a Harbour Porpoise 1 mile off Pendeen Watch at 1420hrs. and 7 Porpoises off the Minack SW387220 at 1930hrs.
28/7/01 An Ocean Sunfish was seen off Porthcothan SW8572. Blackish in colour, moving south.
28/7/01 An Ocean Sunfish was seen in Mounts Bay near The Gear Pole SW479293 at about noon. A little later it was observed jumping clear of the water several times.
28/7/01 2 Ocean Sunfish were close in near base of cliffs at Hell's Mouth SW603429 swimming with bodies at an angle. A third sunfish was seen ½ hour later. All were about 4ft in height.
28/7/01 On the outward journey from Penzance to the Isles of Scilly on
MV Scillonian III, 22 Harbour Porpoises, 3 Basking Sharks and 4 Ocean Sunfish were seen, and on the return trip late afternoon 31 Harbour Porpoises, 3 Sunfish, a Blue Shark and an unidentified small greenish Turtle were seen
28/7/01 A Basking Shark was off Bosigran SW416369
29/7/01 A 10ft Basking Shark was seen to move quickly westward off the small cove next to Portheras Cove SW388358 in calm clear water. 2 Grey Seals were in the cove, one with a big head the other with a small one. Probably a male and a female.
29/7/01 3 Harbour Porpoises and two Ocean Sunfish were seen off Black Head ,Coverack SW779162.
30/7/01 An unidentified Whale was seen in Kennack Bay SW7316
30/7/01 A Minke Whale was seen heading slowly SE past the Runnelstone from Gwennap Head SW367215 between 0830 and 0930.and 2 Harbour Porpoises and a pod of unidentified dolphins were seen well offshore.
30/7/01 There were at least 2 and possibly 3 Basking Sharks off Gwennap Head SW367215 at 0900 and a Minke Whale was watched for 2½ hours travelling slowly east later in the morning.
30/7/01 Two Basking Sharks were following each other very close all day off Mayon Cliff SW349260. One breached . One had a very distinctive notch in its tail fin.
31/7/01 A Grey Seal came around from Rockham bay and was bobbing around rocks in the shallows off Morte Point SX593591 at1445.
31/7/01 4 Basking Sharks and 4 Harbour Porpoises were seen off Carn Gloose SW353313 between 1745 and 1850hrs.
31/7/01 Benty's pod of Bottlenose Dolphins have been in Bideford Bay SS4333 for the past week associating with boats. The pod of 6 or 7 animals have been seen in the area between Clovelly and Appledore for nearly 5 weeks.
31/7/01 100 dolphins were seen at the end of the month SW of Bude SS201065
1/8/01 Four Harbour Porpoises were 2½ miles off Gwennap Head SW367215, a pod of 3 plus a single, at 1000 hrs.
2/8/01 2 Harbour Porpoises were a mile South of Porthgwarra SW371216 at 1000 hrs
3/8/01 A Risso's Dolphin was 1 mile south of Porthgwarra SW371216 from 1030 to 1115. It had a grey head and a dark fin.
3/8/01 A Harbour Porpoise was in the tide race beyond the Cowloes SW348266 Sennen.
3/8/09 A Basking Shark was seen off Cape Cornwall SW352317 from 0930 to 1130
4/8/01 A Risso's Dolphin with a baby was off Porthgwarra SW371216 in the morning and a Harbour Porpoise was also seen.
4/8/01 2 Risso's Dolphins were off Porthgwarra SW371216 during the morning
4/8/01 2 Harbour Porpoises were seen off Porthgwarra SW371216
5/8/01 A Basking Shark was seen off Sennen SW350263 from 1400 to 1700
5/8/01 An 8ft Basking Shark was seen off Nare Head SW916370
5/8/01 A lone dolphin was seen heading eastwards 1 mile off Polperro SX209509
5/8/01 A small 8ft Basking Shark was feeding close in below Nare Head SW916370 at 1400 in clear calm sea with sea birds present.
5/8/01 An Ocean Sunfish was seen actively swimming between the point and the lighthouse at Godrevy SW581433 at 2000hrs It was about 75cm across.
5/8/01 3 Ocean Sunfish and an unidentified Turtle were seen off Trevose Head SW850765
5/8/01 A Basking Shark was off Land's End SW341252
6/8/01 A single Risso's Dolphin was spotted twice off Porthgwarra SW371216 during the morning.
6/8/01 An Ocean Sunfish was seen off Porthgwarra SW371216 in the evening. It was about 4ft across.
7/8/01 2 Basking Sharks were cruising around Bossiney Haven SX066894 at 1500, probably feeding
7/8/01 A Basking Shark was seen off Porthgwarra SW371216in the morning
7/8/01 A whale, thought to be a Minke was seen 200yds off Porthkerris SW806229 at 1630. Heading towards the Manacles.
7/8/01 A pod of 6 Harbour Porpoises were offshore at St.Mary's Isles of Scilly.
8/8/01 2 Harbour Porpoises were off Cape Cornwall SW352317  from 1600 to 1700
8/8/01 A Grey Seal was reported in the Carrick Roads just south of Penarrow Point SW825342
8/11/01 A Basking Shark was feeding off the cliff near Boscastle SX097913 at Midday.
8/8/01 There were about 50 or more Cyanea lamarkii Jellyfish and 10 or more Chrysaora hysoscella Jellyfish in Port Gavern Cove SX0081
9/8/01 4 Basking Sharks were offshore between Tintagel SX0589 and Bossiney SX 0689 at noon.
9/8/01 2 basking Sharks were seen from the car park at Port Issac SW996810 in the morning and 4 more were seen off Boscastle SX090915 in the afternoon.
10/8/01 15 Grey Seals were at the northern end of Nanjizal Bay SW358236 between 1300 and 1500
10/8/01 A 30ft Minke Whale was travelling eastward 1½ mile off Gwennap Head SW367215 at 1000hrs.
10/8/01 A Grey Seal kept watch from a close position as people were swimming from Battery Rocks, Penzance SW477297, a popular bathing venue. It stayed in the same position for over an hour at midday and was thought to be on a rock which was just underwater.
