WDCS - Moray Firth Dolphins - Saving Planet Earth

Dolphin sculpture hanging at WDCS Wildlife Centre

For many people, bottlenose dolphins symbolize the spirit of the sea – free, wild and vibrant. Yet these remarkable animals are sadly under threat around our coasts like never before.

Blasted by loud noise from industry, ensnared in fishing nets, chased away from the places they need for food and shelter – they may disappear from our coasts altogether.

The Moray Firth Dolphins
Bottlenose dolphins have existed around the UK coast for thousands of years, but today their numbers are diminished and declining further. The small group of around 130 individuals in the Moray Firth is the only remaining population of its kind in the North Sea.

These animals are truly unique, but sadly vulnerable. Because of its small size the population is very vulnerable to the loss of individuals and the death of just one of the dolphins will impact the likely survival of the group.

The dolphins face man-made dangers every day, including death in illegally set salmon netting, noise pollution from the oil and industry, and leisure developments bringing increased boat traffic.

The Moray Firth is one of two vitally important sites for bottlenose dolphins around the UK and part of the inner Moray Firth has been designated as a Special Area of Conservation for these animals. Yet this is far from adequate to ensure the dolphins’ survival, as harmful developments and practices continue.

What is WDCS doing?
WDCS is working to ensure better protection for the bottlenose dolphins of the Moray Firth and elsewhere around the UK. In the Moray Firth we:

fund and conduct vital research to understand what they need in order to survive.
take our message to as many people as possible, staging events and exhibitions, as well as providing resources for teachers and school children.
push for stronger laws and regulations to protect the dolphins and advise government and decision makers how to ensure their survival.

The bottlenose dolphin is one of the UK’s last remaining large, wild mammals – we must act now, if we want to ensure its future survival.

The plight of the Moray Firth dolphins highlights the destruction of important marine habitat affecting sea-life all around our coasts – something which will impact us all and which we can change.

WDCS and Saving Planet Earth
Donations made through Saving Planet Earth are distributed by the BBC Wildlife Fund.

In December 2007, WDCS received £20,000 from the fund to carry out a vital research and survey project in the outer Moray Firth. This work began in the Spring of 2008 and you can read more about the project here. Thank you.

Underwater World exhibition at WDCS Wildlife Centre

Dolphin with reserachers and ship in background

© Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society
The global voice for whales, dolphins and their environment
Registered Charity No. 1014705