Dolphins which usually live in warm waters have been seen moving into the Moray Firth।In a sign that scientists fear global warming is heating up the sea around the North-east coast, they spotted school of more than 300 common dolphins.Although the firth plays host to a well-established colony of bottlenose dolphins, the common breed are usually found off Cornwall or on the warmer west coast.Scientists from the Gardenstown-based Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit and environmental charity Earthwatch saw the sea creatures this week.Kevin Robinson, director of the cetacean unit, said it was a clear sign that the waters around the North-east are hotting up.
He said: "This is the first time we have encountered these animals at sea।"To be surrounded by so many at one time was an extraordinary experience.""The arrival of common dolphins to the Moray Firth confirms that sea temperatures are rising."He said changing sea temperatures would result in a redistribution of marine mammals around Britain, and was confident about their chances of survival.He said: "Whales and dolphins are opportunistic animals that take advantage of their surroundings and re-locate if necessary."Perhaps the arrival of new species will generate competition for prey, but as new species arrive, others will leave."Mr Robinson is leading an Earthwatch project to research the whales and dolphins of the Moray Firth. The bottlenose dolphins which have colonised the Moray Firth area regularly spotted from Cromarty to Fraserburgh.
Unit scientists and volunteers collect crucial data on bottlenose dolphins and minke whales to improve their chances of conservation.Earthwatch is an international environmental group dedicated to scientific research and education to promote and sustain the environment.
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