Home / Environment / Dolphin Spectacle: 2,200+ Spotted at Bempton Cliffs
Dolphin Spectacle: 2,200+ Spotted at Bempton Cliffs
17 Jul
Summary
- Over 2,200 dolphins and 50 whales observed at Bempton Cliffs.
- Shorewatch program trains volunteers for marine life surveys.
- Volunteers reached 1,000 observations in 16 months.
Bempton Cliffs, a renowned RSPB site, has seen an extraordinary surge in marine mammal sightings. Since its designation as England's first official Shorewatch location 16 months ago, more than 2,200 dolphins and approximately 50 whales have been observed. This success is largely attributed to the Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) charity's Shorewatch scheme.
The program empowers volunteers to conduct systematic surveys of marine life. Recently, a team of 20 volunteers celebrated reaching their 1,000th observation from the clifftop. This achievement underscores the dedication of the volunteers and highlights the rich biodiversity off the East Yorkshire coast.
Data collected includes 1,896 bottlenose dolphins, 341 harbour porpoises, 50 minke whales, and one humpback whale. By gathering long-term data, conservationists aim to better understand the impact of environmental changes on these mammals, ensuring conservation strategies are evidence-based.
