CETA

The Magazine for the Cetacean

Watcher in Norfolk

The Seawatch Foundation Whale and Dolphin Watch

It is a delight to see so many people up on the North Norfolk Coast each year in July to participate in the annual Sea Watch Foundation Whale and Dolphin Watch. We usually have a certain amount of press coverage and we even had a mention on Radio Norfolk. In fact the only things not to participate in the events are usually a cetacean or two! If we are lucky we will see a Harbour Porpoise or other cetaceans on the day itself. Although a large whale has to turn up eventually! We will be running the event each year and updates will be contained in our social media accounts as well as on Norfolk Cetaceans. You are very welcome to attend and advance notice is not required

Please report any cetacean sightings to Carl Chapman

Your sightings will be recorded and published on the Seawatch Foundation Website http://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/ The Norfolk Cetacean Website: http://norfolkcetaceans.wordpress.com/ and will also be noted within county wildlife records at NBIS.

Contact Details

Office 01263 837 038

Mobile 07833 463 034

Email carl@wildlifetoursandeducation.co.uk

The Last 500 Years

Harbour Porpoise

After a full ten years of research the status of cetaceans in Norfolk is to be published. The book will be sent free to all members of the NNNS (Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists’ Society) as an occasional publication.

Identification Forum

Beluga – the white whale

Belugas are high arctic dwellers that are uncommonly seen in British Isles waters, and they have never been recorded in Norfolk in recent times. However, they do turn up in the UK occasionally, so we better keep our eyes peeled!

Key Identification Features

• No dorsal fin

• White body is distinctive

• Has distinctive tail lobes

• No appreciable beak

• Large melon shaped head

• Knuckles down the spine

All photos of Belugas taken by Carl Chapman in the St Lawrence River, Canada

Scientists and the public partnering to monitor and improve the conservation of cetaceans in UK waters.

Become a Sea Watch Observer

Sea Watch Foundation has one of the largest and longest running sightings schemes for whales, dolphins and porpoise in the world. This information is used to determine distribution, seasonal changes and critical habitat for these species. Become a Sea Watch Observer and help monitor and safeguard cetaceans in our waters.

Adopt a Cardigan Bay dolphin For just a few pounds per month you can support cetacean conservation and research.

How do I submit my sightings?

Download forms from: www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk

Send an e-mail to: sightings@seawatchfoundation.co.uk

Or use the ‘Sea Watcher’ App

Call the sightings hotline: 01545 561227

www.adoptadolphin.org.uk

Identification Forum – The Fin Whale

It is not impossible that a Fin Whale may put in an appearance off Norfolk. Like Humpbacks they are not averse to reasonably shallow waters. Indeed, there are historic records off the county. Below :Fin Whales all taken in the NE Atlantic

Key Identification Features

• The overall body colour can vary from a brownish black through to silver grey.

• The dorsal fin is quite small and sited far back on the body. It usually has a pointed tip and slopes backwards but as per the photos on the previous page can be highly variable.

• This is a big whale; the world’s second largest and has a blow to match. The tall column of spray is between 4 and 6m high and can be seen from a considerable distance. Blows occur 2 to 5 times at intervals of 10 to 20 seconds.

• The dive sequence shows the rostrum first followed by the blow well before the dorsal fin shows. When the dorsal fin submerges the tail stock is visible, but Fin Whales rarely show their flukes. If they do, they have a white underside. Dives usually last 5 to 15 minutes.

• The lower jaw, lip and baleen plates on the right side are white sometimes visible when the animal first surfaces. See photo below.

• If the whale breaches, it usually twists in the air and does not leave the water far enough to show the tail fin.

• If it does roll or breach it may show the pectoral fins which are slender and short.

• Very fast Swimmer.

All photos other than those accredited are by C Chapman and are copyrighted to Wildlife Tours and Education.

Photo showing the pectoral fin of a Fin Whale

Many thanks to everyone who sends in records of cetaceans from around the coast of Norfolk each year. Your effort and diligence is much appreciated.

Carl Chapman

carl@wildlifetoursandeducation.co.uk