WDC Shorewatch Sightings

Quality Control

All effort-based records have been processed and maintained annually since collection began. Effort-based records are routinely checked by WDC researchers. All volunteer observers have received training and support in cetacean identification and so sightings from fully trained volunteers have been shared as through this data but using the confidence rates is recommended, particularly for species which are harder to ID to species level or rarely sighted on location.
Individuals are listed as 'calves' when they can be clearly identified using criteria such as size, colour, foetal folds, etc. All other individuals are considered 'adults' for the purpose of these records. This dataset provides only the sightings collected through the Shorewatch Programme and does not include effort data or opportunistic sightings.

Method steps

1. Data were collected in the form of 10 min scans (ëShorewatchesí) carried out from dedicated sites. Shorewatches were conducted by trained observers using issued 7 ◊ 50 Opticron Marine-3 binoculars (with internal compass and reticules) mounted on a monopod. A survey area of approximately 180∞ was divided into four quadrants from left to right. Each quadrant was scanned with binoculars for one minute and then the entire survey area was scanned with the naked eye. This process was repeated to complete the 10 min watch. (At North Kessock, watches lasted only 3 min due to the significantly smaller area of water covered.) Basic information including date, time and observer name, environmental data including sea state and visibility as well as presence/absence of cetaceans were recorded for each Shorewatch. During a dolphin encounter, data relating to sighting time, species ID, ID confidence, sighting location (using bearings, reticules and estimates), number of adults and calves (minimum group estimates) and basic behaviour/activity level were recorded in the full data set. Shorewatches should be conducted in sea stes of four or less when visibility is at least 2km. Effort should be evenly spread throughout the year and across daylight hours. Shorewatches should be carried out no more often than once per hour. A Shorewatch should be planned or random and not be undertaken solely based on being told that there are cetaceans at a site (though these can be recorded in a casual sighting).

Shorewatch effort occurs from designated land-based sites around the northern-Scottish coastline. Sightings occur within binocular range of these sites. Start year for sightings varies by site and sites no longer in operation are listed as historic.SiteName. For a list of current Shorewatch sites, please visit whales.org/Shorewatch