Volunteer call for vital Ross dolphin watching project
WHALE and Dolphin Conservation (WDC) is seeking volunteers to carry out regular watches at coastal sites to help learn more about cetaceans in Ross-shire waters.
WDC’s Shorewatch scheme relies on local community volunteers to monitor the presence of whales, dolphins and porpoises around Scotland’s coast.
No experience is necessary and volunteers will receive expert training to help record vital data about whales and dolphins. Volunteers can do just one 10-minute watch per week and their participation will help protect the animals in the future.
Now in its fifth year of watching from sites at North Kessock, Chanonry Point at Fortrose, Nairn and Fort George, WDC will be holding Shorewatch training sessions for new volunteers.
For volunteers interested in watching from North Kessock and Chanonry Point, the training will take place at the Black Isle Leisure Centre, Fortrose, on Thursday (June 5) from 10am to 3.30pm.
"It is vital to understand which areas might be key habitat for these amazing animals," said WDC head of Scottish policy Sarah Dolman.
"We basically need to have eyes on the sea around the entire Scottish coastline; this is why community participation is so important to the long term management of marine species and their homes."
Gerry Beasley is a new volunteer who has already signed up to the Chanonry Point training on June 5.
He said: "I signed up because I like the social aspect of meeting new people either from this community or elsewhere. I feel a sense of responsibility to the place I live. It’s important for me to help to look after it for those of us who enjoy it now and for the people who come along after us."
Booking is essential as places are limited. Anyone interested in volunteering or finding out more should please contact Kila Taylor by email shorewatch@whales.org or phone (01343) 820339.