Supported by our colleagues at Bristol University the team have also been auditing acoustics data collected by our static acoustic devices that we’ve had deployed in Cardigan Bay. Analysing these extensive datasets is a time-consuming process, but it is vital for uncovering more about these enigmatic species. The insights gained from this data will enhance our understanding of dolphin communication, behaviour, habitat use, and social structures contributing significantly to their conservation.
Over the winter and spring our fieldwork has been hampered by poor weather conditions, despite this we’ve headed out to sea to conduct surveys whenever possible! However, we are pleased to report that, after enduring rough sea conditions for most of the winter, in April we were finally able to venture out to recover our acoustic equipment. These devices, deployed in October 2023, have been diligently recording data throughout the winter. They provided us with a valuable four months of continuous acoustic data before their batteries expired. After recovering the acoustic devices, they were serviced, batteries charged, and data downloaded. The devices have now been redeployed for more valuable data collection as we approach the summer months.
In addition to our fieldwork, we have been training new local and seasonal volunteers. Our training program covers essential data collection techniques, data entry, and the auditing of both our photo-id and acoustics data. This influx of new, trained personnel has been a tremendous asset, ensuring that our project continues to run smoothly and efficiently.
We have also been organising our outreach events, which have been similarly hampered by the weather. However, we did manage to host a "Breakfast with a Bottlenose" event, attended by members of the local community. This event provided an excellent opportunity for community engagement and education about our work and the bottlenose dolphins.
Overall, it's been a busy and productive period, filled with both challenges and exciting developments. We look forward to continuing our fieldwork, collecting our bottlenose dolphin photo-identification data and analysing the extensive photo and acoustic datasets.
The Nature Networks Fund is funded by the Welsh Government and administered by The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales.
