Bardsey Marine Mammal Project

Bardsey is in the middle of an important area for marine mammals: 

It is surrounded by the West Wales Marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC) designated for Harbour Porpoises, and the Pen Llŷn a’r Sarnau SAC for which Bottlenose Dolphins and Grey Seals are features. The Grey Seals are also a feature of the National Nature Reserve Designation for Bardsey.

Our new project will focus on engaging people on Pen Llŷn and Bardsey with the marine mammals in the local waters and will build on recent pilot studies that have developed the use of drones to photograph Risso’s Dolphins, creating a catalogue of individuals identified by the unique patterns on their dorsal fins. 

In addition, Risso’s Dolphins are regularly seen and have been the subject of long-term studies by organisations such as Whale and Dolphin Conservation in collaboration with the Observatory. The seas all around Bardsey have also recently been internationally designated as an Important Marine Mammal Area, recognising that Harbour Porpoises, Bottlenose Dolphins, Risso’s Dolphins, Common Dolphins and Minke Whales all use the area. 

This project is funded by the Nature Networks Programme and is being delivered by the Heritage Fund on behalf of the Welsh Government.