27 March, 2018
Bottlenose dolphin numbers stable in Moray Firth, with increase on east coast, says new report
The number of bottlenose dolphins using the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation (SAC) off the coast of Scotland remains stable, according to a report published today by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). This is the most northern resident bottlenose dolphin population in the world, and recognised as a major tourist attraction along Scotland’s northeast coast, generating upwards of £4m per year for the local economy.
Around 200 bottlenose dolphins call the coastal North Sea near Scotland home. More than half of these dolphins frequently use the Moray Firth, part of which is an EU-classified SAC to help protect these marine mammals.
The new report indicates that although there is some variability in the numbers of dolphins using the Moray Firth SAC each year, the numbers appear to be generally stable over the long term. Additional monitoring indicates there is an overall increase in dolphin numbers on the east coast. The research, commissioned by SNH and carried out by the University of Aberdeen, also suggests dolphins use the SAC outside the summer months more often than was previously thought.
Despite these positive results, the North Sea’s only resident bottlenose dolphin population is still considered to be vulnerable, though no change is suggested to their current favourable and recovered condition status. Stretching from the Moray Firth to Fife and further south, the population is relatively small and dolphins reproduce slowly. While many of the dolphins travel along the coast between these different areas, the population remains isolated.
Morven Carruthers, SNH Marine Policy & Advice Officer, said: “This is great news for the dolphins and for Scotland in general. We have been monitoring dolphins in the Moray Firth SAC for many years and it’s been wonderful to see stability in their numbers.
“Dolphin watching is a beloved activity for locals and visitors alike throughout Scotland. It’s great to see a growing bottlenose dolphin population on the east coast.”
The Moray Firth SAC was designated in 2005 under the European Habitats Directive for bottlenose dolphins. It extends from the inner firths to Helmsdale on the north coast and Lossiemouth on the south coast.
SNH Commissioned Report 1021: Site Condition Monitoring of bottlenose dolphins within the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation: 2014-2016 can be viewed on the SNH website.
End
Photo Credit:
Bottlenose dolphins, Moray Firth. ©Lorne Gill/SNH
Contact information
- Name
- Carrie Wieteska
- Carrie.Wieteska@nature.scot
Notes to editors
Notes to Editors:
Scottish Natural Heritage is the government's adviser on all aspects of nature and landscape across Scotland. Our role is to help people understand, value and enjoy Scotland's nature now and in the future. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot or follow us on Twitter at http://twitter.com/nature_scot
SNH has a duty to report on the condition of the bottlenose dolphin population in the SAC every six years. The report was produced by the University of Aberdeen, who have been carrying out research on the population since 1989, in collaboration with the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews. Researchers used passive acoustic monitoring and photographic identification surveys to identify the number and locations of dolphins within the SAC and across the east coast of Scotland.
The report can be viewed in full at: https://www.nature.scot/snh-research-report-1021-site-condition-monitoring-bottlenose-dolphins-within-moray-firth-special
NatureScot is Scotland's nature agency. We work to enhance our natural environment in Scotland and inspire everyone to care more about it. Our priority is a nature-rich future for Scotland and an effective response to the climate emergency. For more information, visit our website at www.nature.scot or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/nature_scot
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