An analysis of sightings of Cetacea in British waters

An analysis is carried out of all documented sightings of cetaceans in British waters between 1950–1975, received by the Cetacean Group. Two major problems which must be taken into account in such an analysis are difficulties of specific identification and bias from uneven coverage.
The results show that porpoises are present in coastal waters for much of the year. The pattern of movements for this species is rather confused. Most dolphin species show peak numbers in summer, earliest in the north of Britain and later further south. Risso's dolphins may enter British waters rather earlier in spring than other species. Killer whales occur off the west coast of Britain and Ireland mainly between June-September. Pilot whales are seen in North Britain at most times of the year but otherwise enter British waters along the west coast in spring. Bottle-nosed whales and the larger whale species, including the Rorquals, are found only on the north and west coasts in summer and early autumn. For all species, herd size increases at the same time as increase in the numbers of sightings reported. Different species have different herd sizes with the largest occurring amongst porpoise and all dolphin species except Risso's dolphin, and the smallest amongst the large whale species. Herds may be accompanied by young individuals in spring-late summer, depending on the species.