To read more about the extensive research being carried out by CRRU on these whales, go to crru.org.uk/research/pub... and type "minke" in the search box! 🧪

#research #science #marinebiology #whales #minkewhales #eDNA #cetaceans #animals

Having worked with these whales for almost 30 years now, CRRU's ongoing studies are incredibly important for the future protection of these presently "data-deficient" (and still commercially exploited) coastal balaenopterid whales that we so dearly cherish and love. 🐋

We are also able to track the foraging patterns of the whales by recording each footprint location (left by the whale each time it surfaces and dives), from which eDNA samples are also collected for individual genetic analyses.

⛵ In such cases, our approach is simply to "hang" with the whales, sitting most of the time with engines and sonar off, then moving with the animals as they relocate from one feeding patch to the next - allowing us to observe and record their unique feeding methods and individual entrapment methods.

Other than recording individuals sighted during encounters (recaptures are highly informative to the site tenacity and movements of this meta-population), most of our research work (stable isotope studies, sex segregation, telemetry studies etc) is difficult to apply when the animals are feeding.

We have also suggested that the identification of groups containing "good mothers" would be highly desirable for conservation efforts for the future viability and protection of this potentially vulnerable northeast dolphin population. 🧪

#dolphins #bottlenose #research #science #conservation

From our long-term studies we have established that there is a good cadre vs a poor cadre of mothers in this Moray Firth bottlenose population (see: assets.ctfassets.net/xe1w9sqtia79...).

"Blotchy" has successfully raised 4 of her 5 previous calves, so we have high hopes for this wee one, and will continue to track the health and welfare of mum and her little one over the following weeks/months ahead. 🧪

#dolphins #bottlenosedolphins #cetaceans #research #conservation #science

Further impact may also be due the increase in vessel traffic and associated noise disturbance caused by the proposed export cable corridors and landfall sites for new wind farm operations adjacent to this newly-designated MPA. 🧪

#whales #minkewhales #conservation #research #science #marinebiology

The nearshore habitats utilised by juvenile minke whales, for example, may harbour greater impacts from anthropogenic activities such as set creel lines (with pathological evidence of entanglement in creel lines being seen in as many as 50% of all stranded minkes in Scottish waters).

A better understanding of the movements, habitat preferences, behaviour and niche segregation of these whales is necessary to inform the adaptive management process for this north east MPA (see sitelink.nature.scot/site/10477).

Recaptures of known minke whales (see crru.org.uk/minke-catalo...) provide us with important information on the repeated, long-term presence and habitat use of these coastal whales within the Moray Firth Marine Protected Area (MPA).

This remains a focal objective of our ongoing and long-term monitoring studies within the Moray Firth MPA.

#whales #minkewhales #cetaceans #research #conservation #science

Therefore understanding the complex interplay of these factors is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies to better understand and protect these ecologically-important coastal whales.

Changes in prey availability, due to climate change or other environmental factors, can lead to reduced food intake and emaciation as well.

Last week we saw the first wave of newly-arriving minke whales to the Southern Trench MPA (Marine Protected Area). Several of the animals were evidently underweight, distinguishable from their projecting vertebrae, which could clearly be seen along their backs.

Thanks Manu, much appreciated 💙 Have a lovely week too!

Hi Manu, could this account please be added to the oceans/atmosphere feed! 🧪 We are a research non-profit with over 20 years of publications on cetaceans in costal and offshore waters in northeast Scotland and the wider UK (in addition to eDNA and other related work): crru.org.uk/research/pub...