We had an interesting session on the outer breakwater today watching the Bottlenose Dolphins and Gannets. I had two possibly three at first and was joined later by Cliff and Fran and the numbers increased to five shortly after they arrived. The dolphins were just milling around with the odd dash for fish. The Gannets were keeping a close eye and reaping the benefits of the dolphins pushing fish up near the surface. Bass seemed to be the catch of the day with some of the gannets struggling to get them down once captured. One Gannet stole a Bass off the nose of a dolphin only to have it snatched away when it tired and dropped it's head in the water. The dolphins seemed to move out after that but the range tug coming in provided a good bow riding opportunity and it brought a few of them back in with it. After a few minutes though they moved off again so Cliff, Fran and myself made our way off the breakwater and back home.
I would like to give a mention to the skipper of the boat shown below. His was an example of how boat owners should behave around dolphins. He kept a steady course, slowed right down and quietly made his way around the end of the breakwater getting a lovely view for himself and his passengers while not disturbing the dolphins. As he returned to the harbour an hour or so later he followed the same proceedure. If you read this blog sir. Well done. An example to all.
Lastly I have to give mention to an old lady (same age as myself) did I say old! She was launched in 1955 and from 1957 spent 30 years as the Angle Lifeboat. She is in excellent condition and her present owners should be congratulated for keeping her in such good trim. She reminded me of my time as a young 18yr old serving on the crew of the then Fishguard lifeboat "The Howard Marriot" under Coxwain Glyn Bateman of lower Fishguard.
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