This project provides you with an exceptional opportunity to become actively involved in field activities related to the conservation and protection of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises) in NE Scotland. As long-lived mammals with low reproductive rates, clear assessments of the status of cetacean populations in UK waters require long term and on-going studies.

Scientists no longer have the luxury of studying whales and dolphins just to learn more about them. Today they must learn more about them simply to protect them, and, as a participant on this project, your mission will be to assist a dynamic team of marine biologists in this cause.

Located on the southern coastline of Scotland’s spectacular Moray Firth, you will
be fully incorporated - as an essential member of the research team - in field studies of these exquisite creatures: monitoring their numbers and distribution; studying their behaviour and social dynamics; and identifying individual animals, their status and site fidelity. Primary concentration will be focused on an individually-identifiable population of bottlenose dolphins that spend a large proportion of the year in the study area. Isolated at the northern extreme of the species range, this population of bottlenose dolphins – one of only two “resident” populations in British waters – is of national and international importance. Other cetacean species you may be lucky enough to encounter include harbour porpoises, minke whales, Atlantic white-sided dolphins, common dolphins, pilot whales and possibly even orca or humpbacks (as well as many other marine and coastal-dwelling creatures, such as grey and common seals, basking sharks,
turtles and ocean sunfish).

In addition to your involvement in essential fieldwork, you will also have the
opportunity to receive instruction in marine mammal rescue techniques. Affiliated with the UK Marine Animal Rescue Coalition, the Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) operates a fully trained, 24-hour marine mammal rescue team. Should an actual rescue situation occur, you might be expected to assist the team at short notice (sometimes even during the night).

Working in small teams, you will undoubtedly learn a lot about the whales and
dolphins commonly seen in this haven area of Scotland - how to identify them, the conservation issues that drive research initiatives to protect them, and how to help them during a live stranding situation. In short, you can expect an exciting programme rich in experience and personal satisfaction and an enjoyable introduction to whale and dolphin identification, data collection and marine mammal rescue.