Kat, Lindsey & Hayley

Still having the best time in Trang, but Kat, Lindsey and Hayley you are missed terribly (as the UK flight crisis made travel plans to Thailand impossible - thu apparently Hayley is now on her way!). So, in your honour, we decided to name the first identifiable pink dolphins after you. So here they are:

Kat















Lindsey















Hayley

Day 3. By Calvin

After a long journey down the coast to Sukorn Island we focused our attention on two areas which we thought would be prime dolphin territory. Only minutes later we had our first sighting, two Humpback Dolphins which appeared to be frolicking at the surface. After a period watching these animals it became clear they were mating and after taking some voyeur photography we let them be and continued down to the south east of the island.
Another group was spotted and we spent a while with this group taking photo’s trying to get closer to get better quality images for identification. Avoiding and being elusive we accepted the images we got and headed back home. Before we knew it the boat captain shouted ‘Dolphin’ and pointed us in the direction of our third group of the day!
This one contained three Humpback Dolphins which we got very close to and some nice photos of both left and right side for dorsal fin identification. Once we were satisfied we headed home after a very productive days work with smiles on all of our faces. A brilliant day!

Day 2. By Calvin

An early start led to a swift breakfast and onto the boat. Heading out to survey it wasn’t long before our first sighting. Two Humpback Dolphins were spotted not far off and the boat approached. A further sighting nearer the coastline gave us a third cetacean in and some nice photo’s to match. The rest of the morning was interspersed with a few possible Dugong sightings and heading back to the resort.
The afternoon proved less fruitful but a large Dugong breached the surface not far from the boat and was a confirmed sighting for the afternoons search effort. As the day progressed nothing further was seen and the evening was spent chatting and making sure the 5 Dolphins seen so far were correctly labelled and ready for the database!

Day 1. By Calvin

After a nice lay-in to follow the previous days 7 hours of Thai public transport, we had a very tasty cooked breakfast in the Nature Resort restaurant overlooking the sea.

Once all the equipment was prepared and the team briefed for the day’s activities we jumped onto the longtail with smiles in eager anticipation of our first cetaceans. With the GPS pinpointing our location every minute we set out with a general idea to head south along the coast before sweeping around through the islands and across to the North before heading back to base.

Within just 30 minutes of spotting and applying sun cream we had our first sighting. ‘SIGHTING’ is shouted and everybody looks to where we are directed, nothing is seen again and as we approach the area and slow down, it is concluded a Dugong was spotted as there was no repeat surface.

Back on sighting effort we head south again and before we know it ‘SIGHTING!!’ and immediately I spot the two dolphins. The boat slows and we attempt to pull alongside the pair, travelling slowly and resting they surface repeatedly and we close the distance between us and them.

Kev grabs the huge camera and as we get closer he gets our first few photo’s of Humpback Dolphins!Still a bit too far for the best identification photo’s but we were all very happy with our first sighting of the elusive species. After spending a while with them but not being able to get any closer, we finished this sighting and continued on with our search effort.

Heading north now we spent another few hours on search effort before the sun got the better of us on the first day and we headed back to the resort for some well deserved air conditioning and a shower.

Evening entertainment was postponed as we were all too interested in reading articles or identification books, followed by telling stories of past encounters with dolphins and whale of different varieties.

With high hopes for day 2 we head to sleep ready for our early start to catch the dolphins active in the morning light...

Day 1, Trang Expedition

Easier said than done this blog thing. Now I remember why it never succeeded before - there is simply not enough time in the research day. It almost midnight again and we are back on the water at 7am. So for now, a quick summary. 2 days, 2 surveys, 2 pink dolphin encounters (total of 6 different animals), 3 dugong encounters and a absolutely great team of folk. Great company, great food, beautiful scenery and wonderful experiences and fun. So a few piccies will have to suffice for now! K & gang X

Pink Dolphins of Trang Expedition

Well, we're here and we've started, after all those months of careful planning. We look forward to bringing you news of this first expedition in Thailand very shortly from the team. Watch this space!

Whales and Dolphins of the Moray Firth 2010

The CRRU are now pleased to announce that they are recruiting for volunteers for the 2010 season.  Ten team starting in June, running through to September.

For full details please see:-  

http://www.crru.org.uk/join_the_team.asp

Or contact Kevin.Robinson@crru.org.uk