11/8/01 3 Basking Sharks were off Trebarwith SX045865 at midday
11/8/01 A Sunfish was reported just off Whitegate in Cork Harbour at 1500hrs. It was about 60cm diameter.
11/8/01 12 Basking Sharks were off St. Agnes I.o.Scilly  One was over 20ft long the rest between 12 and 16ft. Lots of Storm Petrels, a Sooty and a Cory's were also seen.
11/8/01 4 Basking Sharks have been off the coast between Port Issac SW9981 and Port Gaverne SX0081 for the last 3 days.
11/8/01 An Ocean Sunfish was seen to dive deeply off Shag Rock Perranporth SW746542
12/8/01 7 or 8 Bottlenose Dolphins were playing in the surf at Woolacombe SS450420 between 1815 and 1830. Only a few people were in the water at the time but a windsurfer considered that the dolphins were racing him.
12/8/01 On the Scillonian pelagic birdwatching trip the birders saw many of the birds they hoped to see including a Fea's Petrel, and also saw a pod of 10 or more Common Dolphin and 4 Ocean Sunfish
14/8/01 A pod of at least 30 White-Beaked Dolphins was seen off Porthgwarra SW371216 at 1055, also seen were a Cory's Shearwater,3 Sootys and 11 Balearics.
14/8/01 A pod of 3 to 5 Harbour Porpoises were feeding in the tide race off Morte Point SX593591 from 1500 to1800.
15/8/01 An Ocean Sunfish was off Cape Cornwall SW352317 from 1600 to 1700
15/8/01 An 8ft Basking Shark was off Pendeen Lighthouse SW377358 at about noon
15/8/01 An Ocean Sunfish was cut in half by a fast moving R.I.B. off St Ives SW5241. A passenger shouted Sunfish but too late to take avoiding action. The bits sank quickly into the sea.
15/8/01 3 Ocean Sunfish were seen on the surface off Gurnards Head SW432238 at midday. They were approximately 20lb size.
15/8/01 Pods of Common Dolphin were seen from the Scillonian on a pelagic trip. One pod was between Peninnis, St. Mary's I.o.S. and St. Agnes, the other two pods were well south of the Islands. The pod sizes in each case was between 6 and 12.
17/8/01 A Basking Shark and an Ocean Sunfish were off Porthgwarra SW371216  between 0800 and 1600 and a Harbour Porpoise was seen later
18/8/01 A Basking Shark was seen off Rinsey Head SW589269 early morning
19/8/01 11 Basking Sharks and 3 Harbour Porpoises were off Cape Cornwall SW352317 at 2p.m. and 10 Basking Sharks and 3 Harbour Porpoises were off Pendeen SW383358 between 1300 and 2000.
19/8/01 Two basking Sharks were 200metres west of the Gwennap Lookout SW367215 at 1349
19/8/01 A pod of small cetaceans, thought to be Harbour Porpoises, were seen moving north off East Pentire Point Newquay, SW780615
19/8/01 A flotilla of at least 30 Ocean Sunfish were basking off the Navax SW593437 in one group close to shore all day. Some were breaching.
19/8/01 2 Ocean Sunfish were on the surface near the Gull Rock Portreath SW647457 at midday
22/8/01 5 Harbour Porpoises and a juvenile were feeding in the tide race off Morte Point SX593591. Sea state was 2 to 3 but conditions were good. Gannets were present, and unusual for porpoises there was some leaping during feeding.
22/8/01 3 Basking Sharks and 3 Harbour Porpoises were off Porthgwarra SW371216 between 0745 and 1200 and at 1035 a pod of about 50 Common Dolphin came by.
22/8/01 An Ocean Sunfish was seen off Pendeen SW383358 from 1615 to 2000
22/8/01 A Basking Shark was ½ mile SE of of Porthgwarra SW371216 at 1130
22/8/01 Three Harbour Porpoises including a baby was seen a mile off Gwennap Head SW367215 at 1300
22/8/01  Three Basking Sharks were 1 mile SW of Gwennap Lookout SW367215 at 1300
22/8/01 Two 5ft long, dark, almost black, cetaceans were seen moving south east off St. Michael's Mount SW515301
22/8/01 An Ocean Sunfish and a Basking Shark were seen off Pendeen Lighthouse SW377358 during the afternoon.
22/8/01 A Grey Seal was seen at Porthcurno SW387220 at 1500hrs.
23/8/01 6 Ocean Sunfish and a Basking Shark were off Pendeen SW383358 from 0830 to 1200.
23/8/01 A Harbour Porpoise was seen from MV Scillonian at 0945 ½ mile off Porthcurno SW387222 and  a Common Dolphin was seen  ½ mile south of Mousehole SW470263 at 1845.
23/8/01 4 Basking Shark were inside the Doom Bar , Camel Estuary SW9177
23/8/01 An Ocean Sunfish swam around a boat about 1 mile east of Dodman Point SX000392. It was about 24" x 18"
23/8/01 A surfer spotted an Ocean Sunfish 100metres offshore at Gwithian SW579411 at 5.p.m.. It was 3 ft long flopping its dorsal fin at the surface heading for Hayle.
23/8/01 Seven Basking Sharks were seen from MV.Scillonian III, 6 were seen on the outward trip between lamorna and Runnelstone and th eother on the return trip at 1830 off Porthcurno SW387222
24/8/01 A Risso's Dolphin was travelling eastward 1½ miles SW of Gwennap Head Lookout SW 367215 at 1110hrs.
24/8/01 A Risso's Dolphin was seen off Porthgwarra SW371216
24/8/01 A Minke Whale and 4 Common Dolphin were seen off Land's End
24/8/01 A Leatherback Turtle was seen by a fisherman 15 miles off Newquay SW8262 at 1300hrs.
24/8/01 Up to a dozen Bottlenose Dolphin were swimming and leaping off Port Gaverne SX0081 at 1930. They moved off westward past Port Issac toward the Camel Estuary
25/8/01 Two Common Dolphin were seen off Levant SW370344
25/8/01 A large cetacean with a blunt fin, almost flat topped breach off Levant SW370344. Probably a Pilot Whale.
