Featured here:
| SOCIAL STRUCTURE IMPORTANT FOR DOLPHINS |
New research into bottlenose dolphins living in the Moray Firth,
Scotland, reveals that their social structure is an important feature
that needs to be accounted for when managing the population.
more...
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| NORWEGIAN WHALING SEASON FINALLY COMES TO A CLOSE |
After starting the season a month early, then extending
it to give the whalers two extra months, the Norwegian
minke whaling season finally closed on 31st October. The
total number of minke whales killed was 639, out of a
total quota of 796.
more...
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| WDCS CETACEAN WATCHING CODE OF CONDUCT |
Whales and dolphins are highly intelligent animals, sensitive to disturbance
and can be hit by vessels, including their propellers. If they approach the
boat or bow-ride, maintain a slow speed and course until clear. Cetaceans should
never be chased or harassed in an attempt to make them bow-ride. When watching
dolphins, always let them decide what happens. When watching marine mammals
please follow these simple guidelines:
- Keep your distance. Never go closer than 100m (200m if another boat is present)
- Never drive head on to, or move between, scatter or separate dolphins. If unsure of their movements, simply stop and put the engine into neutral.
- Spend no longer than 15 minutes near the animals
- Special care must be taken with mothers and young
- Maintain a steady direction and slow ‘no wake’ speed
- Never try to swim with cetaceans for your safety and theirs
- Do not dispose of any rubbish, litter or contaminants at sea
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| WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF A STRANDING |
Seals
If you come across a lone seal pup (still with its soft creamy coat) on a
beach do not approach it. At this stage it is still dependent on its mother
who has more than likely left it there whilst she has gone looking for food.
She will not return if she senses your presence and may even reject the pup
if you have handled it. Seals can also bite and can carry viral infections.
Don’t approach the pup, and don’t try and return it to the water. However,
if it looks injured, or has been there for a length of time do report it to
the SSPCA on 01463 231191.
Dolphins and Whales
If you come across a stranded dolphin or whale, here’s what you should do:
- Immediately contact the SSPCA on 01463 231191 or the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit on 01261 851696
- They are very strong creatures so be careful how you approach them as they can make sudden unexpected movements
- With a dolphin if you have assistance and are able to right it on to its front do so
- As air-breathing mammals they can survive out of the water, however, they do need to be kept cool so if you can find a suitable container keep dousing them with seawater – taking care not to pour water down their blow holes
- Do not attempt to haul the creature back to the sea
- Keep the crowds away and the noise down, as these will increase stress levels
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| USEFUL LINKS |
Interested in learning more about Scottish wildlife and conservation – then check out the following websites:
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This website is a satellite site for the Scottish Youth Hostels Association
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