Seven cetacean species seen off the north of Scotland

Risso’s dolphins caught on camera by Karen Munroe

Marine mammal watchers have been treated to a spectacular start to the summer season with seven species seen in just four days off northern coast of Caithness, Scotland.

Counts of sightings included four white beaked dolphins, eight Minke whales, 13 Risso's dolphins, at least 16 harbour porpoise, at least 30 short beaked common dolphins, five orcas and five long finned pilot whales.

Most sightings were reported by Karen Munro, a regular observer for Sea Watch who mainly watched from her home in Thurso Bay. Sightings were also reported off Dunnet Head to Karen by local boat charter and angling operators.

Those that attended a planned Sea Watch, organised by Paul Castle, the Highland Council North Sutherland ranger on the evening of the 22nd May were rewarded with sightings of short beaked common dolphins, Risso's dolphins, harbour porpoise and Minke whale in just two hours. The watch, which was included as an event during ‘Biodiversity Week' sponsored by Scottish National Heritage, occurred between 1700 and 1900 hours at Strathy Point.

Orcas – one of seven species spotted in just four days off Scotland’s Caithness coast. Credit Sea Watch.

Sea Watch Sightings Officer Gemma Veneruso said: "The past few days have highlighted the rich diversity of cetacean species in the north of Scotland and we are hoping for many more in the coming weeks."

There are a number of land watches planned for the season and particularly during National Whale and Dolphin Watch (18th-26th July), which the public are invited to attend. The watches help build a picture of marine mammal numbers and distribution around the UK coast.

A list of the planned watches will be available on the website shortly. For further information on these watches contact Sea Watch Regional Coordinator Colin Bird. Go to www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk for more information