25/8/01 Two Risso's Dolphins were in the Runnelstone area SW369200  between 1430 and 1600. One was whitish at the front and the other fairly dark.  Seven Harbour Porpoises, a pod of 4 and another pod of 3 including a baby were south of  Gwennap Head
27/8/01 Benty's Pod of 9 Bottlenose Dolphins were off Trevaunance Cove SW721516 from 0830 to 1030. There was a lot of jumping, tail slapping and chasing
27/8/01 2 Ocean Sunfish were seen off Pendeen SW383358 during the evening.
27/8/01 A Basking Shark, 6 Ocean Sunfish and many Jellyfish have been in an area 1 mile west of Hell's Mouth  SW603429 for the last two days.
27/8/01 An Ocean Sunfish was seen lying on it's side in a cove off Trewan Cliff SW495411. It was about 1½ metres across with gulls in attendance.
28/8/01 % Harbour Porpoises and a juvenile were in an area off Morte Point SX593591 from 1445 to 1740. There was lots of air and water bourne traffic and the porpoises remained submerged for longer than usual and in a tighter group.
28/8/01 A small pod of 4 Bottlenose Dolphins were off Rock Sailing Club SW932757 at 2.p.m. They were being herded by jet boats from Padstow and the ski school.
28/8/01 Two Basking Sharks were south of Gwennap Lookout in the afternoon
28/8/01 A pod of 6 or 7 Bottlenose Dolphins were heading eastwards at 1400 near the Runnelstone Buoy SW369200
29/8/01 An Ocean Sunfish was off Portreath SW655454
29/8/01 3 Harbour Porpoises were Gwennap Head SW367215 at 1330
29/8/01  Two harbour Porpoises were of Pedn-men-an-mere SW384217 at 1330. On was a mile offshore the other 1½ miles off.
29/8/01 Benty's Pod of 6 Bottlenose Dolphins were in Mother Ivy's Bay SW8676 at 3.p.m.
29/8/01 A Leatherback Turtle was seen from a boat on a birders pelagic trip from the Isles of Scilly this evening
29/8/01 3 Ocean Sunfish were off Godrevy Point SW581433 at 1500. Two appeared to be quite young and all were being pecked at by immature gulls.
30/8/01 2 Harbour Porpoises were off were off  Porthgwarra SW371216 in the morning and a Basking Shark was off Pendeen SW383358 from 1700 to 1900
30/8/01 5 Dolphins were leaping and feeding in the Camel Estuary SW9375   at 1106. These were probably Bottlenose Dolphins.
30/8/01 15 or more Bottlenose Dolphin were leaping and surfing at Newquay SW8262
30/8/01 A pod of about 10 Bottlenose Dolphin were at Polzeath SW9378
31/8/01 2 Ocean Sunfish were off Pendeen SW3838358 from 0745 to 1000.
31/8/01 An Ocean Sunfish was off Godrevy Point SW581433 at 1700. It was about 2ft long and being pecked by immature gulls.
1/9/01 2 Ocean Sunfish were off Pendeen SW383358 from 0900 to 1800
1/9/01 Two Harbour Porpoises were seen 2 miles off St. Michael's Mount, Mounts Bay SW515301
1/9/01 Four Pilot Whales were heading purposefully westward about midway between Lizard and Land's End at noon. An Ocean Sunfish was also in the area and was observer to breach continuously 6 or 7 times.
1/9/01 2 Ocean sunfish were off Hudder Cove SW606430 between 1728 and 1743 lying on their sides at first but changed to a vertical position and moved westward.
2/9/01 An Ocean Sunfish was off Hudder Downs Cliffwith 2 gulls in attendance. The sunfish drove off one of the gullsby jumping at it but then approached the other gulland lay on its side as if inviting the gull's attention. Another sunfish was seen further offshore and a third was further east off Rock Skerry SW609433. It was lying on its side with one gull in attendance. A 4th Sunfish was off Deadman's Cove SW611431 lying on its side.
2/9/01 A pod of about 10 Bottlenose Dolphins were off Cape Cornwall SW352317 during the morning
3/9/01 Two Ocean Sunfish surfaced in quick succession very close inshore at Hudder Downs Cliff SW607433 at 1740and both turned onto their sides. Ther were joined by 2 immature gulls and all moved westward.
5/9/01 3 Ocean Sunfish were off Hudder Cove SW606430 between 1600 and 1700. One was inactive and dived soon after it was seen. Another was larger and darker and more active diving and resurfacing several times. The third was smaller and paler.
5/9/01 A Risso's Dolphin was spotted 4 to 5 miles off the Lizard SW694115
6/9/01 A small Ocean Sunfish was lying on its side off Mutton Cove 584433 at 1530. Gulls were nearby but made no contact. A much larger Sunfish was a bit further east off Kynance Coce SW587433 at 1600. This one had a brief contact with a gull.
6/9/01 A pod of 4 to 9 Harbour Porpoises including one juvenile were feeding with Gannets in the tide race off Morte Point SX593591 from 1417 to 1715
6/9/01 20 to 30 By-the-wind-Sailors Velella velella were seen alive at Mother Ivey's Bay SW8676
7/9/01 An Ocean Sunfish was off Rock Skerry SW609433 at 1700 It had a pinkish tinge.
7/9/01 A pod of 6 Bottlenose Dolphins were off Pendeen SW383358 during the afternoon.
8/9/01 An Ocean Sunfish was off Pendeen SW383358 in the afternoon.
8/9/01 16 Ocean Sunfish were seen moving westward from the Coastguard Watch at St. Ives SW521411 during the day
8/9/01 An Ocean Sunfish was receiving the attention of 3 Herring Gulls off Pentire Head SW923804
8/9/01 15 Ocean Sunfish were seen off St. Ives Island SW521411 during the morning.
8/9/01 2 Ocean Sunfish were off St.Ives Island SW521411 being pecked at by immature gulls at 1600 in the afternoon
9/9/01 6 Ocean Sunfish were seen moving westward during the day from the St. Ives Coastguard Watch SW521411
10/9/01 2 Ocean Sunfish were close inshorewest of Mutton Cove SW584433 at 1045.They were lying on their side with immature gulls in attendanceand were recorded on Video. The sea was bubbling nearby with a shoal of Baitfish but the Sunfish and gulls paid no attention.
