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Photographic ID based research work is conducted
by boat which is operated by Aberdeen University. They have
identified 130 individual Bottlenose Dolphins in approximately
1% of this vast area. This work has been ongoing since 1990
so we could perhaps assume that the estimated dolphin population
has now increased significantly in the past 16 years. |
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This “relatively small” number
of Dolphins have been successfully breeding every year,
and on average produce five babies per year between Chanonry
Point and Buckie alone. |
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The Moray Firth Dolphins are so successful
that separate pods have taken up permanent residence all
along the East of Scotland coast from Firth of Forth and
off Arbroath, Stonehaven, Aberdeen, Fraserburgh and Banff.
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The Moray Firth extends to approximately
2000 square miles which includes the Inner Firth along
with Dornoch, Cromarty, Inverness and Beauly Firths. |
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Dolphins can also be aggressive towards
each other and most of the marks on their bodies are caused
by teeth of other Dolphins, otherwise the Dolphins of
the Moray Firth appear to be in good condition, well fed,
healthy and happy. |
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In real terms, and with the successful breeding
programme mentioned above the Moray Firth Dolphin population
is very definitely on the increase. |
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They are of course at the top of the food
chain with little or no predators and unlike humans they
share and share alike and also communicate with each other. |
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