Robots to capture ocean life in Pembrokeshire

Powells Holiday Team — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 01:00:00 +0000

Robots to capture ocean life in Pembrokeshire Powells Holiday Team Mon, 08/24/2015 - 01:00

Ground-breaking robots have recently set off on a mission to take photographs of the incredible marine life surrounding Pembrokeshire.

The marine research scheme has seen the National Oceanography Centre and WWF, the wildlife charity, partner to find out more about the sea life around the popular Welsh holiday destination.

Many holidaymakers who are staying at Saundersfoot cottages in Pembrokeshire and in other regions of the county are usually attracted by Pembrokeshire’s incredible coastline and abundance of marine life, and it is this marine life that we could get to know a little better soon.

Robots to spend a month at sea

In all, the robots will spend a month collecting data and information as well as capturing images of wildlife they encounter. They are partly powered by satellite and partly powered by wind and solar energy.

The first robot has an underwater glider that moves up and down in the water and last week it began its mission and took to the sea in Milford Haven. This robot will explore an area called the Celtic Deep, which is roughly 50 miles offshore.

The robots are armed with sensors and GoPro cameras to take water temperature readings, detect plankton, fish shoals, clicks and whistles from marine animals, as well as photographing animals off the Pembrokeshire coastline.

People holidaying in Pembrokeshire cottages have been treated to a number of encounters with some magnificent marine animals over the years, such as fin whales, harbour porpoises and common dolphins.

Speaking to the BBC, Dr Lyndsey Dodds, Head of Marine Policy at WWF UK, said, “As well as being home to a wonderful array of animals and plants, our seas provide vital resources such as food and energy.”

She added, “By using innovative technology like these vehicles we can learn more about the life that is offshore and out of our sight and make sure these areas are given the protection that they need.”

Image Credit: Michele W (flickr.com)

This content was written by James Dart. Please feel free to visit my Google+ profile to read more stories.

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Rare sighting of a large pod of dolphins seen just off Pembrokeshire

Powells Holiday Team — Thu, 13 Aug 2015 01:00:00 +0000

Rare sighting of a large pod of dolphins seen just off Pembrokeshire Powells Holiday Team Thu, 08/13/2015 - 01:00

A rare sighting of a large pod of common dolphins has been caught on camera just off the coast of Pembrokeshire this week.

It is believed that the pod was 300-strong and was caught on camera by locals Charlie Thomas and his father Ron Thomas when they were on a fishing trip in Abercastle.

Pembrokeshire is a great destination to see dolphins and other marine animals, as people on summer vacations in Tenby cottages and other coastal areas can take part in many activities and tours that involve local wildlife.

Check out the footage of the pod of dolphins in the video here.

As you can see from the video, the dolphins begin to play next to boat before Charlie takes underwater shots of the dolphins congregating.

Charlie added, “We just couldn’t believe what we were seeing. We thought we were dreaming, it was such an incredible experience and one that I’ll never ever forget.”

Not the first sighting of dolphins in Pembrokeshire

An article on the ITV website reveals that this sighting is not the first sighting this month. Pods of dolphins have been spotted in Pembrokeshire at the beginning of the week, when visitors to Skomer Island, which is just off the Pembrokeshire coastline, saw a pod of dolphins.

Dolphins are not the only marine animals to visit waters around Pembrokeshire as a basking shark was also seen at Cardigan Bay earlier this week as well.

Common dolphins are frequently spotted around the Pembrokeshire and Cornish coastlines. The animals are easy to recognise as they have a distinctive creamy yellow hourglass pattern along the sides, with a dark grey back, tail and flippers, and a cream-coloured belly.

Common dolphins can grow as big as 2.7 metres long and generally the marine animals live as long as 20 or 30 years.

Image Credit: Stephen West (flickr.com)