Call for paddleboarders and kayakers to act 'responsibly' around marine mammals
Researchers led by Heriot-Watt University carried out 400 hours of observations across five Scottish marine regions, looking at what happened when vessels were present at the same time as marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and seals.
The study, which covered the Clyde, Forth and Tay, Moray Firth, Orkney Islands and Shetland Islands areas, documented hundreds of interactions between vessels and marine mammals, many of which occurred in sensitive or protected areas.
Dr Emily Hague, from Heriot-Watt University, explained that a third of all observed disturbances were caused by 'non-motorised craft like kayaks, paddleboards and rowboats'.
She explained: 'In one case, seals resting on a beach became visibly agitated as kayaks passed by, beginning to move around and then many left the haul-out site and slid into the water, a clear disruption of their resting behaviour.
'Signs of stress aren't always dramatic or obvious; it can be more subtle, such as a change in breathing rate, swimming direction or their diving behaviour.'
Another third of the disturbances were caused by small motorboats, with the researchers saying that in one case they saw a speedboat 'repeatedly pursue' bottlenose dolphins, which changed direction and lengthened their dives, regrouping only after the boat left.
The scientists added that many small motorboats do not carry automatic identification system tracking, meaning their presence and behaviour are 'effectively invisible' to regulators and conservation authorities.
Disturbances caused by kayaks and paddleboards were recorded in the Clyde, Forth and Tay and Moray Firth areas, while powered vessel disturbances, including those from speedboats and RIBs (rigid inflatable boats), occurred in all five areas.
Dr Hague explained that the land-based sightings were 'opportunistic', reflecting 'what happened to be observed, not necessarily how often disturbances occur'.
She added: 'Just because no incidents involving kayaks were recorded in Orkney or Shetland doesn't mean they don't happen.'
The scientist appealed to all water users to follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code in order to minimise their impact on marine mammals.
'The truth is that all of Scotland's coastline is important habitat for marine mammals,' she said.
'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.
'Kayakers, paddleboarders, surfers, recreational boaters and everyone else in the water should follow the Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code, which offers clear advice on how to minimise your impact on marine mammals.
'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.'
The research, which was conducted with the support of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation, forms part of the Scottish Vessel Project, led by Heriot-Watt University.
The project aims to capture marine vessel data around Scotland's coastline to better understand the amount of exposure to boats that whales, dolphins and seals experience at different locations.
Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News
Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
STV News
11 hours ago
- STV News
Whale and dolphin strandings have increased 'exponentially' on Scottish coasts
Whale and dolphin strandings on Scottish coasts have increased 'exponentially' in the last 30 years and particularly in the last decade, new research has shown. Between 1992 to 2022, 5,147 whales, dolphins or porpoises died on Scottish shores. In that time, whale and dolphin strandings rose by 125%, according to the research by the University of Glasgow's Scottish marine animal stranding scheme (SMASS). Baleen whale strandings increased by 248%, and common dolphin strandings soared by 812%. Around 300 of the marine animals are becoming stranded on Scotland's beaches every year. Stranding occurs when they become stuck in shallow water or on the shoreline, often resulting in serious injury or death. The 30-year research comes just weeks after a pod of 23 pilot whales was found dead on a beach in Orkney following a mass stranding. The mammals were found on Roo Beach in Sanday in early August. Just over a year ago, 77 pilot whales stranded at Tresness on the island, and in 2023, another mass stranding happened on the Isle of Lewis. The paper published by SMASS on Wednesday indicates that mass strandings like these are becoming more and more frequent. Researchers suggested multiple possible reasons for the increases, but concluded that human noise and activity are part of several key factors. 'Human activities are steadily intensifying within ocean ecosystems, likely impacting wildlife populations,' the report said. 'Noise pollution is a critical stressor for marine mammals, especially for deep-diving species.' In Scotland, researchers said sources of human-made noise are abundant, including seismic survey air guns and drilling from industrial construction. 'Both of which are expected to increase due to offshore wind farm projects aimed at achieving 2050 energy targets,' the report added. 'Monitoring [marine mammal] populations prior to, during, and post development is imperative to understand the impacts of these industrial activities.' As surface feeders, SMASS said entanglement also remains a significant threat for baleen whales. Researchers said increased fishing activity off Scottish shores has grown in parallel with growing whale populations as they recover from the impacts of historic whaling. The paper suggests that juvenile dolphins and whales are particularly susceptible to entanglement. The paper said stranding rates may be driven by changes in population abundance and distribution, causing a proportional rise in strandings. Researchers suggested that dolphins and whales may also be shifting closer to Scottish waters as they follow food and prey, which they said is likely in response to climate change. 