Dolphin pod sighted off Studland (From Bournemouth Echo)

Dolphin pod sighted off Studland

9:16am Thursday 9th September 2010 in

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THIS spectacular sighting of dolphins off the Dorset coast has prompted experts to urge the public to protect marine life.

The pod of four bottlenose dolphins was captured on camera in Studland Bay by Daily Echo reader Jenny Llewellyn earlier this week.

Oliver Buttling, group curator of Bournemouth’s Oceanarium, said the breed is well-established in the Dorset area.

But he stressed it is important to protect sea creatures and ensure such sightings for the future.

“The recent sighting is a fantastic reminder of the types of beautiful marine life that live in our British waters,” he said.

Dolphin footage captured off the Dorset coast by Nigel Bryant in June

“Studland Bay is a site of international importance – in particular for British seahorses – and we hope that images such as this also remind people how important it is to protect our sea creatures.”

Mr Buttling praised the recent introduction of Marine Protected Areas along the South Coast and added: “These sites will enable people to further appreciate the wildlife which inhabits the areas while respecting their safety and wellbeing, ensuring that people will be able to enjoy sights such as this for many years to come.”

Bottlenose dolphins are the most common breed in the UK and are social animals, usually found living in groups.