Scientists have used photographic techniques to identify individual dolphins by their unique natural markings such as nicks in their fins or scars. This has allowed them to count the number of dolphins in the population, and discover how small it is.

‘Bottlenose dolphins are perhaps the best known of our dolphin species. However, whilst many people know that there are bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth on Scotland’s north east coast and Cardigan Bay in Wales, the Hebridean dolphins are less famous,’ said HWDT scientist Susannah Calderan.

‘In partnership with other academic and local organisations, we’ve found out much more in recent years about how many of them there are and where they live.’

Researchers have discovered that in the Hebrides there appears to be two distinct groups of bottlenose dolphins.

One group is found in and around the Sound of Barra in the Outer Hebrides and comprises around 15 individuals.

In the Inner Hebrides there is a group of around 35 individuals that range from Skye down to the Kintyre peninsula. These dolphins are seen year-round and are thought to be resident in the area.

Usually they are in small groups, but sometimes large groups are spotted around the Hebridean coasts.

‘The west coast of Scotland is famous for its wildlife and we’re really lucky to have these dolphins in our waters,’ continued Susannah Calderan.

‘But the small size of this population makes it vulnerable. It’s so important that the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, which is a small local charity, continues its unique work, as only by doing long-term research can we find out what we need to know about these animals so they can be protected.’

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