'Growing [human] activity is exerting continuously increasing pressure on the environment, causing significant detrimental effects on wildlife populations,' the paper said. 'In the marine environment, predominant threats include declining fish stocks, increased bycatch and entanglement rates, habitat change from warming sea temperatures, and cascading impacts from chemical, plastic, and noise pollution. 'Marine mammals are also particularly vulnerable to [human-made] pressures, with many cetacean species experiencing habitat shifts, deteriorations in health, reduced reproductive capacity, and ultimately, population declines. The 30-year report concluded that stranded whales and dolphins act as 'sentinels' of ocean health, and offer critical insight into how human activity is affecting the marine environment. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country
Daily Mail
12 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Scientists are baffled by an ‘exponential' increase in whale and dolphin strandings in Britain – as they reveal the surprising potential causes
Scientists have been baffled by an 'exponential' increase in whale and dolphin strandings in Britain. Over the last 30 years, the number of whales, dolphins, and porpoises becoming stuck on Scottish beaches has risen from 100 per year to over 300. In some species, such as common dolphins, rates of strandings are now up more than 800 per cent. Researchers from the University of Glasgow 's Scottish marine animal stranding scheme (SMASS) are investigating what might be behind the rise, but say the cause is uncertain. SMASS's report comes after a wave of unprecedented mass beaching incidents, during which 150 animals have mass stranded in Scotland so far this year. In a new paper, published in Scientific Reports, the researchers say that chemical, plastic, and noise pollution might be part of the problem. Likewise, a rise in animals becoming accidentally entangled in fishing gear could be driving more whales and dolphins into trouble. Some species, such as the deep–diving beaked whales and pilot whales, may also be driven close to shore as climate change alters their prey's distribution. Stranding occurs when marine mammals swim close to shore and find themselves trapped in shallow water, often leading to death or injury. Between 1992 and 2022, 5,140 marine mammals were recorded becoming stranded on Scottish beaches. More than half of those strandings included harbour porpoises, with 2,676 becoming trapped on beaches. Pelagic dolphins, a group of ocean–dwelling dolphins, were the second most common, with 1,217 strandings. Common dolphins made up a further 492 strandings, while baleen whales – a group of filter–feeders including minke and humpback whales – were stranded 489 times. The steepest rises were found among common dolphins and baleen whales, with strandings rising exponentially from 2010 onwards. Deep–diving animals like sperm whales and pelagic dolphins showed steady, but slower, rates of increase. Lead author Dr Rachel Lennon told Daily Mail: 'The sharp rise in strandings is certainly concerning, particularly for baleen whales and common dolphins. In 2023, a pod of 55 pilot whales were found beached on the shore of Traigh Mhor beach on the Isle of Lewis in Northwest Scotland (pictured). Scientists say that the number of mass beaching incidents could be a serious concern for whale populations 'The key question now is why this is happening. If the rise simply reflects increasing populations, then it may be less alarming. 'But if it is being driven by threats such as entanglement or other human pressures, then it represents a serious conservation concern.' The researchers say that the exponential increase in stranding events is likely due to a combination of different factors. 'These animals are facing increasing threats in our waters, including chemical, plastic and noise pollution, bycatch, and entanglement,' says Dr Lennon. Noise pollution is a particular cause for concern since it can disorient animals and disrupt their communications. Dr Lennon points to one incident in 2018 when a single sound source caused the mass beaching of 118 beaked whales across Scotland and Ireland. Some studies have also linked mass strandings to military sonar use, but Dr Lennon says this was not the case for the strandings in the current study. Strandings may also be on the up because there are simply more animals in Scottish waters. Following the end of whaling, populations of baleen whales like minke whales and humpback whales have been increasing. Dr Lennon adds: 'Common dolphins, which are traditionally found further south, have shifted north into Scottish waters, likely in response to warming seas as a result of climate change.' Likewise, the study found that juveniles make up an increasing number of sperm whales found beached. The researchers argue that this suggests 'a potential shift in habitat use, with younger individuals being driven northwards, potentially in response to climate–induced shifts in target prey.' Similarly, increasing participation in citizen science projects like SMASS's BeachTrack app is increasing the frequency at which beachings are recorded. However, Dr Lennon stresses that the public plays a vital role in helping to understand, and eventually, prevent beachings. She says: 'Reports from the public are the primary way we collect data on cetacean strandings, making them integral to marine mammal monitoring. 