The Moray Firth is one of the most important areas in UK waters for dolphins, porpoises and whales (collectively known as cetaceans). The species most often seen from the shore are bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises. This has led to several locations around the coast becoming well known for 'dolphin watching'.
Minke whales and white-beaked dolphins are the next most likely species to be encountered, usually further out to sea, although white-beaked dolphins have been seen from the shore at Fraserburgh. Pilot whales, killer whales and Risso's dolphins are also present in the Moray Firth, but only killer whales are likely to be spotted from the shore, with sightings reported from the coastline around Aberdeen and Banff.
There are thought to be over 100 bottlenose dolphins living in the Moray Firth.
Adults have a clearly defined beak and a tail, sickle-shaped dorsal fin which curves backwards. They are between 3.1 and 3.8 metres in length - about twice as long as harbour porpoises - and weigh between 180 and 300 kilogrammes.
They typically live for 25 years, although animals as old as 50 years have been recorded. Females reach sexual maturity between the ages of five and 12 and may give birth to a single calf every two to three years - lookout for newborn calves any time between March and September. The calf may be helped to the surface by its mother for its first breath of air. If the mother is weak, other female dolphins in the herd often look after her.
Bottlenose dolphins are sociable animals and usually live in groups of two to four individuals, although sightings of larger groups are not uncommon. In the Moray Firth herds of 20 to 30 animals can sometimes be seen during the summer months. Some individuals can readily be identified by notches on the dorsal fin and patterns of scarring. They appear playful and can often be seen leaping out of the water.
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