Major milestone for community citizen science project helping marine life in Scottish waters
Members of the public who have committed to helping to save whales and dolphins have clocked up a massive one million minutes-worth of voluntary watches in Scotland whilst taking part in a citizen science data collection project.
The 100,000 individual 10 minute watches have highlighted the amazing number of different whales and dolphins that visit or inhabit the seas around Scotland. Over 19 years, 30,000 whales or dolphins have been sighted, and 18 different species. The five most commonly seen are bottlenose, common and Risso’s dolphins, harbour porpoises and minke whales.
Other species seen each year include orca, fin and humpback whale, white-beaked dolphin and white-sided dolphin. Some of the more unusual sightings have included deep diving Cuvier’s, Sowerby’s and sperm whales, Sei whale, and the most exciting (18th species) sighted this year- a beluga whale normally found in the high Arctic.
The 1000+ strong community of local people involved have been taking part in marine charity Whale and Dolphin Conservation’s Shorewatch programme, which monitors at risk species of whale, dolphin and harbour porpoise across Scotland.
Members of the public are encouraged to train as volunteers to identify and scientifically record the movements of legally protected species from coastal lookout points, collecting vital data about where they breed, feed and travel.
This data then helps with efforts to ensure better protection for whales and dolphins by informing marine conservation planning, influencing policy and development decisions.
In the past, Shorewatch data has helped create marine protected areas in the seas around Scotland, including in North East Lewis, supported the identification and designation of Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) off the Scottish coast, and fed into research and conservation efforts to better understand a range of human pressures including from shipping and fishing activities.
The volunteers have also helped to monitor and report the growing threat posed by disturbance. As more people are visiting the coast and enjoying taking to the water, the potential of harm to whales and dolphins from recreational water-based activities is growing, especially at peak holiday times.
Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) has been working to raise awareness of and reduce this threat, providing advice to members of the public on what not to do when in the water near whales, dolphins and porpoises, and what signs to look out for if they are disturbed.
‘Effort from the public has been remarkable and hugely valuable’, Emma Steel, Shorewatch coordinator said.
‘But it’s not just about the data – it’s the power of the people. Shorewatch volunteers contribute far more to WDC than their 10-minute surveys, writing to their MSP/MP, attending local protests, writing to foreign governments about cruel whale hunting… the list goes on.’
As well as helping protect whales and dolphins, Shorewatch has brought many other benefits for those members of the public taking part over the years, whether it be personal wellbeing or quality family time together.
David Jones, one off the army of Shorewatch volunteers said: ‘I started doing Shorewatch with my daughter – is a great way to spend some quality time with her especially as she is now reaching the mid teenage years and Dad is usually not so popular!
“I still get a great feeling inside when I hear the excitement in her voice when she sees a dolphin or whale, it makes it all so worthwhile.’
‘It is like therapy for me, one of the only ways that I feel relaxed and sitting still at the same time’, says Shorewatcher Ronnie Mackie.
‘As well as the excitement of seeing incredible cetacean species, it is very rewarding to be able to share your enthusiasm with passers-by. So many people regularly stop to chat and enquire about what I am seeing … a whole new social life!’
‘It was hard to rid the anxiety brought on by the pandemic. Getting back to socialising is important and this Shorewatch social has been part of my recovery’, says volunteer Cathy Mullins.
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