Least Concern· population trend unknown· assessed 2019

Bottlenose Dolphin

Tursiops truncatus

Sighting evidence at Cardigan Bay, Wales (Pembrokeshire)

Photo: pirol03 · CC BY-NC

Cardigan Bay's resident population of over 300 bottlenose dolphins is one of only two such populations in the UK and is protected under European law as a Special Area of Conservation. Individuals are identified by researchers from the Sea Watch Foundation and many have been known for decades, with documented family lineages and distinct behavioural personalities. Snorkel encounters in the bay are among the most reliable cetacean interactions available in British waters without leaving the shore zone.

Evidence at this site

9 records within 25 km

Confidence: medium

Last confirmed Jun 2026

Seasonality

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How is this calculated?

Sighting evidence is compiled from iNaturalist observation records within a set proximity radius, filtered for quality-grade observations. “Last confirmed” is the date of the most recent research-grade record. Record count covers a rolling 24-month window. Confidence reflects record count, recency, and consistency of seasonal signal.

Bottlenose Dolphin

Evidence at this site

Seasonality

Also seen at other sites