WDC Shorewatch Sightings

Quality Control

All Shorewatch volunteers are trained and are provided with regular support and training from WDC. We are therefore confident in the data. Data are maintained and by WDC staff and volunteers, and are kept in a built-to-purpose database which went live in 2015. We anticipate that any issues with record collation will be reduced significantly once the database is fully up and running.

Method steps

1. WDC conducted land-based visual observations from 27 designated sites in Scotland. Surveys each lasted 10 minutes and were carried out by trained volunteers, using specialised equipment. Study Area Land based study platforms have been designated across Scotland: South Uist, Garrynamonie; South Uist, Kildonan Beach; Benbecula; North Uist; Berneray; Rodel, Harris, Tolmachan, Harris; North Shawbost, Lewis; Tiumpan Head, Isle of Lewis; Melvaig Inn; Rua Reidh Lighthouse; Stoerhead Lighthouse; Ullapool; Strathy Point; Scrabster Lighthouse; Thurso Beach; Dunnet Head; Forse; Chanonry Point; North Kessock, WDC Dolphin and Seal Centre; Fort George; Nairn Leisure Centre; Burghead Spey Bay, WDC Scottish Dolphin Centre; Cullen Bay; Macduff Marine Aquarium; Macduff; Fraserburgh, Museum of Scottish Lighthouses; St. Combs, RSPB Loch of Strathbeg; Torry Battery, Aberdeen; St Cyrus SNH Nature Reserve; East Wemyss, Fife; St Mary’s Lighthouse, Newcastle and Souter Lighthouse, Sunderland. Field methods Visual observations 10 minute surveys across the entire study area were conducted from designated land-based platforms by teams of trained volunteer observers using 7 x 50 binoculars with internal compass and distance reticules. Observers alternated 4 minute binocular scans with 1 minute naked-eye scans of the survey area for 10 minutes. Observations were conducted not more often that once per hour and only in sea state 4 or less. Environmental data were collected before every survey. Effort data was recorded on each survey regardless of whether cetaceans were sighted. All cetaceans identified were recorded to lowest taxonomic level possible and an identification confidence percentage was recorded for all sighting

Data collected was limited to designated sites so the data collection only covers specific areas of the Scottish coastline. Note: in 2012 we received Shorewatch data from two sites in England as shown above.