On the 9th September, the final ferry survey of 2025 with our longstanding partner NorthLink Ferries departed from Aberdeen for a return crossing to Lerwick. Here is a summary of our surveys undertaken by our dedicated Marine Mammal Surveyors on NorthLink vessels this year:
- 67 individual animals were recorded in 2025. This is almost double that of 2024, but still much less than in 2023, highlighting the importance of the year on year, continued monitoring by ORCA, with trends and shifts in distribution being reported on in real-time which is critically important for cetacean conservation
- 8 different marine species seen, including whales, dolphins, porpoises and seals - this is 2 more species than in 2024
- A distance of 2,339 km was travelled whilst surveying
- 6 surveys were conducted between April and September
- 24 ORCA volunteer Marine Mammal Surveyors, many of which were from the local area conducted these important surveys
- Harbour porpoise were the species recorded most frequently with 17 individual animals seen throughout the year and they were recorded throughout the route. This is more than four times the number recorded in 2024 (4 animals) and could suggest a shift in distribution
- White-beaked dolphins were recorded this year, none were recorded in 2024. This species is not recorded each year, and therefore this information sheds light on possible trends and shifts in distribution
- Very excitingly orcas/killer whales were seen twice on the May survey, totalling 6 individuals
A massive thank you all of our dedicated Marine Mammal Surveyors who took part in NorthLink surveys during 2025!
We are busy planning for the 2026 survey season and applications for our ferry surveys will be open in the New Year. As always, we will continue to keep you updated on the progress of this via email and the Surveyor Network News Page.