10/9/01 5 Harbour Porpoises were feeding with Gannets in the tide race off Morte Point SX593591 from 150 to 1720.
10/9/01 A pod of 20 or more Common Dolphin were feeding beneath diving Gannets about 2½ miles offshore SW of Hella Point SW370214 between 1130 and 1330 and slowly moving westward.
10/9/01 A Whale, almost certainly a Sei,  and 20 Common Dolphins were seen off Porthgwarra SW371216
11/9/01 A Minke Whale surfaced once right astern of the Scillonian III on its way to the Isles of Scilly at 1035hrs. when about 3 miles west of Gwennap Head SW367215.  On the return journey a Risso's Dolphin was seen to breach twice at 1745 when 5 miles off the mainland. It was travelling westward.
11/9/01 A small pod of 3 Risso's Dolphins were seen 4 to 5 miles off the Lizard SW694115.They were pale grey, almost white, with a tall slender pointed dorsal fin.
11/9/01 Ocean Sunfish were seen in Port Issac Bay SW9981. At least three were off Port Issac and two more off Port Gaverne. Some were being pecked at by gullsand all were lying on their side.
13/9/01 2 Ocean Sunfish were off Pendeen SW383358 during the morning and 3 in the afternoon, and a Basking Shark and 2 Ocean Sunfish were off Cape Cornwall in the afternoon
13/9/01 A Basking Shark was seen off Pendeen SW383358 at 1130. 3 Ocean Sunfish were in the area
14/9/01 There was quite a large Ocean Sunfish lying on it's side off Hell's Mouth SW603429 at 1600 and another west of Hudder Cove SW603429 at 1615 close inshore. Gulls were present but showing no interest.
14/9/01 There was 1 Basking Shark off Pendeen SW383358 in the morning and 3 in the afternoon.
15/9/01 There was a small Ocean Sunfish lying on it's side off Hell's Mouth SW603429 at 1515 with 1 immature gull present and another small sunfish with a pinkish flush in the belly area off the rock pinnacle west of Hudder Cove SW605431. No gulls present. A third sunfish was off the Long Rock east of Hudder Cove SW607433 with 3 gulls in attendance and a 4th small sunfishwas off Hudder Downs CliffSW608432 close inshore heading west.A 5th small sunfish appeared from the east headong west and a 6thcould be seen further offshoreat 1555. A 7th Sunfish was seen off Deadman's Cove SW611431 which came close inshore lying on its side
15/10/01 Off Godrevy Point SW580433 an immature gull was waiting on the surface at 1717 when an Ocean Sunfish surfaced nearby. 2 other gulls joined them and the group moved westwards through the Island Channel. A second Sunfish surfaced and followed the group with one gull in attendance. At 1743 2 other Sunfish were near rocks off Mutton Cove SW584433lying on their side with immature gulls in attendance.
15/9/01 A pod of 30 or more dolphins were in a feeding frenzy off Slinke Dean SW461245 from 1200 to 1300 and many Gannets were diving. Most of the dolphins left after an hour but a few stayed in the area.
15/9/01 Risso's Dolphins have been seen about 5 miles south of the Lizard SW694115 twice during the past week, a single animal at first and a pod of 2 or 3
15/9/01 A Grey Seal was swimming in the waves with surfers at Polzeath Beach SW9378
15/9/01 Benty's pod of 6 Bottlenose Dolphins were in Watergate Bay SW8464
16/9/01 An Ocean Sunfish lying on its side off the pinnacle rock west of Hudder Cove SW605431 changed to a vertical position and moved off westwards. No gulls were present
16/9/01 There were 3 Ocean Sunfish off Mutton Cove SW584433 at 1630. 2 were about 1 to 2 metres across the other about half a metre. All were lying on their side with little movement.
16/9/01 6 Ocean Sunfish were seen in rough conditions off St.Ives Coastguard Watch SW521411
16/9/01 A 12 to 15ft Basking Shark was actively feeding off Gurnards Head SW432387
16/9/01 Three Ocean Sunfish, each 2 to 3 ft long, were watched for an hour at about 4 p.m. at Godrevy SW581433. They were 100 yards offshore with immature gulls in attendance
17/9/01 An Ocean Sunfish was lying on its side heading west off Hudder Downs Cliff SW607432 at 1645. No gulls were present.
17/9/01 A pod of about 6 dolphins, probably Bottlenose, were in the Camel Estuary and Daymer Bay area SW9277
17/9/01 6 Ocean Sunfish were seen within 2 hours during a watch at the St. Ives Island Coastwatch Lookout SW521411,  and  2 other were seen during the past week.
18/9/01 A small Ocean Sunfish with a pinkish tinge was lying on it's side off Hudder Cove SW606430 at 1745. It was circling and then moved off westwardwith some interaction with gulls. Another small sunfish was lying on its side off Hudder Cove at 1820.
18/9/01 13 dolphins, probably Bottlenose, were off Rock Beach SW932757 Camel Estuary.
18/9/01 A pod of 6 Common Dolphins including a large male, a mother and baby, and 3 others kept within 20 yards of a yacht in position 50º17'35N and 04º35'31W from 1515 hrs to 1540. The male, mother and baby came closer and even swam under the yacht.but the others stood off Seabirds were present.
19/9/01 2 dolphins, probably Commons, were seen travelling westward to the west of the Runnelstone SW369200.
20/9/01 A pod of 4 to 7 Harbour Porpoises were chasing fish and feeding in the tide race off Morte Point SX593591 from 1150 to 1630.
20/9/01 An Ocean Sunfish was off pendeen Sw383358 during the morning.
20/9/01 2 Ocean Sunfish were seen off Pendeen SW383358
21/9/01 A Harbour Porpoise was off Cape Cornwall SW352317 during the morning
21/9/01 12 Dolphins were seen heading NE between Varley Head SW986814 and Kellan Head SW969812 at 7.p.m.