'Knowing where and when people are looking gives us valuable context for understanding what we might be missing and how complete our coverage is so that we can better protect these animals.' HUMPBACK WHALE POPULATIONS AND THEIR THREATS Humpback whales live in oceans around the world. They travel incredible distances every year and have one of the longest migrations of any mammal on the planet. Some populations swim 5,000 miles from tropical breeding grounds to colder, plentiful feeding grounds - this is why it is difficult to estimate population size, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Of the 14 distinct populations, 12 are estimated to number more than 2,000 humpback whales each and two are estimated to number fewer than 2,000. Some populations (such as those off eastern and western Australia) are believed to number in excess of 20,000 animals—a remarkable recovery given that the same populations were almost eradicated by whaling almost sixty years ago. By contrast, the smallest known population is one which inhabits the Arabian Sea year-round, and may number as few as 80 individuals. Threats to humpback whales include decline in food like Krill due to a combination of climate change and industrial-scale fishing. Humpback whales can become entangled by many different gear types including moorings, traps, pots, or gillnets. Once entangled, if they are able to move the gear, the whale may drag and swim with attached gear for long distances, ultimately resulting in fatigue, compromised feeding ability, or severe injury. There is evidence to suggest that most humpback whales experience entanglement over the course of their lives, but are often able to shed the gear on their own. Inadvertent vessel strikes can injure or kill humpback whales. Humpback whales are vulnerable to vessel strikes throughout their range, but the risk is much higher in some coastal areas with heavy ship traffic. Underwater noise threatens whale populations, interrupting their normal behaviour and driving them away from areas important to their survival. Sound has been shown to increase stress hormones in their system and mask the natural sounds humpback whales require to communicate and locate prey.
The National
16 hours ago
- The National
World-leading laser centre in Glasgow to expand after £800k in funding
Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP), which leases six laboratories and space for around 80 employees and doctoral students, has grown exponentially since it was established in 2012. Scientists at the facility specialise in creating lasers and optical systems to help crack complex challenges in industries such as security and defence, healthcare, renewable energy and communications. Fraunhofer CAP is currently housed in the University of Strathclyde's Technology and Innovation Centre and has expanded into the second floor of the university's neighbouring Inovo Building - doubling its lab and office capacity. READ MORE: Israeli-owned Rosebank oil firm reveals profits doubled in last six months The expansion comes after the Scottish Government decided to award Fraunhofer CAP an additional £500,000 of funding this year, with Scottish Enterprise also giving an additional £300,000 to further develop its pioneering work in rapidly growing markets. Business Minister Richard Lochhead visited the lab on Tuesday, where he said the Scottish Government is a proud supporter of Fraunhofer CAP, having provided core funding for the Institute since its inception in 2012. (Image: Fraunhofer UK Research) He said: 'As the only Fraunhofer in the UK, it plays an important role in turning cutting-edge research into real-world industrial solutions across critical industries. 'I am pleased that increased Scottish Government funding this year has helped it expand operations in Glasgow, increasing its capacity to support vital projects across energy, net zero and space, while growing Scotland's Critical Technologies Supercluster. 'The Supercluster is strategically important to the Scottish economy and the Scottish Government will continue to support the incredible capability, talent and innovation across the industry as it pursues ambitious growth over the coming decade.' Fraunhofer, named after German physicist Joseph von Fraunhofer, is the name given to a network of research organisations across the world considered the gold standard when it comes to innovation. Fraunhofer CAP helps provide support for student training, carries out research and development, and also wins contracts and grants. In the last year alone, it delivered more than £5 million of research and development projects for industry. Recently The Scottish Government convened the industry-led Scottish Critical Technologies Supercluster Advisory Board to progress and promote key technical areas in which Scotland excels, such as photonics, quantum technologies, semiconductors and sensing, all areas in which Fraunhofer CAP is heavily involved. Simon Andrews, executive director of Fraunhofer UK Research said the facilities photonics and quantum expertise has helped Scotland's industry stay at the forefront of innovation. He said: 'We have proven the success of the Fraunhofer model here in Scotland, as evidenced by the large number of projects we deliver for industrial partners. 'Our photonics and quantum expertise is helping industry stay at the forefront of innovation and this ministerial visit demonstrates the importance of the part we have to play in the economy. "Both The Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise are key stakeholders for our organisation and have provided support since our inception in 2012."
