Harbour Porpoise

Niki Clear

Porpoises differ from dolphins mainly by their shape and the smaller size of their body and dorsal fin. They are sometimes referred to as a “puffing pig” due to the noise they make when they breathe. Harbour porpoises can be difficult to observe due to their shy nature and generally only show their dorsal fin when surfacing to breathe. They are wary of boats and unlike dolphins do not bow ride. They are usually seen singly or in small groups of 2-3 animals. Females reach maturity at 3-4 years, giving birth between May and July to a single calf every 1-2 years.

What do they look like?

Harbour porpoises have small triangular dorsal fins, a rounded head and are dark grey in colour with a lighter underside. Calves are much paler and like bottlenose dolphin calves, have distinct lines called ‘foetal folds’ down their sides that are visible for the first few hours after birth.

What do they eat?

Harbour porpoise have a varied diet of small schooling fish such as sand eels, sprats, herring and mackerel plus crustaceans.

Where can I see them?

Harbour porpoises are found all around the UK. Most sightings occur within 10 km (6 miles) of land. Locally, good places to spot porpoises are from New Quay headland, Aberporth Bay and Mwnt. Elsewhere in Wales they can be seen at Strumble Head and Ramsey Sound in Pembrokeshire and Point Lynas, Anglesey and Bardsey Island in North Wales.