Dolphin Rescue Photos Reveal Rare Species
Dolphins rescued near Dundee were species rarely seen on east coast of Scotland.
There has been a surprise twist to a dolphin beaching near Dundee.
Last month, a mother and her calf became grounded at the entrance to Broughty Ferry harbour. Passers-by managed to guide them back into the water and they swam off none the worse.
One of the helpers took a series of photographs, which have been passed to the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) at St Andrews University. Experts there have now identified the pair as common dolphins - a very unusual sight on the east coast.
Dr Vincent Janick said: "This was a different species from the dolphins we normally see here. From the pictures, I could see that this was a common dolphin and despite its name it's an animal we don't see very often close to the shore on the east coast of Scotland.
The main reason for the difference between the east and west coast is probably water temperature. The temperature in the North Sea is much lower that it is in the Atlantic and so the common dolphin is simply an animal that doesn't like the cooler waters that we have here."
Bottlenose dolphins are regular visitors to the Firth of Tay from March through to September. Their numbers have increased in recent years and they are now an established tourist attraction.
The common dolphin looks very different to its all-grey cousin. It has white sides, which can take an hour-glass shape along the dolphin's body.
They also prefer much deeper water.
"One of the reasons why it could have come close to shore is perhaps it was an inexperienced animal and then got lost a little bit, but another possibility is that it followed fish," explained Vincent Janick.
"This year was a very good winter to see bottlenose dolphins close to the shore as well and this could mean that fish are coming closer and the common dolphin, normally an off-shore species, perhaps because of that came closer and got lost when it got into shallower water.
Mr Janick urged dolphin spotters to keep a look out for species other than the bottlenose in east coast waters.
"The bottlenose dolphin is obviously the most common one we see most of the time but there are other animals not far off shore like the white beaked dolphin for example that are sometimes seen here," he said.
"If someone goes out dolphin watching it's a good idea to try to pay attention to the actual colour pattern on its side and see whether it's another species."
The SMRU is keen to hear about strandings, both of live and dead animals.
"In a live stranding situation you need the help of experienced people," added Mr Janick.
"But also if you find a dead animal it's helpful to us to find out the actual cause of death."
During the day the SMRU in St Andrews can be contacted on 01463 243030 and outwith office hours on 07979 245893.
STV Scotland: 11th March 2009
