Almost 400 dolphins and porpoises spotted in one week

A bottlenose dolphin spotted off New Quay - 119 were spotted during the event

Almost 400 dolphins and porpoises have been spotted off Wales' coastlines during a week-long event.

Sightings included harbour porpoises off the Gower, Llyn Peninsula and Anglesey and a Risso's dolphin close to Aberaeron.

Risso's dolphins are unusual for the area and usually seen off the Llyn or south Wales peninsulas.

Other "hotspots" were South Stack and Point Lynas on Anglesey, New Quay in Ceredigion and Skomer in Pembrokeshire.

The number of sightings is expected to rise as Sea Watch Foundation continues to collect data from spotters.

National Whale and Dolphin Watch was run by the charity from 25 July to 2 August.

Bottlenose dolphins photographed off New Quay during this year's National Whale and Dolphin Watch

The annual event is aimed at gathering research data and raising awareness of the diversity of the UK's shores.

The charity has just under 200 volunteer spotters in Wales. Volunteer training was paid for by a grant from Wales Council for Voluntary Action.

During the week people with experience of "official watches" who can readily identify species filled in online sighting forms and novices visited sites manned by experienced Sea Watch observers.

Volunteers conduct a watch from New Quay Pier, Ceredigion

Spotted off Wales' coastlines between 25 July and 2 August

• 114 sightings totalling 389 animals were recorded around Wales

• 34 sightings of bottlenose dolphins (119 animals recorded)

• 72 sightings of harbour porpoises (196 animals recorded)

• One sighting of Risso's dolphin (one animal recorded)

• Six sightings of short-beaked common dolphins (65 animals recorded)

• One sighting of an unidentified dolphin species (eight animals recorded)

A harbour porpoise breaking through the waves at Point Lynas, Anglesey

A child takes part in a watch in Aberystwyth

Two children look for dolphins from Castle Point in Aberystwyth