21/9/01 19 Ocean Sunfish, 16 in one group and 3 others passed westwards off St. Ives Coastwatch hut SW521411 during the day. Also a large Basking Shark moving westward.
22/9/01 A pod of about 5 or 6 dolphins were seen from the Scillonian ½ way between the Isles of Scilly and the mainland. Attention was drawn to the area by diving Gannets but was too far off to identify the species of dolphin even with binoculars.
22/09/01 A harbour Porpoise was at Croyde Bay SS4339 with surfers at first light.
22/9/01 A pod of 9 to 12 Whales came within 2 metres of a boat which had switched off it's engine in position 50º00'32N  05º35'12W  They were 3 metres or more long, very dark in colour with no noticable markings and looked in good condition. Photos were taken. Probably Pilot Whales.
22/9/01 A small pod of 3 Pilot Whales were seen briefly about 14 miles south of Penzance at 1130. Surfaced twice and not seen again.
23/9/01 A pod of 7 or 8 Bottlenose Dolphins followed a gig race off Newquay SW8262 for a while but turned their attention to a catamaran which came on the scene and stayed around the catamaran for two hours.
23/9/01 3 or more Pilot Whales were seen at position 50º09.70'N  04º02.95'W.An adult with a juvenile followed by one or more adults
24/9/01 A pod of 8 to 10 Harbour Porpoises remained in an area off Mort Point SX593591 from 1100 to 1435. Some milling and feeding in the tide race with Gannets occurred.
24/9/01 An Ocean Sunfish was seen off Hella Point SW370214 and a turtle was seen  steadily swimming eastward for several minutes until it dived.  It was about half way out to the Runnelstone Reef SW369200 and about 4ft long so probably a Leatherback.
24/9/01 4 Harbour Porpoises were seen 1 mile west of Gwennap Head SW367215
25/09/01 A pod of about 8 Bottlenose Dolphins including one baby was surfing with human surfers at Perranporth SW756544 from 0630 to 0830
25/9/01 Benty's pod of 8 Bottlenose Dolphins including one juvenile were in Newquay Bay SW8262 near the harbour from 1630 to 1830
25/9/01 4 Risso's Dolphins were watched off Gwennap Head SW367215 as they came from the west , circling the Runnelstone SW369200 and then come close to the cliffs at Hella Point SW370214 before heading back west again. They were large dolphins,virtually white around the head and generally very pale.
25/9/01 6 Bottlenose Dolphins were enjoying the surf with human surfers at Perranporth SW765544 early in the morning
25/9/01 A pod of 4 whales, probably Pilot Whales, were seen 2½ miles off Cadgwith SW722142. When one rolled over it was bright blue underneath.
25/9/01 5 Dolphins, probably Bottlenose, were in the surf at Perranporth SW756544 with canoeist and surfers at 1025.
25/9/01 Approximately 30 dolphins, probably Bottlenose, in groups of 4 and 5 were in Fistral Bay SW797620 between 7p.m. and 8.30p.m. swimming with surfers. Their clicks could also be heard. A Bull Seal was also present.
 25/9/01 A pod of 10 Bottlenose Dolphins were following gigs in a race off Newquay SW8262 but quickly switched their attention to a catamaran (same one as recorded on 23rd) which came on the scene and stayed playing around the catamaran from 1500 to 1730. Benty and a juvenile were in the pod and photos were taken by The Guardian Newspaper cameramen.
25/9/01 A 12ft Basking Shark was seen feeding at 0930 about 4nm NNE of St. Agnes Head SW697515.
25/9/01 4 unidentified dolphins were about ½ mile off Lizard Point SW694115 at 1215. They kept surfacing for about 15mins. Then headed off toward the east.
25/9/01 A whale was seen about 3 miles south of Spanish Ledges, Isles of Scilly in position 49º50'816N  06º17'214W. It was thought to be a False Killer Whale.
26/9/01 Quite a large Ocean Sunfish was lyingonits side close inshore off Godrevy Point SW580833. It was showing a pinkish flush including the facial area and was receiving attention from 2 gulls until it discouraged them.
26/9/01 An Ocean Sunfish was seen very close inshore at Godrevy Head SW581433. Two gulls were nearby but the fish was not receiving attention.
27/9/01 6 dolphins, probably Bottlenose, remained in the area of the St. Ives Coastwatch hut SW521411 throughout the weekkend.
27/9/01 A pod of about 50 Common Dolphins moved through the roads south of Cruther's Point SV929150 St. Martin's I.o.S.
27/9/01 An Ocean Sunfish about 18" across was seen about ½ mile south of Penzance Harbour at 1900.
27/9/01 A pod of 5 or 6 Pilot Whales were seen at the mouth of St. Ives harbour at 1200. They were about 15ft long.
28/9/01 a large Ocean Sunfish with gulls in company was off Factory Farm east of Nanskuke SW681475 at 1700.
28/9/01 A pod of about 150 Common Dolphinswere seen moving eastwards about 7 miles south of St. Agnes. I.o.S. from MV"Kingfisher"
28/9/01 Benty's pod of 6 Bottlenose Dolphins including a juvenile were off Sennen SW350263 during the afternoon and were seen later off Porthcurno SW387222.
28/9/01 A Grey Seal was reported to be at Pendower Beach SW899381 by a member of the public.
28/9/01 10 Common Dolphin were seen and photographed in Sennen Cove SW350263 at 1400, some were tossing clumps of floating seaweed into the air.
29/9/01 A Truncated Sunfish (Ranzania laevis) was found lazing on the surface as if sunning itself 500 metres off Rame Head SX419481. It was 700mm long with dark blue/grey Mackerel patterning on its back with pale flanks. There was no evidence of parasites. The dorsal fin was gently flapping and when released it slipped down into deep water.
29/9/01 A Leatherback Turtle was seen 1 to 2 miles south of the Garrison, St. Mary's I.o.S.
30/9/01 Benty's pod of 10 Bottlenose Dolphins, including the young one, were off Newquay SW8262 all day.
30/9/01 A pod of about 6 Bottlenose Dolphins were about 100metres off shore with surfers at Lusty Glaze, Newquay SW822625 at midday.
