Increase in ‘warm water’ dolphins
BBC
15 August 2010
Warmer seas could be responsible for a change in the type of dolphins spotted off the coast of the North East of England, a survey has suggested. The Northeast Cetacean Project found an increase in sightings of common, bottlenose and Risso’s dolphins – species associated with warmer waters. There have also been fewer sightings of white-beaked dolphin and harbour porpoise, which prefer colder water. It is thought the distribution shift is due to increasing sea temperatures. The NECP is a partnership including the charity Marinelife, Northern Experience Wildlife Tours, Natural England, the Northumberland and Tyneside Bird Club and the University of Aberdeen. Dr Tom Brereton, who analysed the findings, said: “This research adds to the growing body of evidence that some species of whales and dolphins are showing shifts in distribution, possibly as a result of increasing sea temperatures. “For example, common dolphins have been spreading north in recent years, presumably due to warming sea temperatures. “This is a potential cause of concern because studies in other regions have shown that the arrival of common dolphins coincides with a corresponding disappearance of white-beaked dolphins.” …
