Volunteers sought in Caithness and north Sutherland for Shorewatch citizen science project
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Volunteers are being sought for a citizen science project which involves keeping a lookout for whales and dolphins off the north coast.
Shorewatch is a network of volunteers trained and supported by global charity Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) to carry out regular surveys from sites across Scotland, including some in Caithness and Sutherland.
Policy officer Katie Dyke, based at WDC's Scottish Dolphin Centre at Spey Bay, will run Shorewatch online training this month followed by taster sessions showing people how to survey and spot different species.
She is keen to encourage new volunteers in the area.
Katie said: “Caithness and north Sutherland is a great place to watch out for marine wildlife, with exciting sightings of impressive species like orca, but there are loads more whale and dolphin species that travel along the coast – from the small, shy porpoise to the big baleen whales like minke and humpbacks.
"Through collecting data and information on how they use the area we have a better chance of ensuring their long-term protection.
"We need more help in Caithness and north Sutherland and are calling for volunteers to offer their time to survey for whales and dolphins."
She added: "Shorewatch is an ongoing project every day of the year – we even have volunteers going out on Christmas Day. People go as and when they want.
"The surveys are self-led – volunteers can do a survey every day or just a one a week or one a month, whatever suits them. Support is provided if volunteers need it. I visit sites regularly."
WDC Shorewatch began in 2005 in Moray and there are now 39 designated survey locations across Scotland, including the Trinkie at Wick, St John's Point, Scrabster, Holborn Head and Strathy.
Training is free, as is equipment, and no experience is required – just an interest in the outdoors.
Online training for those looking to start volunteering is scheduled for Monday, June 21, from 10am to 3.30pm, by Zoom – email shorewatch@whales.org to secure a place.
Shorewatch taster sessions are planned for Tuesday, June 22, at the Trinkie (12.30-1.30pm), and on Friday, June 25, at Scrabster lighthouse (1pm- 2pm). People interested in attending these should email shorewatch@whales.org so that numbers can be managed.
Scotland is home to a number of whale and dolphin species but WDC says there are still many unanswered questions about where they breed, feed and travel. Data collected by Shorewatch volunteers can help inform policy to ensure better protection.
Volunteer Emma Steel said: “I love heading out to my Shorewatch site. I never know what I am going to see – some days I see nothing but I still enjoy the peace and tranquillity of scanning the sea knowing I am doing something useful.
"Other times I can watch feeding porpoises and seabirds for hours, then head home satisfied to warm up with a cuppa.”