30/9/01 6 Harbour Porpoises were seen toward the end of the month off Bude SS201065
2/10/01 A 1½ metre Common Dolphin has been in the creek at Restronguet SW8137 all day and was still there as it became dark. There are fear that it will become stranded as the tide goes out.
3/10/01 The Common Dolphin in Restronguet Creek was found stranded and an operation to return the dolphin to the sea went underway. Rescue teams helped to keep it cool and wet and a truck was used to move it down river where it was kept in shallow water in a specially designed sling until it settled after its trauma. It gradually went out to sea after it was released and it was thought to have joined a pod waiting offshore.
4/10/01 2 or 3 Harbour Porpoises were surfacing and leaping in sea state 4 to 5 off Morte Point SX593591 from 1500 to 1630. It was difficult to follow the action due to sea conditions.
5/10/01 An Ocean Sunfish and a Basking Sharkwere seen from the St.  Ives Coastwatch Station  SW521411. 3 Eider Duck were also seen.
6/10/01 3 Ocean Sunfish were off St Ives Island SW521411 at 1300hrs.
7/10/01 6 Bottlenose Dolphin were seen from the St. Ives Coastwatch Station SW521411
8/10/01 A pod of about 18 Risso's Dolphins moved westward off St. Mary's Isles of Scilly
9/10/01 6 Bottlenose Dolphin were off the St. Ives Coastwatch Station SW521411 and also seen were between 100 and 200 Razorbills and Guillemots and two Arctic Skuas.
9/10/01 6 Bottlenose Dolphins and an Ocean Sunfish were off the St. Ives Coastwatch Station SW521411.
10/10/01 A Pilot Whale was seen around the West Rutts, west of Plymouth.
10/10/01 6 Bottlenose Dolphins went past Godrevy Point SW580433.
10/10/01 Benty's pod of at least 6 Bottlenose Dolphins including a juvenile travelled east through the channel between Godrevy Island SW576435 and the mainland at 1030hrs
11/10/01 Three Pilot Whales were followed  for two miles by a coast path walker as they moved slowly westward off the coast near Porthleven SW626255.
11/10/01 A dolphin, thought to be a Common Dolphin, beached itself at Prussia Cove SW556279 in the evening. It was helped back to sea and the R.S.P.C.A. were called when it beached again but when they arrived they could not find it.
11/10/01 A pod of dolphins joined the surfers at Gwithian SW579411. These were probably Bottlenose.
12/10/01 A pod of at least 4 Risso's Dolphins including a mother and baby was seen a mile SW of Pendeen Lighthouse SW377358 at 1330. They came closer in but kept well apart and there may have been more than 4 present.
12/10/01 A pod of 5 large Risso's Dolphins were seen off Porthgwarra SW371216 at 1730. These were quite dark for Risso's.
12/10/01 A Minke whale was seen a mile west of Gwennap Head Lookout SW365217 at midday
12/10/01 A dolphin, thought to be the one which beached itself at Prussia Cove SW556279 late yesterday was seen just offshore. It was very still but the fin was held high.
12/10/01 A Minke whale was seen from a boat on a pelagic trip from the Isles of Scilly. Also seen were 70+ Grey Phalarope, (50in one flock), 4 Sooty Shearwaters,4 Storm Petrels, 3 Great Skuas, 4 Arctic Skuas, a juvenile Arctic Tern and 3 Puffin.
12/10/01 Gannets were diving amid a pod of 20 to 30 dolphins 2 miles off Cadgwith SW722214
12/10/01 Seven Ocean Sunfish came into St. Ives Bay SW5241 from the west on a rising tide and returned westward on the falling tide
13/10/01 A pod of 6 or 7 Common Dolphin were cruising eastward about 2 miles south of Gribben Head SX098494 at midday. The passed within 200m of a fishing boat.
13/10/01 A pod of 5 or 6 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen about half way between The Lizard and Land's End at 1100, they were moving purposefully toward Land's End. Some hours later 5 more were seen also heading toward Land's End
13/10/01 2 Risso's Dolphins surfaced within 100M of a boat in position 50º.12.03N  04º.26.02W. The tall dorsal fins and blunt heads were clearly seen and one was very white on and behind the head.
13/10/01 6 bottlenose Dolphins were off Carbis Bay SW528389 during the day and were seen moving westward from the St. Ives Coastwatch station SW521411 at 1800
13/10/01 The Common Dolphin which beached itself at Prussia Cove on 11th. October and was seen just offshore on the 12th was found dead.
14/10/01 Surfers at Gwithian SW579411 were pleased when they were joined by 4 dolphins, probably Bottlenose, which were tossing clumps of seaweed into the air as well as surfing.
14/10/01 A pod of 10 Bottlenose Dolphins, including a juvenile, was off the harbour mouth in St. Ives Bay at 1350 watched by many.
14/10/01 An observer was thrilled and excited to see two black fins in the water between St.Mawes SW8532 and St Just SW8435 at 1115. He remarked, 'this was my first completely fabulous, can die happy In the interim one needs to brush up ID skills'
14/10/01 6 Bottlenose Dolphins were off Carbis Bay SW 528389 during the day and moved westward past the St. Ives Coastwatch Station SW521411 at 1800
15/10/01 Fins, thought to be of  whales, were seen off Praa Sands SW5729 at 1030
19/10/01 A Grey Seal was in Boscastle Harbour SX097913 at 1800 hrs
19/10/01 Benty's pod of at least 8 Bottlenose Dolphins including a baby were playing at Sennen Cove SW350263 tossing clumps of seaweed into the air. They were there from 1330 to 1600 when the observer left the area.
19/10/01 4 Harbour Porpoises were off Gwennap Head Lookout SW365217 between 1100 and 1300. The pod included one baby and one of the adults was larger and darker than the others.
19/10/01 There was a pod of 5 dolphins leaping close to the surf at Sennen Cove SW350263 at 1600hrs.
20/10/01 During a sailing boat race off Marazion SW5130 dolphins were swimming close to the boats and competitors in black boats in particular considered that they had been impeded because their centre boards were struck repeatedly.
