Bottlenose Dolphin Conservation in Southwest England | Citizen Science Project

By Saskia Duncan

A bottlenose dolphin joyfully breaks the surface of the ocean, riding the waves in its natural habitat.

Capture, Contribute, Conserve: Your Dolphin Photos Matter

Bottlenose dolphins are a beloved and iconic marine species found along the British coastline. If you're lucky enough to spot them off the coast of England, your photos could play a crucial role in protecting this vulnerable population.

A Troubled Past: Dolphin Decline in the 20th Century

In the 1960s and 70s, bottlenose dolphins vanished from English waters—likely due to pollution from insecticides used in daffodil farming. Whether they migrated or perished remains unknown. A turning point came in 1991 when a small pod reappeared, believed to have travelled from Wales. This pod continues to inhabit the region today.

Research & Recovery: Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Mission

Since their return, Cornwall Wildlife Trust has monitored sightings through its Seaquest Southwest program. Despite annual sightings of calves, population growth remained stagnant, raising concerns about extinction risks. In response, the South West Bottlenose Dolphin Consortium was formed in 2016 to consolidate sightings and drive conservation efforts. This collaborative initiative includes marine tour operators, NGOs, and academic institutions.

Groundbreaking Discoveries Through Citizen Science

Thanks to public photo submissions, the first large-scale analysis of this dolphin population was conducted in 2016. A Plymouth University master's student confirmed the presence of a resident pod in Southwest waters. Ongoing research now tracks population size, habitat range, and threats. As of last year, the pod numbers just 40 dolphins—a small and vulnerable coastal group facing pressures from nearby urban centres.

Expanding the Horizon: A Channel-Wide Conservation Effort

Dolphins are highly mobile and may connect with other populations across Britain and the English Channel. This year, research is expanding to explore these links, with hopes of launching a channel-wide conservation initiative.

Why Your Photos Are Powerful

Each dolphin’s dorsal fin is unique—like a fingerprint—allowing researchers to identify individuals and study their behaviour, social structures, and movements. Ideal photos are:

• Taken parallel to the dolphin

• Well-lit and in focus

• Featuring the dorsal fin prominently

Get Involved: Submit Your Dolphin Photos

Whether you're in Southwest England or elsewhere, your dolphin sightings matter. If you have photos—new or old—of bottlenose dolphins, especially from the Southwest, please submit them here. For more information, contact: swbottlenosedolphins@outlook.com