Pilot whales in Bailiwick waters. (Picture by Tony Rive, 0598383)

GUERNSEY is a prime location for Seawatch’s national Whale and Dolphin Watch Week, according to Channel Island coordinator Bertram Bree.

The event is on until Tuesday and the aim is for the public to post any viewings on the Seawatch website.  Marine wildlife to watch out for off Guernsey includes bottlenose, Risso’s and common dolphins, minke and pilot whales and porpoises.

‘There’s a huge variety here,’ said Mr Bree. ‘The islands are one of the best places in the world for studying marine biology. ‘Good places to watch are locations with deeper water, like off Pleinmont, L’Ancresse and L’Eree, as well as between Guernsey and Herm.’

Jerbourg and Les Hanois are also tipped.  Mr Bree said it was the best time of year to spot sea life because of fertilizer from French fields that has trickled down to river estuaries, resulting in the growth of plankton. That increases the number of fish dolphins and whales can feed on.