Latest news with #StrumbleHead
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
Boat owner caught on camera chasing pregnant rare dolphin
The founder of a local conservation charity is reminding people that chasing dolphins in boats is a criminal offence, following repeated incidents in the county. Sea Trust founder Cliff Benson says he has reported one incident to Dyfed-Powys Police after a family in a RHIB was seen by volunteers repeatedly chasing a pod of Risso's dolphins near Strumble Head. 'They repeatedly chased one in particular for several minutes as it tried to get away from them,' said Cliff. (Image: Sea Trust) He added that drone footage of the incident 'strongly suggested' that the targeted dolphin was a pregnant female about to give birth. 'This would explain why she did not just disappear,' said Cliff. 'As they can stay down for up to twenty minutes and travel underwater at 20 miles per hour.' Risso's dolphins are relatively rare to see off the Pembrokeshire coast as they prefer deep offshore waters. They can grow up to 3.9 metres long and are distinguishable by their broad head without a beak. They are a European protected species (EPS). (Image: Sea Trust) When Cliff confronted the driver of the boat as he returned to the slip in Goodwick the man denied it, despite Sea Trust volunteers having video and photographic evidence. This has now been handed over to Dyfed-Powys Police. Reports have come in this week again, this time of dolphins being chased by people on aqua bikes in Ramsey Sound. 'I understand people getting excited when they see a dolphin but there is a difference between watching them from a reasonable distance and irresponsibly chasing them,' said Cliff. 'In the UK, harassing dolphins is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. This act protects all cetaceans, including dolphins, from intentional or reckless disturbance, harassment, injury, or killing. Violations can result in fines up to £5,000.' Cliff added that the law specifically prohibits deliberately or recklessly disturbing or harassing dolphins: This includes actions that cause distress, such as chasing them with boats or approaching them closely. Cliff recommends that boat owners give dolphins a wide berth and pass them slowly. "If the dolphins approach you or follow your boat out in the open sea that's fine,' he said. 'That's their choice but under no circumstances should you follow them." Dyfed-Powys Police has been approached for comment.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New fishing trips out of Pembrokeshire port will have you hooked
Visitors and locals in Pembrokeshire will get a chance to catch their supper this summer as a brand new fishing trip experience launches from a popular port. Thousand Island Expeditions has been running tourist trips along the north Pembrokeshire coast from Fishguard to Strumble Head for some years now. This summer the company is adding fishing trips to its repertoire, giving guests the chance to fish for mackerel and more off the north Pembrokeshire coast. (Image: Stephen Andrews) The trips will run on the company's Blue Shark boat; a 33ft Lochin Sport Fisher, built to a high commercial specification by Lochin Marine and renowned for its fantastic seakeeping characteristics. Onboard amenities include a toilet, and facilities for making hot drinks The outings are suitable for families, large groups, first time fishers and for more experienced anglers. Thousand Islands supplies everything needed for the trips, so all passengers have to do is worry about catching their dinner. (Image: Darcy Lawrey) Blue shark is the only dedicated fishing charter vessel within the area and offers a range of fishing trips which are suitable for all abilities and experience levels. There are longer, full day trips over the weekend, and shorter trips throughout the week in the fully equipped Blue Shark, manned by an experienced skipper and crew members who have a vast knowledge about the waters and fishing. Due to the closure of St Justinian's slipway, this season all fishing trips will be running from Fishguard Harbour. 'We are pleased to announce an exciting update for the 2025 season,' said Thousand Island Expeditions. 'This season, we will be using our traditional vessel, Blue Shark, for the Fishguard Bay and Strumble head wildlife trips, but also, we will be now running our popular fishing charters from Fishguard. 'For the keen fishers out there, we supply everything for your trips, so all you have to do is worry about catching your dinner.' For those not bothered about fishing for their supper, Thousand Islands will also be running wildlife viewing trips out of Fishguard Harbour. The fully guided, one-and-a-half-hour boat trip will delve into the fascinating history of the Fishguard port and town, before heading off on an exploration along the coast towards Strumble Head. Visitors will view the fascinating prehistoric rock formations and an abundance of remarkable wildlife on this stretch of coast, as well as the landing site of the last invasion of Britain. Among the wildlife that can be spotted are auks, kittiwakes, and fulmars, gannets, chough and peregrine falcon as well as Atlantic grey seals, harbour porpoises common and bottlenose dolphins, and occasionally Risso's dolphin. These excursions, suitable for all ages, will operate regularly from Fishguard throughout the summer season, running from 8am to 6pm, subject to demand. For more information ring 01437721721, email info@ or visit linked above.
