Cardigan Bay holds Britains largest coastal population of bottlenose dolphins. Every summer, between 150 and 250 dolphins inhabit these waters, forming very significant breeding and feeding grounds. Preliminary evidence is for a population that fluctuates from year to year, for reasons that are presently unclear. In some years, most of the population seems to inhabit the Bay; in others a portion disappear or are replaced by new animals of unknown origin. If sensible management of our bottlenose dolphin population is to be undertaken, we must better understand its dynamics and what makes some areas more important than others. A particular need is to convey the importance of conservation measures that will reduce disturbance, one of the main threats to these mammal populations. Photos are taken to identify individuals as well as video of interesting behaviour, as shown in this clip. To CCW's knowledge this behaviour has not been caught on film in Wales before, although dolphins are known to attack porpoises in this way.

This video footage was captured during licensed Photo-ID operations following strict codes of conduct. Video captured by Mariko Mizuno, Marine Awareness North Wales Wildlife Trust (MANWWT). Video edited by Jonathan Easter, Marine Monitoring Biologist, CCW. (less info)