Record numbers of dolphin sightings off West Coast
DOLPHIN sightings in the Hebrides have reached a record high, according to new research by marine conservation charity Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.
Evidence collected during marine expeditions revealed a 24 per cent rise compared to the previous year.
The 2017 survey season recorded nearly 3,000 whales, dolphins, seals and sharks during more than 1,100 sightings.
The harbour porpoise was the most commonly seen species, with 363 sightings of 621 individuals.
Dr Lauren Hartny-Mills, science and policy officer at Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, said: ‘We have never documented so many sightings of common dolphins off Scotland’s West Coast before.
‘Our findings highlight the importance of on-going monitoring and research to strengthen our understanding of what is taking place in Hebridean waters.
‘It is hard to say what is causing this increase, but a rise in sea surface temperatures linked to climate change could be playing a role.’
The research was conducted from April to October 2017, part of the charity’s citizen science project monitoring whales, dolphins and porpoises – collectively known as cetaceans – and basking sharks in the Hebrides.
During 2017, the trust recorded 93 sightings of common dolphins, up from 75 sightings in 2016.
The encounters included 1,340 individual animals – down from 2016’s high of 2,303. This is due to smaller group sizes and fewer super pods.
The annual expeditions depend on paying volunteers. In 2017, 75 volunteers worked alongside marine scientists, conducting visual surveys and acoustic monitoring with underwater microphones or hydrophones and identifying individual cetaceans through photography.
The trust is recruiting more citizen scientists to work on board for one to two weeks from April to October 2018.
Participation costs cover boat expenses, accommodation, training, food and insurance and support the charity’s research.
For details, contact volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org, call 01688 302620, or visit hwdt.org/silurian