Despite previous problems, POD 171 (Burry Holms) data recovery went well.  Data downloaded included records of porpoise encounters almost daily.  For speed, POD 148, now repaired, was dropped in its place and POD 171 was relocated to Carmarthen Bay.  A revised POD location map can be downloaded here.

POD 149 (Port Eynon) had failed to record any porpoise activity.  Checks confirm that the unit appears to be functioning properly.  However, quite how it failed to record any activity when land-based observers had seen porpoise swimming near its marker buoys is a mystery.  The unit was re-calibrated and will be switched with another if it fails to record any encounters over the next month.

POD 129 (Port Talbot) was checked, and reset successfully on Tuesday 4th February.  Numerous, almost daily, porpoise encounters had been recorded.

POD 109 (Kenfig Patches) was, sadly, not recovered.  Because, on our previous recovery run, it had wandered 200m from its original position we had attached an extra anchor weight.  We were concerned that in spite of the extra weight, the unit might have been moved by the large swells of the previous few weeks.  A quartering search pattern was adopted and held for two hours.  Sadly, we eventually had to admit the unit was lost.

In order to improve our chances of recovering the POD, should it be discovered, a news release has been circulated.  If you'd like to help get the word out on the street, please download a copy.