Second Seatrust Porpoise Symposium

The second porpoise symposium was held last night in the Merlin Theatre of Pembrokeshire College. In front of an expectant and large audience the evenings proceedings were opened with an intro by Dr Rob Davies who explained his role in turning the data gathered in the field into a presentable form for use in establishing the importance of the Pembrokeshire coast and especially Ramsey Sound and Strumble Head  as porpoise hot spots. Cliff then gave a short explanation of the difficulties of getting our data across to the bodies concerned with the establishment of SAC's (Special Areas of Conservation) and the accrued data on the spread of porpoises observed in the region before handing over to Chantelle who presented a section on fin identification, the need for more observation plus various other issues. It was then over to myself to give an insight into the photographic processes involved in achieving the quality of image needed for fin identification and a short section on observation of social behaviour. The evening was rounded off with a Q&A session with many and varied questions being asked of the various speakers present. Many thanks also to Anna for looking after the admissions and helping Cliff on stage and to Mr David Powell for kindly recording the event on video. To the staff of Pembs College and all those who attended making the evening a great success.

Cliff greets old friends Stign and Annita who spent some time helping out last year as part of a three month placement in Pembrokeshire.

                                 The audience take their seasts ready for the evenings events.

                                      Cliff starts proceedings by introducing Dr Rob Davies.

Dr Rob Davies leaves the stage as Cliff introduces Malcolm Barradell who talks about the Porpoises of Ramsey Sound.

       Cliff starts off the Seatrust section of the symposium with the able assistance of Anna.