Dolphin conservation

Dolphin Conservation

The area of Cardigan Bay most frequented by Bottlenose Dolphins, has been designated as the "Cardigan Bay Special Area of Conservation". The S.A.C. extends from Aberaeron, in the North East, to Ceibwr Bay, just below Cemaes Head, in the South West. It extends up to 12 miles off-shore. It therefore includes the waters around Cardigan Island and the Teifi Estuary.

Within the S.A.C., it is deemed that only traditional forms of commercial fishing should be carried out. Most local fishermen use pots to fish for lobster and crabs, which are often sold to French and Spanish markets as well as appearing on local menus. This form of fishing has no detrimental effect on dolphins and seals.

This contrasts greatly with what is occurring in the Bay of Biscay. There, large French and Spanish trawlers fish in pairs with massive nets extending a quarter of a mile between the trawlers and right down to the sea bed. The trawlers are after migrating bass, but unfortunately, hundreds of dolphins and porpoises get caught up in the nets. They then die through drowning, since they are air-breathing mammals which must surface frequently. Dozens of these dead cetaceans are washed up on French beaches. It is a major problem.

It is not known whether some of these cetaceans have actually followed migrating shoals south from Cardigan Bay. Let us hope not!

Top