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24 September 2014
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Dolphin watch
Dolphins
Keep your distance if you spot a dolphin
Dolphin / dol·phin - Any of various marine cetacean mammals, such as the bottle-nosed dolphin, of the family Delphinidae. Related to the whales but generally smaller and having a beak-like snout.
SEE ALSO
Exe Estuary's rising tide

Otter revival in Devon

Lyme Bay reef thrives
WEB LINKS
Seawatch Foundation

Devon Wildlife Trust

Brixham Seawatch

Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society

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FACTS

The common dolphin, Risso's dolphin, the striped dolphin, Atlantic white-sided dolphin and the white-beaked dolphin all live in UK and Irish waters.

The two most common species around our coasts are the bottlenose dolphin and the harbour porpoise.

Dolphins can travel at speeds of up to 40mph - faster than a greyhound!

They have streamlined, torpedo-shaped bodies that allow them to move quickly through the water with little resistance.

The main difference between dolphins and porpoises is that dolphins have a distinct long snout, called a beak, whereas porpoises have a blunt snout and smaller, triangular fins.

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Devon is just as famous for its coastline as it is for its inland beauty.

The warm, clear waters around parts of the county provide a home for many rare marine animals and plants, including blue sponges, sea scorpions, cup corals and sea slugs.

But it's not just divers who can see some of the wildlife the seas have to offer.

There have always been dolphins and whales off the South West coast, and they are often spotted by people on the shore and in boats.

Some dolphins have also been seen swimming past the Torpoint ferries in the River Tamar, much to the excitement of passengers.

Although dolphins are known for their friendliness, the increasing awareness of their presence has brought problems.

The public, in their eagerness to get a close-up look at the animals, have often gone too close.

Dolphins are easily distressed and some have been harmed by the close attention being paid to them.

However, provided you are careful when you see them, we want to know if you have spotted any of the mammals around the coastline.

Your Comments
Click HERE to add your views

john dean exeter
50+ dolphins 10 miles off sidmouth heading southwestlery spotted from the fishing boat roseann from exmouth on wednesday 29 april at about 16 30 hours


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