21/10/01 A small school of Pilot Whales was seen near Hat Rock off Looe
21/10/01 A Harbour Porpoise was seen with a baby 1 mile SW of Gwennap Head SW365217 at 0930 and 2 adult Harbour Porpoises were seen were seen later at 1345hrs  ½ mile south of Rosepletha Head SW384217
21/10/01 Benty's pod were at it again , throwing the seaweed around at Sennen Cove SW350263 in the morning.
21/10/01 A pod of 10 dolphins were seen at Sennen Cove SW350263 at 1530
21/10/01 Three Ocean Sunfish came into St. Ives Bay SW5241 on the rising Tide
21/10/01 An Ocean Sunfish was seen swimming out of St. Ives Bay SW5241
23/10/01 A pod of 8 or 9 Bottlenose Dolphins were seen in St. Ives Bay SW5241 including one with a flattened and distorted dorsal (Benty).
28/10/01 A shoal of at least 50 flying fish were seen about a mile out in Gerrans Bay SW8937
31/10/01 Two Whales were seen off Penberth Cove SW404226. The dorsal fins were very obvious but not as large as Orcas so they were probably Pilot Whales.
1/11/01 There were at least 2 harbour Porpoises off Rosepletha Head SW384217 at 1200hrs
1/11/01 A fisherman brought up a Common octopus, Octopus vulgaris, in his pot from a depth of 40 fathoms 3 miles off Coverack SW783182. This species is much less common than the Curled Octopus Eledone cirrhosa. It is being taken to the Blue Reef Aquarium for display after photographs are taken.
1/11/01 A pod of 5 or 6 Dolphins, probably Bottlenose,moved northward off Summerleaze Beach Bude SS203065 at 0805 followed by 50 to 60 gulls. They were very active jumping out of the calm sea.
1/11/01 6 Bottlenosed Dolphins moved eastward through the Godrevy inner sound in 2 groups of 3. Benty was one of them.
2/11/01 There was a Harbour Porpoise 1½ miles south of Gwennap Lookout SW365217 about midday.
2/11/01 2 Whales were seen heading westward at Epsom Shoals, between Land's End and Porthcurno. From drawings made it is considered that these were Minke Whales.
3/11/01 3 Risso's Dolphins were seen about 2 miles south of Gwennap Head SW365217 and there were at least 7 Harbour Porpoise spread out around the Head. One was close in with a baby.
5/11/01 A pod of 6 striped Dolphins came close to a boat for 30 minutes 4 miles off Fowey SX1252. They seemed less energetic than Bottlenose or Common Dolphins and were feeding with Gannets. There was no breaching but some horizontal jumps.
6/11/01 An Ocean Sunfish was seen off St. Ives Island SW521411 at 1215.
6/11/01 Three Harbour Porpoises were feeding in the tide race off Rat Island SS149438 at the south east end of Lundy. Up to 50 gannets were feeding with the porpoises
9/11/01 3 Adult Harbour Porpoises were seen heading east ½ mile off Gwennap Head SW365217at 1100hrs.
10/11/01 There were at least 7 Harbour Porpoises S.E of Rosepletha Head SW384217 at 12340hrs.
11/11/01 A pod of Bottlenose Dolphins were off Penzance Harbour at 1100 and moved to near the Gear Pole by 1200. There were at lease 3 in the pod as they followed a sailing lugger toward Marazion. They were seen again off Marazion at 1300 to 1500 and Benty and a juvenile were present and the pod was considered to be about 8 and appeared to be herding fish and feeding.
11/11/01 A whale, thought to be a Minke, was seen off Penberth SW404226 travelling east. It surfaced 3 times There were Mackerel and many other fish in the area.
11/11/01 A Pilot Whale was seen off St Loy SW424230
11/11/01 Benty's pod of 10 Bottlenose dolphins came alongside a boat off Marazion SW5131 at 1230. Another dolphin a bit smaller than Benty had quite a chunk out of the rear edge of its dorsal fin
11/11/01 A Pilot Whale was seen close inshore at Penberth SW404226 at 1500
12/11/01 Benty's pod of 7 Bottlenose Dolphins was seen off Long Rock SW498308 early in the morning. Benty's deformity is getting worse- tail more twisted and fin folding around more. A frisky sub-adult was keeping close to Benty and appeared to be the only one leaping.
14/11/01 Benty's pod of 8 to 10 Bottlenose Dolphin were following a sailboat in the Fal estuary from Greenbank to Trefusus at 1600. They were swimming on their side and leaping and rubbing against the boat and rudder at times.
15/11/01 There was a Minke Whale 2 miles south of Rosepletha Head SW384217 at 1300hrs.
15/11/01 A Triggerfish  Balistes capriscus was found on Portreath Beach SW6545. It weighed 250gm and was 21cm from mouth to end of caudal peduncle, the tail fin was a further 5cm. Triggerfish were also brought up in pots of a fisherman off the south Penwith coast earlier in the week. The fisherman said he often brought up Trigerfish in pots which had been left for more than a couple of days at this time of year.
19/11/01 There were at least 2 Harbour Porpoises ½ mile off Pendeen SW377358 at 1000hrs.
20/11/01 2 Pods of Harbour Porpoises were seen off Porthgwarra SW371216 The pods were ½ mile apart S and SE of Porthgwarra with at least 6 in each pod. The sea was very calm with several fishing boats around.
23/11/01 There was a pod of at least 7 Harbour Porpoises 1 mile SE of Gwennap Lookout SW365217 between 0900 and 1100. Many fishing boats present.
24/11/01 A pod of about 30 Harbour Porpoises were seen by fishermen about 20 miles south of Salcombe SX7338 South Devon.
26/11/01 Three separate pods of Common Dolphin were seen feeding on pilchard from a boat sailing south out of Plymouth, and at about 5 miles from the breakwater a whale was seen, it was definitely not a Pilot Whale and thought to be a Minke.
26/11/01 A European Barracuda Sphyraena sphyraena was landed at Newlyn . This is the first British record of this species. It was 106cm. Long  and weighed 4.5kg.
