Long Term Monitoring

Since 2009, SMRU has conducted photo-identification surveys of bottlenose dolphins in Tayside and adjacent waters under a research license.

We work collaboratively with Aberdeen University Lighthouse Field Station to monitor the conservation status of the East Coast of Scotland bottlenose dolphin population, under an agreement with NatureScot.

Read the latest assessment of the population here NatureScot Research Report 2017-2022

Individual Identification

Individual dolphins are identified through unique natural markings. Learn more about the East Coast ID catalogue and distinct animals see regularly in the Tayside area.

Get Involved

Send in your dorsal fin photos to help us learn about dolphin movements along the east coast of Scotland and England

Strandings

If you come across a live marine mammal stranding, please contact BDLMR. If you come across a dead stranding in Scotland contact SMASS, or in England and Wales contact CSIP.