Public Photos Capture Dolphin Pod Movements

Wildlife enthusiasts have played a vital role in enabling scientists to track individual bottlenose dolphins along the Yorkshire coast. These dolphins, originally from a population near Scotland’s east coast, are now frequently observed as far south as Scarborough, Whitby, and Bridlington. By contributing photographs, the public has helped researchers identify unique dolphins using specific markings on their dorsal fins.

Citizen Fins Project and Public Involvement

Grant Ellis, associated with the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews, noted that the Citizen Fins initiative garnered over 5,000 photographs from dolphin watchers within five years. The project aims to catalog sightings and track the movement of these dolphins between Scotland and England.

In July, a remarkable pod of over 200 bottlenose dolphins was spotted in the North Sea, having migrated from the Moray Firth in Scotland. This event took place off the coast of Scarborough and captivated numerous wildlife enthusiasts.

Identifying Dolphin Movements

• Over 70 individual dolphins matched to the research catalogue.
• Increased sightings from once a year to daily occurrences.
• More than 400 submissions received since 2020.

Ellis expressed excitement about the findings, stating that the evidence from Yorkshire has significantly changed how researchers understand dolphin populations. “We know for certain that Scottish dolphins are visiting England,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of public contributions in reevaluating their monitoring practices.

Stuart Baines: A Local Advocate

Stuart Baines, a key figure in this initiative, has been recording dolphin activity along the Yorkshire coastline for around 15 years. As a representative of the Sea Watch Foundation, he created the Scarborough Porpoise Facebook page, now boasting over 120,000 followers.

Initially, Baines observed dolphin activity during his daily commute, which has dramatically increased over time. “In the last five or six years, we’ve gone from only a handful of sightings to over 700 annually,” he stated. The change is particularly notable, as sightings have become commonplace in the region.

Benefits of Public Engagement

With the Citizen Fins project, Baines emphasizes the importance of public participation. “The more people contribute photographs, the better.” About 50% of bottlenose dolphins have distinguishable features on their fins due to their active nature, which can lead to permanent scars and marks.

This collaboration between researchers and the public not only enhances individual dolphin identification but also sheds light on their habitats along the Yorkshire coastline. As citizen science continues to thrive, the understanding of marine wildlife will undoubtedly expand, revealing more about these fascinating creatures.