National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2024
24/07/24
Members of the public are being encouraged to take part in this year’s National Whale and Dolphin Watch.
The citizen-science event will be taking place for the fifth time in Dundee with the initiative being supported by the Council’s Countryside Ranger Service.
Data collected through the Watch scheme will then go into monitoring trends and behaviour as well as distribution in order to further scientific research.
Climate, Environment & Biodiversity Convener Cllr Heather Anderson said: “It is thought that the East Coast of Scotland has a resident population of around 224 bottlenose dolphins as well as a range of other marine wildlife.
“Every year, for a week, this information is collected and compiled by the Sea Watch Foundation and plays a crucial part in informing future conservation plans as well as gathering accurate population statuses.
“Locally, during the summer months, we can be fortunate to see dolphins up close too.
“Members of the public are invited to come along and take part in the sessions being held by the Countryside Ranger Service where a small number of binoculars are available, attendees can of course bring their own binoculars or a camp chair if they plan to stay a while too.
“Three of the four sessions will take place from Broughty Castle thanks to Leisure and Culture Dundee and Historic Environment Scotland for allowing access to the facilities during the specific times for the purposes of the Watch.”
National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2024 is taking place between Friday 26th July and Sunday 4th August.
Local activities in which participation is welcomed will take place as follows:
- Tuesday 30th July between 9am to 11am at Broughty Ferry Harbour (beside Broughty Castle);
- Wednesday 31st July between 10am and 12pm at Broughty Castle (on ramparts overlooking the estuary);
- Thursday 1st August between 11am and 1pm at Broughty Castle (on ramparts overlooking the estuary);
- Friday 2nd August between 12pm and 2pm at Broughty Castle (on ramparts overlooking the estuary).
Sightings can also be submitted directly to the Sea Watch Foundation, a UK-based charity dedicated to the conservation and protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises in the UK.
More information about the National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2024 is also available on the Sea Watch Foundation website.
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