Your marine life questions for the team
In this week's show Chris and Kate get intimate with one of the most intriguing predators living in UK waters... the conger eel. I went on a dolphin watch recently (coming up later in the series) and was surprised to learn autumn is the best time to see dolphins in the UK.
Now is also the time grey seals choose to breed - in fact autumn is a very busy time for much of our marine life. All this has prompted me to wonder if you have any questions or observations about the wildlife that live around our shores. If so post them below and we'll try our best to answer them Thursday night's show.
Comment number 1.
At 20th Oct 2010, Wildlife Filmer Adam wrote:I'd love to know what Marine Animal the Presenter Team would be if they could be one, be it real or Mythical?
Other than that, at the moment I can't think of a 'proper question'.
Cheers.
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Comment number 2.
At 21st Oct 2010, Tarquina wrote:It seems a strange time of year for marine life to breed when the weather at sea can be so rough and cold, and you often here of baby seals being washed away. I would be interested to know why they breed at this time of year.
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Comment number 3.
At 21st Oct 2010, TomRedKite wrote:what sound does a common seal make
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Comment number 4.
At 21st Oct 2010, ShanUCF wrote:When you do deal with watching Dolphins I imagine it will include pointing out how important it is to do this from a distance. I mention it because in Hythe, Kent they have notices along the beach side about how it is an offence to touch, disturb or entice a dolphin in anyway. Until I read those notices I was not aware that in the UK swimming with dolphins can be considered an offence, the seriousness of which is shown by the £5,000 fine and/or a prison sentence.
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Comment number 5.
At 21st Oct 2010, LazyRizzo wrote:what is the difference between a coastal dwelling otter and those now beginnging to thrive again in our freshwater rivera? I was asked this the other day & didn't have a proper answer. And how do either/both of these differ from the sea otter, if that's a different branch of the family too?
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Comment number 6.
At 21st Oct 2010, sue brewer wrote:Is it true that conger eels are able to exist for several hours out of water, and if so, how is this possible? Thank you.
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Comment number 7.
At 21st Oct 2010, Cosper wosper wrote:A question for Kate... Is it usual or common for large Conger eels to come very close inshore to feed in the summer months?, as I caught a 37.5 lbs Conger Eel in water no more six feet deep at Burnham in Somerset.
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Comment number 8.
At 21st Oct 2010, Bill Frankham wrote:Can you tell what has happened to all our Turtle Doves?
I think the Collar Doves who are very territorial are responsible
for their decline. I have not seen any for over ten years, and I spend most of my time outside. Should the Collar Doves have been protected, and are they still?
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Comment number 9.
At 21st Oct 2010, 122abcdefghi wrote:Cartoon pictures always have fish blowing bubbles, do fish really do this and what’s it about?
(Sea predators: - looking for a big Mac(kerel), follow the sign).
1 to 2. A to I.
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Comment number 10.
At 21st Oct 2010, Keiththedog wrote:Today whilst walking our dog beside the River Medway in Kent we were suprised and delighted to watch a seal in a tangle with an eel trying to have some lunch. This was opposite Cuxton Marina near the M2 bridge. Is it common to find seals in rivers this time of year? We also feel the need to maybe report this sighting to the relevant authority who may be tracking or monitoring wildlife on the river - who would this be? Regards Karen, Emil & Keith the Dog.
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Comment number 11.
At 21st Oct 2010, hollyshannon wrote:do you get octopus anywere in british water and if so what type? also what do you think is the most fasinating creature in british water?
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Comment number 12.
At 22nd Oct 2010, chris wrote:Conger eels
Most charter boats if not all have a catch and release system in force.Therefor i think its unfair to only blame the rod fisherman for the decreasing number of conger eels. As the hosts of autumnwatch appeared to be saying .
chris
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