Conservation charity the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust said that from its research yacht Silurian, which was used in the BBC TV programme Blue Planet, volunteers and scientists spotted 2,303 common dolphins, 42 bottlenose dolphins and 94 Risso’s dolphins in its 2016 expeditions.
Trust director Alison Lomax said: “The impressive range of species documented in our at-sea surveys last year is a powerful reminder that Scotland’s west coast ocean environment is home to remarkable marine life.
The figures for all three species are the highest recorded in the charity’s annual surveys.
Average annual figures over the last 14 years recorded 463 individual common dolphins, 14 bottlenose dolphins and 12 Risso’s dolphins. For common dolphins, records range from zero in earlier field seasons to 1,862 during 2007.
Dr Lauren Hartny-Mills, science officer at the trust, said: “The reasons for the high number of sightings of these charismatic dolphin species and the broader effects on the marine environment and other species remain unclear.
“But the intriguing findings highlight the importance of ongoing monitoring and research to strengthen our understanding of what is taking place in Hebridean waters and to ensure well-informed conservation action.”
The latest findings came during a research season lasting from May to October, as part of the trust’s citizen science project monitoring whales, dolphins and porpoises – collectively known as cetaceans – and basking sharks in the area.
Last year saw 71 volunteers work with marine scientists on visual surveys and acoustic monitoring with underwater microphones or hydrophones, and identifying individual cetaceans through photography.
The charity, based on the Isle of Mull, now holds data from a surveyed area measuring more than 95,000km.
It aims to pass the 100,000km milestone during 2017 and recruits volunteers to work for two-week periods between April and September.
“Long-term scientific studies of this globally-important habitat and its inhabitants are crucial if we are to ensure a secure future for the Hebrides’ spectacular cetaceans.”
The holiday of a life-time. I loved every minute. Obviously the views and islands were amazing but the boat and the especially the crew were amazing also. Angus, Will, Callum and Charlie made us feel part of their boating family and we all entertained each other over dinner in the evenings with our stories and jokes. The other passengers were great and we continue to send pictures and memories to each other on our specially set up WhatsApp group. As a complete non - sailor, I felt safe at all times with Angus our skipper, and I relished the adventure. Will, our wildlife expert, made sure that we witnessed some spectacular events, including a couple of white tailed Eagles; Dolphins sporting with us on the bow wave; and Gannets showing their skills diving for mackerel. Callum was lovely, always attentive to our needs and always smiling, filling up our glasses, bringing us tea on deck without spilling any. ( How did he do that?) And Charlie, our Chef, wow the food was superb, what a star. I am hoping to start painting the fabulous sea scapes very soon while the warm glow of the experience is still in my veins. Thank you for a very special time.
Rita Mitchell: 9 September 2022Skye and the Small Isles: Hebridean horizons