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Moray Firth bottlenose dolphins could be facing harmful disruption from paddleboarders and kayakers, academics from Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh say





Kayakers and paddleboarders may be unknowingly disturbing the Moray Firth’s small dolphin population.

Academic researchers have served the warning for the Highland inlet among five Scottish offshore areas studied for disruption to whales, dolphins and seals.

Playful bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth. Picture: Charlie Phillips
Playful bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth. Picture: Charlie Phillips

The Moray Firth is home to a community of around 200 bottlenose dolphins.

Heriot-Watt University, with support from the charity Whale and Dolphin Conservation, has documented hundreds of interactions between vessels and marine mammals.

The study featured more than 400 hours of land-based observations across five marine regions, including protected areas.

Disturbances caused by kayaks and paddleboards were recorded in the Moray Firth, as well as Clyde, Forth and Tay, with waters off Skye unaffected by those activities.

The study suggested disturbances from fast-moving craft such as speedboats also occurred in every area.

Dr Emily Hague of Heriot-Watt University said: "The truth is that all of Scotland's coastline is important habitat for marine mammals.

"Whether you're paddling off the coast of Fife or sailing around Skye, you're likely sharing the water with sensitive species.

"We want people to enjoy Scotland's waters, but to do so responsibly by keeping up to date on how best to respond should you spot marine wildlife.

Moray Firth dolphins. Charlie Phillips.
Moray Firth dolphins. Charlie Phillips.

"With a little more awareness and a few small changes, we can all help ensure that sharing the sea doesn't come at a cost to the animals that call it home."

NatureScot's Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code, external advises people to keep a distance of at least 100m (328ft) from marine mammals and avoid sudden changes in direction, speed or noise - especially in engine-powered boats

Where there are multiple vessels on the water, users should avoid surrounding animals, limit encounters to 15 minutes and move on if animals show any signs of disturbance.

They should also avoid using fast moving craft for wildlife watching due to their speed, noise and collision risk

Seals on land should also be given a wide berth.


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