17th June 2019
Survey Report for 17/06/2019 - Ullapool to Stornoway to Ullapool
After leaving Ullapool we were given access to the bridge as we passed the Summer Isles. We found sea state 3 and clear conditions. Bird life was relatively quiet during both crossings but we were rewarded with cetaceans!
Half way across an incidental record was taken of half a dozen unidentified dolphins racing away from the back of the ship at distance. Encouraged by this sighting we soon picked up another four common dolphins racing to the bow on the starboard side. Half an hour later half a dozen more common dolphins showed at the port bow.
The rest of the journey into Stornoway was quiet apart from a beautiful view of a great skua and an Arctic skua crossing infront of the ship together.
The return journey drew a blank until we reached Loch Broom on the approach to Ullapool and in sea state 2 we recorded 4 harbour porpoise, including one calf.
Many thanks to the captain and crew of MV Loch Seaforth and CalMac Ferries for making us welcome and allowing us to continue our work.
Marine Mammals Seen:
- Unidentified dolphins - 6
- Common dolphins - 10
- Harbour porpoise - 4
Birds Seen:
- Gannet
- Kittiwake
- Guillemot
- Puffin
- Razorbill
- Black guillemot
- Great skua
- Arctic skua
- Great black backed gull
- Common gull
Survey team members
Andy Gilbert, Karen Douglas, Gemma Nowrie