Scotland’s west coast seas are of immense importance for minke whales according to research conducted by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT). A newly published digital catalogue of photographic identification records submitted by members of the public over three decades shows that more than 300 individual minke whales have been identified in the Hebrides since 1990.
One of the whales, Snowy, has been visiting the region for an astonishing 27-year period; the longest known history of sightings for this species in Europe. Another whale, known as Knobble, has been spotted more than 60 times since 2002, mostly in waters around the Isle of Mull.
The findings provide valuable insight into the lives of minke whales, as well as a long-term picture of their numbers, range and behaviour. “Photographs are a powerful tool for strengthening our understanding of whale movements and the threats they face – providing vital evidence for effective conservation,” said Dr Lauren Hartny-Mills, the HWDT’s Science and Conservation Manager.
Thousands of photographs a year are shared with the trust by the public and wildlife watching crews through a community sightings website and smartphone app called Whale Track. These are then used to identify and catalogue individual whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks seen in the region.
The trust also hopes the catalogue will help strengthen international understanding of whale movements and contribute to wide-scale conservation action to protect these animals. “I get great pleasure in sending in my photos to the Trust, knowing every photograph I send makes a real difference to our understanding of amazing whales like Snowy and Knobble,” said Sea Life Mull’s wildlife guide Andy Tait.
The Minke Whale Photo-Identification Catalogue for the West Coast of Scotland 1990-2020 is available on the Trust’s website. The publication has been made possible thanks to funding from WWF-UK, William Grant Foundation and Postcode Animal Trust.
Research conducted by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) has revealed Scotland’s west coast seas as an essential area for minke whales. A newly published digital catalogue of photographic identification records shows that more than 300 individual minke whales have been identified in the Hebrides since 1990.
One of the whales, Snowy, has been visiting the region for an astonishing 27-year period; the longest known history of sightings for this species in Europe. Another whale, known as Knobble, has been spotted more than 60 times since 2002, mostly in waters around the Isle of Mull.
Dr Lauren Hartny-Mills, the HWDT’s Science and Conservation Manager, commented: “Photographs are a powerful tool for strengthening our understanding of whale movements and the threats they face – providing vital evidence for effective conservation.”
The research provides valuable insight into the lives of minke whales, as well as a long-term picture of their numbers, range and behaviour. It also hopes to strengthen international understanding of whale movements and contribute to wide-scale conservation action to protect these animals.
The Minke Whale Photo-Identification Catalogue for the West Coast of Scotland 1990-2020 is available on the Trust’s website, made possible thanks to funding from WWF-UK, William Grant Foundation and Postcode Animal Trust. The public are encouraged to submit photographs of whales and dolphins to the trust, with Andy Tait, Sea Life Mull’s wildlife guide, saying “I get great pleasure in sending in my photos to the Trust, knowing every photograph I send makes a real difference to our understanding of amazing whales like Snowy and Knobble.”
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