The
world's most northerly resident population of bottlenose dolphins is
"stable", according to new research. Almost
200 dolphins are found in the North Sea and the animals are frequently seen in
the Moray Firth. Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) commissions a report on the
health of the population every six years. Researchers from the University of
Aberdeen, drawing on about two decades of studies, have deemed the numbers to
be stable, or increasing. The latest research work was carried out in the Moray
Firth Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Wildlife spotters who come to the
shores of the firth to see and photograph the bottlenose dolphins contribute an
estimated £4m to Scotland's economy a year, according to other work by the
university.
'Considered
vulnerable'
Morven Carruthers, SNH policy
and advice officer, said: "We can say with some confidence that the
population of bottlenose dolphins on the east coast of Scotland is stable or
increasing. "And the number of dolphins using the Moray Firth SAC between
1990 and 2010 appears to be stable. "However, this population is
considered vulnerable due to being small and isolated from other
populations." She added: "The east coast bottlenose dolphins are a
special part of Scotland's nature and wildlife and a major tourist attraction,
and it is encouraging to see that the population is currently stable." The
Moray Firth SAC extends from the inner firth to Helmsdale on the north coast
and Lossiemouth on the south coast. Bottlenose dolphins are protected under the
European Union Habitats Directive.
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