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Harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) observed during land-based surveys in The Minch, north-west Scotland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 May 2013

Sarah J. Dolman ,
Nicola K. Hodgins ,
Colin D. MacLeod ,
Graham J. Pierce  and
Caroline R. Weir
Sarah J. Dolman*
Affiliation:
Whale and Dolphin Conservation, 38 St Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LJ, UK
Nicola K. Hodgins
Affiliation:
Whale and Dolphin Conservation, 38 St Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire, SN15 1LJ, UK
Colin D. MacLeod
Affiliation:
GIS In Ecology, 120 Churchill Drive, Broomhill, Glasgow, G11 7EZ, UK School of Biological Sciences (Zoology), University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK
Graham J. Pierce
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences (Zoology), University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK
Caroline R. Weir
Affiliation:
School of Biological Sciences (Zoology), University of Aberdeen, Tillydrone Avenue, Aberdeen, AB24 2TZ, UK
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: S. Dolman, Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, 38 St Paul Street, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN15 1LJ, UK email: [email protected]
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Abstract

The waters off north-west Scotland are known to provide important habitat for the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and the minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata). Between October 2008 and April 2011, systematic land-based surveys were carried out to assess the seasonal occurrence, group size and group behaviours of both species in a study area located off Melvaig, near Gairloch. Data were collected on 47 separate days, with a total of 4543 minutes of survey effort (in sea states ≤3) recorded during the spring months and 8204 minutes of effort during the autumn. A total of 189 sightings of marine fauna were recorded, comprising 126 cetacean sightings, 50 seal sightings and 13 sightings of basking sharks (Cetorhinus maximus). Six species of cetacean were identified, with most sightings comprising harbour porpoise (N = 72) or minke whale (N = 38). Harbour porpoise abundance was higher in autumn than in spring and there was a variation between years in numbers of minke whales sighted. In porpoises, sea state and cloud cover both influenced sightings and increasing sea state influenced survey area. Foraging behaviour was exhibited in 13% of harbour porpoise sightings and 34% of minke whale sightings. Results demonstrate a regular occurrence of harbour porpoises and minke whales in nearshore waters off Gairloch. Densities are comparable to boat surveys in the region and so support the use of land-based watches as a potential longer-term monitoring method for these species in coastal waters. Given the regular use of this area by these two European Protected Species, as well as the occurrence of a range of human activities potentially affecting them in the region, it may be appropriate to consider protecting this area for their conservation.

Keywords

land-based surveysharbour porpoisePhocoena phocoenaminke whaleBalaenoptera acutorostrataThe Minchnorth-west Scotland
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom , Volume 94 , Issue 6 , September 2014 , pp. 1185 - 1194
Copyright
Copyright © Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom 2013 

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