What makes the Moray Firth dolphins special

Bottlenose dolphins are by far the most recognisable species of marine mammal to many people who are familiar with them through television, movie screens and, unfortunately, through marine parks where they are held captive to entertain people. The dolphin population in the Moray Firth area are very special as they are the most northerly resident bottlenose dolphins in the world with over 130 animals currently recorded. These particular dolphins vary physically to their relations in warmer climates such as the Caribbean, Indian or Pacific oceans. They are a lot bigger and fatter (4m as opposed to 2.5m) - this is due to the large percentage of blubber they have in their bodies to insulate them from the colder water temperatures of the North Sea.

Groups of 20-30 bottlenose dolphins can be seen from sites all around the Firth including Chanonry Point, Burghead, Lossiemouth and Findochty. However, as they are wild animals there is no way of predicting where the dolphins will be at any particular place or time. These long-lived sociable animals live in small groups and each has a unique 'whistle' used to communicate with each other. One of the ways that the Marine Connection is able to carry out research and study these particular marine mammals is through photo identification (photo-id). High quality, close up photographs are taken of both sides of the animals’ dorsal fin, as markings which appear on the fins are unique to each individual dolphin (much like a human fingerprint.) Our researcher is able to recognise some of the dolphins when sighted. Matching up dorsal fin markings helps provide vital information on the dolphins’ daily habits, where they go and which other animals they associate with. Facially, all bottlenose dolphins features are similar and not easily identifiable (even to experts), hence the reason for dorsal fin photo-id.

Local people around the Firth have seen dolphins for many years; there are reports from as long ago as 1900. Although bottlenose dolphins are renowned for their friendliness towards humans, if you are lucky enough to encounter them in the wild please remember they are wild animals and as such should be treated with respect. They are not playthings but if shown courtesy, they often give you a much cherished insight into their life and the world they live in - an experience which very few are lucky to have - and for this reason alone should be treasured.

Watching dolphins from a boat is very exciting, however it is VERY IMPORTANT that you only use a recommended boat operator who follows a strict Code of Conduct, put in place to ensure they will not harass or unduly disturb the dolphins in any way. The Marine Connection works only with skippers in the Moray Firth area who are accredited to the Dolphin Space Programme. They respect the dolphins' need for space and follow codes that include maintaining a steady speed, limiting the number of trips in each area and dispose of their waste only on shore.

Bottlenose dolphins are protected BY LAW - if you witness anyone deliberately harassing these animals please inform the police who have wildlife officers who deal specifically with this type of issue. Help keep them from danger and make their ocean home a safer, cleaner place for them to live.