England’s only identified resident dolphins

Researchers have discovered the only resident population in England bottlenose dolphins off the coast of Cornwall.

Experts analyzed thousands of sightings and photographs from south-west England between 2007 and 2016 and identified 98 individual dolphins.

They were able to define a distinct group of 28 that were year-round residents, present in shallow coastal waters, mainly in Cornwall – particularly St Ives Bay and Mount’s Bay – but also in Devon and Dorset.

Ruth Williams, marine conservation manager at Cornwall Wildlife Trust, described the discovery as “incredibly exciting”.

She said: “The future of these iconic animals is in our hands and we need to ensure that the few we currently have in the South West are given the protection not just to survive but to thrive.”

Dolphins were seen along the south west coast but appeared to be concentrated in St Ives Bay and Mount Bay in Cornwall.

Conservationists say the discovery could have implications for the conservation of dolphins, which currently have no specific protection in their native range.

Dolphins are a wide-ranging species, and strong evidence is needed to demonstrate that an area is important before protection can be considered.

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The other two resident populations of bottlenose dolphins in the UK – in the Moray Firth in Scotland and Cardigan Bay in Wales – both have protection.

A spokesman for Cornwall Wildlife Trust said: “Bottlenose dolphins in the South West face a number of threats, including plastic and chemical pollution, injury from fishing nets and disruption to recreational activities.

“Demonstrating the existence of a resident population is the first step in seeking specific protection for these animals, with the next step being to gather more evidence of their movements and behavior and strengthen the case for the importance of this area.”