We have just started our second summer survey season with the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews, using our RIB ‘MARY OLWEN’.
Researchers will be on board, studying the bottlenose dolphin population along the Yorkshire and Durham coastline until mid-to-late August.
The research is non-invasive, and involves photographing the dorsal fin of the animal, which is the easiest means of identification. Using this information, researchers can build a picture of local abundance, and both the individual and group habits of these fascinating creatures, which will inform future conservation management.
Permission for us to approach the dolphins has been granted under an MMO licence, and we operate under strict ethical protocols to ensure that no harm or distress is caused.
Thanks to the Wildlife Trusts and DEFRA for funding this work. If you’re interested to know more about the project please contact Grant at ge27@st-andrews.ac.uk
Do you need any volunteers for this monitoring project. I have family in Scarborough a degree in conservation biology and have surveyed for whale sharks off the coast of Zanzibar I also hold a padi free diving certificate issued through the BBC. I was also a countryside ranger for 13 years and a biodiversity officer for the local council for two years. If you think I can help with this project please get in touch
Thank you
Jane
Hello Jane, Many thanks for getting in touch. I have forwarded your enquiry to the fieldwork leader, who should be in touch shortly.
Hello Jane,
The project leader has tried to email you at the address given on your reply, but it bounced back. Please could you email us at mail@ultramarine.ltd and we will be in touch.
Thanks.