Marine Wildlife

Nature

The waters around the Isle of Wight support a rich marine environment. Bottlenose dolphins are regularly seen in the Solent and off the south coast, with sightings most common between April and October. Common dolphins, harbour porpoises and grey seals are also recorded. Basking sharks, the second largest fish in the world, visit the waters around the Needles and the south-west coast in summer, following plankton blooms.

Rockpooling is one of the island's most popular family activities. The best spots include the rocky ledges at Bembridge, the platforms at Hanover Point near Brook, Yaverland beach and the rocks around Ventnor. Rockpools contain crabs, shrimps, anemones, blennies, starfish and small fish. Low spring tides offer the best rockpooling opportunities.

The island's coastline includes important marine habitats. The Solent is designated as a Special Area of Conservation, protecting its seagrass beds, saltmarsh and mudflats. Seagrass meadows in the eastern Solent are vital nursery grounds for fish and store significant amounts of carbon.

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust monitors marine wildlife and runs beach surveys. Whale and dolphin sightings can be reported to the Sea Watch Foundation. The island's waters also attract grey seals, which haul out on remote beaches, particularly on the south coast. Underwater visibility is best on the south-west coast, attracting divers to explore reefs and wrecks.