SeaWatch SW is a volunteer-based project that started in 2007 and is scheduled to run until 2011 at least. The main aim is to better understand the distribution and behaviour of migratory marine megafauna, both for scientific and conservation purposes. The priority is the Critically Endangered Balearic Shearwater, but other migratory seabirds as well as Basking Sharks, Ocean Sunfish and cetaceans are the focus of intensive monitoring off southwest England. SeaWatch SW is supported by a number of scientific and conservation organisations, and is co-ordinated from the National Oceanography Centre, Southampton (NOCS).

The survey phase of the project is based at Gwennap Head, near Lands End in Cornwall, from mid-July to mid-October. The 2010 field season starts on 15 July, so keep up to date with the daily sightings via our Results page. If you woulkd like to volunteer to help next year, further details about how to get involved, latest sightings, and the conservation and scientific background to the project can be found using the links above. Results from previous years are outlined in the annual report (below) - the report from 2009 will be released soon. Any enquiries should be directed to the project co-ordinator.

We hope you enjoy the website, and look forward to seeing you in Cornwall in summer 2010!

Latest news

NEW SeaWatch SW 2010 survey starts on 15 July
The 2010 SeaWatch SW survey at Gwennap Head in southwest Cornwall starts on 15 July. For the fourth year in succession, experienced seabird observers, supported by students and volunteer marine wildlife observers, will record all seabirds, cetaceans and other marine wildlife seen offshore during the 93-day survey period. Data received from supporting sister sites will put these sightings into regional context. Daily updates from Gwennap Head will be posted on the Results page. Visitors to the watchpoint are always welcome, and a location map and updated observer schedule can be found on the About and Get Involved pages.

NEW SeaWatch SW field expedition: Tracking Balearic and Menorcan Shearwaters
In spring 2010, SeaWatch SW joined forces with Prof Tim Guilford from University of Oxford on an expedition to the Balearic Islands to attach tracking devices to Balearic and Menorcan Shearwaters. The expedition was a massive success, thanks to assistance on the ground from two dedicated Balearic Shearwater experts: Miguel McMinn and Ana Rodriguez. The results will be used to determine the birds’ foraging areas and migration routes in the western Mediterranean and northeast Atlantic, and will help answer many questions about their at-sea behaviour. A two-part illustrated expedition report can be viewed on the Birdguides website at:
http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=2090
http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=2091

NEW Watch out for colour-dyed Manx Shearwaters!
SeaWatch SW has also joined forces with Tim Guilford and BTO to undertake colour marking of Manx Shearwaters on Skomer Island (Pembrokeshire) and Copeland Island (Northern Island). We are therefore appealing to all sea-watchers to keep a close eye on any Manx Shearwaters they see, and report any sightings of birds marked with colour dye to us (via the Contact Us page). We are not releasing details of the colours used, or the extent of the dye, as we don't want to bias the results. However, we request that observers note the following details: Date, time and location; General weather/viewing conditions; Direction of flight and distance from watchpoint; Number of Manx Shearwaters in group; Colour and extent of marking (be as accurate as possible); Observer name and email/phone number. Further details about the project can be found at http://www.birdguides.com/webzine/article.asp?a=2188

Send us your Balearic Shearwater sightings now!
One of the main aims of SeaWatch SW is to provide a focal point for recording of the Critically Endangered Balearic Shearwater in UK and Irish waters. Data collected between 2007 and 2009 are already feeding into ongoing conservation efforts, led by RSPB and Birdlife International at both a national and international level. We are grateful to all observers who have provided us with records, and urge anyone who sees a Balearic Shearwater in the UK and Ireland in 2010 to contact us with details of the sighting, and/or submit their record to Birdguides. A summary of 2010 sightings from the first half of the year will be released in August.

NEW SeaWatch SW Annual Report 2009
The SeaWatch SW Annual Report for 2009 is nearing completion, but its release has been delayed this year due to an increase in other SeaWatch SW activities (including the expedition described above). Despite some very late nights the final analysis is still incomplete, and the revised release date is now early August. The report will include a summary of all Balearic Shearwater records from the UK and Ireland during the year. The report will also contain all data from the SeaWatch SW survey that took place between 15 July and 15 Oct, with intensive effort-based observations at Gwennap Head supported by sister sites at Berry Head, Pendeen, Trevose Head, Strumble Head and Whitburn. Finally, a summary of boat-based observations off southwest UK will be provided by our partners at Marinelife.