Embedded Files
Vessel-based Surveys
Vessel-based Surveys
Since September 2025, we have been conducting vessel-based surveys around Shetland, with the aim of collecting photo-ID data of cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoise), particularly Risso's dolphins. Many marine mammals can be identified by their unique dorsal fin shape, markings and scarring - this means we can often recognise when the same individuals return to Shetland if we get good enough photos of their dorsal fins. This photo-ID data then allows us to identify individuals, and also contributes towards our understanding of including population size, calving rates and success, local habitat preferences, movements, and seasonality of habitat use.
Want to get involved in surveys?
WDC Shorewatch volunteers or past contributers to the Risso's dolphin photo-ID catalogue supported our Winter 2025 programme of surveys as photographers and/or data collectors. From April 2026 onwards, anyone living in Shetland that would like to participate, gain new skills, and spend some time surveying on the water are able to join as a survey volunteer! If you would like to hear more or potentially join surveys, check out the 'I want to join surveys' page.
Risso's Dolphin Photo-ID
Risso's Dolphin Photo-ID
In collaboration with WDC and other Risso's dolphin experts across Scotland, UHI Shetland are working on updating the Shetland Risso's dolphin photo-ID catalogue (last updated 2022). This is a work in progress and we will update here when the latest version is ready.
Shetland Risso's Dolphin Photo-ID Catalogue.pdf
Submit your photographs / videos
Submit your photographs / videos
To support the catalogue update and to help us build our understanding of Shetland's Risso's dolphins and their movements, we really need and value public submissions of photographs of Risso's dolphins seen anywhere around Shetland. Please send your images, along with the data, time, location and approximate group size to emily.hague@uhi.ac.uk
Photo-ID Survey Funders
Photo-ID Survey Funders
2025
In 2025, NatureScot funded our three intial surveys to kick start out photo-ID fieldwork, trial approaches and methods.
Then from September 2025 onwards, the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund funded surveys, equipment and staff time to allow us to survey until March 2026.
2026 onwards
Between March 2026 and March 2028, the marine mammal surveys around Shetland will be funded by the Shetland Community Benefit Fund and Viking Community Fund (from Viking Energy). This fund has enabled us to support survey costs, new kit requirements, funding for public engagement and outreach materials, and the associoated costs related to involving the Shetland community in our work.
2025 - 2028
Staff time throughout has also been supported by the BLUE CONNECT project, which is funded by the European Union, under the Horizon Ocean Mission funding (HORIZON-MISS-2023OCEAN-01).
Banner image Hugh Harrop / Shetland Wildlife, Two Risso's dolphins Credit Holly Paget-Brown, Lone Risso's dolphin Credit Emily Hague / UHI Shetland, Boat survey photographs Credit Tanya Riley / UHI Shetland and Emily Hague / UHI Shetland, Two's Risso's dolphins (drone image) Credit Hugh Harrop / Shetland Wildlife
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse