Large numbers of dolphins seen off Welsh coast

A large congregation of common dolphins has been seen off the Pembrokeshire coast, Wales. Some are estimating that they are there in their thousands.

Cliff Benson, head of Sea Trust, managed to film the dolphins, and described the sight as "like a volcanic eruption", with dolphins of all ages, including mothers and calves leaping out of the water.

The area is known for its cetaceans, and, as in previous years, WDCS is currently in the region carrying out research.

It is not unusual to see large gatherings of common dolphins further out to sea, but the reason behind their appearance off the Welsh coast remains a mystery, although it is possible the these waters are presently providing them with excellent feeding and breeding opportunities.

Common dolphins are fantastically acrobatic animals, and can be found in many places around the coast of the UK. However, these waters are also fraught with danger, and hundreds of common dolphins die in fishing nets each year.

For more information on WDCS' campaign to end the needless deaths of dolphins in fishing nets, click on the links to the right.

To see the footage of the dolphins on the BBC website, click here.

Source: www.wdcs.org