When you think whales and dolphins, does your mind conjure up images of tropical destinations and turquoise seas? If so, you’re not alone. Many people are surprised to hear that of the 80 or so species of whales, dolphins and porpoises (collectively known as cetaceans) found worldwide, an incredible 28 are found in UK waters.

Populations of three of these species, the Bottlenose dolphin, the Harbour porpoise and the relatively little-known Risso’s dolphin, can be spotted close to the coast. Bottlenose dolphins, in particular, can regularly be sighted at certain points around the UK with resident populations in both Scotland’s Moray Firth and Cardigan Bay, West Wales. Each has been estimated to contain approximately 130 animals, many of which have distinct marks and can be individually recognised. A third, more nomadic population, lives off the southwest shores of England.

Whale and dolphin watching is phenomenally popular worldwide. In the Moray Firth, the dolphins often visit the area close to the Wildlife Centre in Spey Bay to feed and can be sighted both from land and by boat. It is important to remember, however, that dolphins can be disturbed by boats, especially if driven carelessly. If you take a dolphin-watching trip in the Moray Firth, please use a DOLPHIN SPACE PROGRAMME registered operator who will have agreed to behave responsibly around the dolphins.

Occasionally, species such as the magnificent Orca (killer whale) come close to shore but are mainly seen in offshore waters, as are a number of other species. These include ‘great’ whales, such as migratory Humpbacks on their way to or from feeding grounds in northern waters and smaller oceanic dolphins such as Common and Striped dolphins. Species such as the Blue whale – the largest of the UK’s cetaceans and, indeed, the largest animal on Earth – are increasingly being identified in UK waters and, alongside Fin and Sei whales, are probably breeding here too.

Sadly, in UK waters, as elsewhere, cetaceans face a number of threats to their survival, including bycatch (accidental capture in fishing nets), marine litter, chemical and noise pollution, and other forms of habitat degradation.

Research has shown that the population of Bottlenose dolphins in the Moray Firth is decreasing. Unless something can be done to halt the current rate of decline, we expect them to be no longer viable in just 45 years. There are concerns that they are being subjected to considerable stress and some individual dolphins also seem very heavily diseased.

Harbour porpoises used to be regularly known as Common porpoises, but now appear to be virtually extinct on the south coast and in the southern North Sea. In the Celtic Sea bottom-set gill nets are calculated to be removing some 6% of the local population per year and this rate of loss cannot be sustained.

Recent legislation such as the 2000 Countryside and Rights of Way (CRoW) Bill is a step in the right direction for cetacean protection around the UK, as it treats reckless disturbance of cetaceans as if it was intentional – but there is always more that can be done and everybody can play their part by taking a few simple steps:

• If you see dolphins or whales being chased or disturbed, report it to the police – it is an offence!

• Take care to dispose of all waste, including oil, appropriately. Most marinas and ports now have facilities for the safe disposal of boat waste.

• If you are going to the seaside, leave any excess packaging at home and take care to collect and contain all your rubbish.

• Dispose of all fishing equipment with care. Nets, hooks, lines or other fishing equipment can go on killing if discarded or lost in the sea.

• Above all, help raise awareness of the UK’s cetaceans by taking part in WDCS’s Active Seas Programme! See www.wdcs.org for more information.

If you would like to adopt a Moray Firth bottlenose dolphin call the WDCS dolphin hotline on 0870 870 5001 or check on the website, www.wdcs.org