Environment
A First for Dolphin Spotters
Pods of short-beaked common dolphins were seen from Peel, Glen Maye and at the Calf this last week
A mixed pod of dolphins has been spotted in Manx waters for the first time.
Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch has shared a video of the pod on its Facebook page.
The charity said that on Wednesday August 8 and Thursday August 9, pods of short-beaked common dolphins were seen from Peel, Glen Maye and at the Calf.
It said: ‘We estimate in total there were around 60 dolphins, made up of smaller sub-groups. One of these pods contained a juvenile Risso’s dolphin (see video below)- the first time a mixed species pod of this kind has been recorded here.’
Other sightings in Manx waters include a minke whale that was spotted and photographed out of Port Soderick, a number of harbour porpoise were spotted in Carrick bay (Port St Mary), and Moonlight and Starlight have been seen at Peel, Laxey and Douglas.
MWDW added: ‘Yesterday, we met two men who sailed from Carlingford to Peel on the 9th, and after a very thorough conversation, we are quite certain they saw a humpback whale about 10 miles SW of Peel. Perhaps it was the same humpback photographed on 11th July. They also saw what was likely Moonlight and Starlight swimming through bioluminescence (light producing plankton), as they came into Peel after dark.’
If you spot any whales, dolphins or basking sharks off Manx waters, make sure to let MWDW know by filling in this quick form.
