Two bottlenose dolphins spotted near Brighton Marina

The sighting of the dolphins came about 500 metres west of Brighton Marina on Wednesday, March 23.

A spokesman from Sussex Dolphin Project confirmed that the two sea creatures were  bottlenose dolphins.

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Two bottlenose dolphins spotted near Brighton Marina

“These Bottlenose Dolphins, or Tursiops truncates, are our most commonly spotted species in Sussex waters, with a peak season between May and September,” he said.

“During the summer, we can receive multiple sightings a day, especially if a pod is travelling close to the shore.

“Bottlenose dolphins pass through Sussex all year, though in the winter months they are found further offshore so are seen less often by members of the public.”

The images were taken from aboard Robin Howard’s Brighton Inshore Fishing boat.

Two bottlenose dolphins spotted near Brighton Marina

Last summer, dolphins, seals and even a whale were seen off the county’s coast.

At the time, Thea Taylor, lead at the Sussex Dolphin Project, said the rise in sightings could be due to fact the water is warmer close to the shore at this time of year.

"We have been treated to some wonderful sightings around Brighton and Hove beaches, especially around the piers,” she said.

“We expect to see dolphins closer to shore at this time of year as the water warms and their prey species move in.

Two bottlenose dolphins spotted near Brighton Marina

“The dolphins follow their prey and as a result we get the perfect opportunity to see them from land.

“We saw some amazing footage of dolphins hunting very close to Hove beach on Thursday, and we expect them to remain closer to shore during September.”

Last month, a male common dolphin was spotted on the beach in Hove - just weeks after the fin of a great white shark was reportedly spotted yards off the coast.

However, a spokesman for Littlehampton Harbour said the fin sighting was likely the end of a Ferring Outfall pipe.