SCOTS are being asked to keep their eyes on the oceans as the annual National Whale and Dolphin Watch (NWDW) starts later this week.
The event, organised by the charity Sea Watch and due to run from July 25 to August 2, aims to collect a large amount of data on the marine mammals which can be used in conservation and protection.
The charity said collecting such data about our resident cetaceans has never been more important, and Scotland consistently records “the highest number of sightings particularly along the western coast and on the Inner and Outer Hebrides”.
Dr Chiara Giulia Bertulli, the sightings officer and lead organiser of the NWDW, said: “The most memorable sightings from last year’s Watch week included humpback whales in Cornwall and the Outer Hebrides, Northern bottlenose whales in the Inner Hebrides, beaked whales off the Isle of Tiree in the Inner Hebrides, fin whales in the Outer Hebrides, and large pods of Atlantic white-sided dolphins off Freester in Shetland.”
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“But whales, dolphins and harbour porpoises can pop up anywhere all around the UK, so watching from any coastline is important,” the charity added, saying: “Rising sea surface temperatures and human activities have been impacting marine species in the British waters for many years now.
“The most recent human lockdowns most certainly has had an effect on marine species which is also worth investigating.”
Sea Watch said that no previous experience is needed to take part, although a lot of patience and enthusiasm would be very helpful.
The charity will be offering free online training lectures for people eager to help in the hunt for marine mammals on their website.
Watchers will need a copy of the Sea Watch recording forms and a cetacean identification guide (also downloadable from their website).
However, in order to ensure everyone follows Covid-19 restrictions and to comply with social distancing rules, Sea Watch has advised people to conduct watches individually or with a member of their household.
A range of prizes have also been made available for anyone who participates in a Watch by the events sponsors, who include Ripcurl and Dani Williams Illustrations.
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