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North Sea dolphin population ‘stable’ – report

Around 200 dolphins call the North Sea home with more than half using a conservation area in the Moray Firth.

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A leaping Bottlenose dolphin in the Moray Firth (Lorne Gill/SNH/PA)

The population of bottlenose dolphins in a conservation area in the north of Scotland has stabilised but remains vulnerable, according to experts.

Around 200 dolphins call the coastal North Sea home, with more than half frequently using the Moray Firth, part of which is an EU-classified Special Area of Conservation (SAC) to help protect the marine mammals.

Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) said the group is the most northern resident bottlenose dolphin population in the world and generates around £4 million per year for the local economy through tourism.

Research at the University of Aberdeen found there is some variability in the numbers of dolphins using the Moray Firth SAC each year but it appears generally stable over the long term.

Monitoring suggested dolphins use the SAC outside the summer months more often than was previously thought and that there has been an overall increase in dolphin numbers on the east coast.

Despite these results, SNH said the population is still “considered to be vulnerable”.

Morven Carruthers, SNH marine policy and advice officer, said: “This is great news for the dolphins and for Scotland in general. We have been monitoring dolphins in the Moray Firth SAC for many years and it’s been wonderful to see stability in their numbers.

“Dolphin watching is a beloved activity for locals and visitors alike throughout Scotland. It’s great to see a growing bottlenose dolphin population on the east coast.”

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