Whale Spotting On The Rise In Scotland

Tuesday, July 10, 2007
SCOTLAND- Killer whales are being spotted more often off the coast of Scotland.

Eight orca, up to 35ft long, have been seen in the Pentland Firth, west of the uninhabited island of Stroma.

And the Sea Watch Foundation say sightings of whales appear to be rising around the Scottish coast.

Sightings of common dolphins are also on the rise, with a group of more than 200 seen off Freswick in Caithness.

Common dolphins, usually associated with warmer waters, have only started to be seen off the Scottish coast in the last two years.

Foundation research director Peter Evans yesterday said the orca sightings were of particular interest.

He said: "This species is occurring over a wide area and there have been regular sightings in May and June.

"The likely reasons are increased seal populations in the northern isles.

"There's also the winter availability of herring and mackerel from trawlers east and north of Shetland."

Eight different species of marine mammal we re reported during this year's National Whale and Dolphin Watch, organised by the foundation.

Source: The Daily Record