1/12/01 A pod of about 8 Bottlenose Dolphins were milling in a close group from 1130 to 1220. There was some energetic tail slapping and full breaching from 300 to 1000M offshore at Dawlish SX9777. There was one juvenile in the pod which moved out into Lyme Bay.
2/12/01 Three Risso's Dolphin, all fairly large, were seen about 2 miles off Porthgwarra SW 371216 at 1445. They came with ¼ mile of shore then turned and headed westward at 1545.
2/12/01 A young Grey Seal was seen at Carbis Bay at 2 p.m. It was about 1.3M long, grey on top and light beneath. It came close to a windsurfer who had entered the water in a wet suit.
9/12/01 A Grey Seal was seen at Halzephron Cove SW656217 near Gunwallow at 1345hrs.
11/12/01 A pod of at least 3 Harbour Porpoises were NW of Pendeen SW383358 at 1330
11/12/01 A large Harbour Porpoise carcass was found at Penzance SW4730 and another Harbour Porpoise and a Common Dolphin carcasses were found at Maenporth SW790296. These were all collected for post mortem.
12/12/01 2 Harbour Porpoises were in the tide race west of the Brisons Rocks SW340301 at 1130
13/12/01 A Minke Whale of at least 30ft surfaced twice ¾ mile SW of Gwennap Head Lookout SW367217 at 1030. It was travelling east and the spout was just visible
13/12/01 A Minke Whale moved eastward past Porthgwarra SW371216
14/12/01 A dead Harbour Porpoise was found stranded at Porthallow SW960412 and was collected for post mortem.
16/12/01 A 3Metre Pilot Whale carcass became stranded at Gyllyngvase Beach, Falmouth SW808316 and another dead Pilot Whale was found at Portscatho SW877354.
16/12/01 A 7 to 8ft Bottlenose Dolphin became stranded in shallow water at Harlyn Bay SW8775 at 1300. It was assisted back into deep water and swam away. It had a fairly well healed scar on its left flank.
17/12/01 4 Harbour Porpoises, 3 in a group and one other, were seen 1 mile SW of Gwennap Head Lookout Sw365217 at 1020.
17/12/01 Three more strandings have been reported today. A 9ft long baleen whale, probably a Minke, was found near Mevagissey SX016448, a Harbour Porpoise on Porthallow Beach SW796237 and a dolphin on Porthpean Beach, St. Austell SX032506.   At the Penhale end of Perranporth Beach SW7554 it was found that mussels had been wrenched from the rocks and strewn all over the beach. They were up to 10cm long, and all those over 7 cm. contained pea crabs (one of the species of Pinnotheres)
19/12/01 4 harbour Porpoises, 3 in a group and one other, were seen 1 mile SW of Gwennap Head Lookout SW365217. Probably the same animals seen on the 17th Dec.
21/12/01 A pod of from 4 to 20 small cetaceans were seen off Lamorna SW451241at 0800 in the area of a shoal of mackerel. They were thought to be Harbour Porpoises. At 0825, 1½ miles off Lamorna a whale was seen with a small hooked dorsal well back on its body behind a hump in the back profile. It wa from 25 to 40 Metres in length and probably a Humpback.
21/12/01 A Common Dolphin was found stranded alive at Devoran SW7939 A rescue team including British Divers and the R.S.P.C.A. took it to Maenporth SW790296 where there were perfect conditions for its release but it regretably died and was taken to the Vet laboratory at Polwhele. It was one of the freshest they had ever received for post mortem
22/12/01 A pod of Common Dolphins was seen jumping ½ mile to 3 miles offshore east of Coverack SW783182 at 1100hrs. There were between 50 and 200 in the pod with Gannets diving on Mackerel in the area.
22/12/01 A large pod of dolphins were seen about a mile of The Manacles SW8120. Probably the same pod as seen off Coverack today.
22/12/01 A pod of about 17 dolphin were feeding with a mass of Gannets about a mile off Downderry SX315538 for most of the morning. They were though to be Risso's Dolphin.
22/12/01 A solitary Bottlenose Dolphin was seen leaping near the Longships Lighthouse SW320253 from the Trinity House vessel Mermaid at 1631 It came close to the ship and it was noticed that it had a scar on its chin. It was last seen when it dived under the ship.
22/12/01 A Minke Whale was seen near the Longships Lighthouse SW320253 at 1445 and 15 Common Dolphin were seen in the same are at 1530
23/12/01 A Minke Whale and 20 Common Dolphins were off Carn Gloose SW354131 during the afternoon.
24/12/01 A pod of about 40 small cetaceans were seen off the Manacles SW8120 heading toward The Lizard SW694115. There was a lot of splashing so probably not Porpoises and more likely Common Dolphin.
25/12/01 A Grey Seal was in the cove at Cape Cornwall SW352317
25/12/01 Two dolphins were playing off The Ness, Shaldon SX9272. South Devon between 1200 and 1300. They were big white bellied and thought to be Bottlenose Dolphins.
26/12/01 4, possibly 5, Harbour Porpoises including 2 juvenile were seen ½ mile south of Porthgwarra Cove SW371216 feeding below Gannets.
26/12/01 Eleven dead Trigger Fish have been found on Portreath Beach SW4565 in addition to one found at Porthcothnan Beach SW8572  two
 days ago. Are these deaths of warm water species due to recent drop in temperatures.
27/12/01 Benty's pod of 12 Bottlenose Dolphins was seen going east off Plaidy beach SX266538 near Looe at 0835 and there was a single Common Dolphin with them
28/12/01 Another 8 dead Triggerfish were found on a beach at Gwithian today between Magow Rocks SW582423 and Strap Rocks SW577416. One measured 23cm from front of head to start of tail.
28/12/01 A pod of about 8 Bottlenose Dolphins moved eastward close inshore off Downderry SX315538 at 1615. One with a bent dorsal was thought to be Benty.
29/1/201 A Harbour Porpoise was feeding off the end of the Logan Rock SW396219 at 1515.
29/12/01 A young Grey Seal, still with some grey fur was found dead at Perranporth SW760559.It was about 1 Metre long.
 
 
 

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