A new report published by wildlife agency NatureScot revealed the findings from waters around the Hebrides.
Populations of basking sharks near Scotland have plummeted to their lowest on record, with just seven sightings, according to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust. However, there were record high sightings for minke whales off Scotland’s west coast with more than 160 spotted in our waters.
The reasons are as yet unexplained, and the Trust says more work is needed to analyse the trends over time - and investigate whether climate change is having an impact. Scotland’s west coast seas are internationally important for whales, dolphins and harbour porpoise – collectively known as cetaceans – and the globally endangered basking shark.
"Continued collaboration with researchers is vital, helping us to know how these giant beasts – the world’s second largest fish – are faring, so we can respond appropriately.” The Isle of Mull-based Trust has been monitoring marine life by running expeditions since 2002, with members of the public joining its research vessel, Silurian, to survey Hebridean seas. Sighting rates of minke whale soared to 1.57 per 100 km last year – the highest in the two decades of the unique research programme. Minke whale numbers reached a record 167.
Ms Sinclair added: “This valuable research is allowing us to track how whales and basking sharks are faring over the long-term in the Hebrides. Without collaboration with organisations like the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, it would be much more difficult to assess the health of these species, why changes are happening, and what’s necessary for future research and conservation, including within Marine Protected Areas.
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