24895 - Swansea Barrage

Swansea barrage (shown above) was built in 1992 with the aim of creating a new marina to extend the leisure facilities already offered by the old industrial docks. One of the main environmental considerations during the project was to ensure that fish could still move freely both up and down the river even at times of low tide. The solution was to construct an impressive fish ladder to the left of the main weir, but it isn’t just fish that are making use of it. A couple of the local Seals have caught on to the fact that the ladder concentrates fish into a very small area, and have basically been pigging out ever since. Last weekend two of these intelligent mammals were hunting there at low tide, often diving right into the lowest “step” itself. Although I didn’t see them catch anything while I was present a passing walker did mention that she had seen one devour a huge Salmon the previous day. How many other cities can boast this sort of spectacle right in their centre?

24890 - Seal, Swansea Barrage
24893 - Seal, Swansea Barrage

Overall the weekend was a great success for Seals in general with us spotting individuals off Oxwich Point, Fall Bay, Bracelet Bay and at least twelve lounging around on the rocks and in the sea off Worms Head. For once the lighting was actually favourable and I was able to get my best ever Seal photos. These are some of my favourites.

24902 - Seal at Worms Head, Gower
24903 - Seals at Worms Head, Gower
24905 - Seal at Worms Head, Gower
24909 - Seals at Worms Head, Gower

7 Comments

TexWisGirl · September 3, 2011 at 12:00 am

smart little buggers! cute too!

Bob Bushell · September 3, 2011 at 9:24 am

Oh, they are superb. I love the seals, anytime, you can send them to me,lol.

theconstantwalker · September 3, 2011 at 7:08 pm

A wonderful thing to witness Adam… Seals are lovely to watch and to have them on your doorstep makes me so jealous.

I have discovered your blog about Reg.
I work in the Automotive Parts industry and if I can help in any way please just ask. I can't promise to produce results but will try to help.

Stewart M · September 4, 2011 at 7:08 am

Hi there – very good pictures of the seals. Does the one in the front of the group shot have something stuck round its neck? Looks like it has a cut mark there – could be plastic or fishing net.

Stewart M – Australia

J · September 5, 2011 at 6:27 am

Lovely seal shots, and thanks for the heads-up on the Tawe Barrage seals. I popped over on Sat. afternoon and was able to take a few shots.

Adam Tilt · September 5, 2011 at 10:01 pm

TexWisGirl – yep. Definitely one of the stars of our coast.

Bob – I'll try my best to send a couple your way!

Andrew – thanks for the offer of help with Reg. Much appreciated. I'll be getting a move on with him next year so I may very well be in contact.

Stewart – I thought that as well but I couldn't see anything at the time. It might be an old wound as he looks like he has been in the wars judging by his shortened flipper.

Jeremy – no problem. Always happy to share some intel. Glad they performed for you.

Clara · November 1, 2011 at 12:27 pm

I was in swansea yesterday and record that video of a seal eating a salmon enjoy!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be01E0hXoRQ&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Stephanie didier et clara

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