Climate change could be bringing sea mammals closer to our shores, a charity has revealed

Record numbers of dolphins are being seen off Scotland’s west coast.

However the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust has said that climate change could be playing a role in cetaceans swimming closer to our shores.

Last year, the trust recorded 93 sightings of common dolphins – its highest total ever, and up from 75 sightings in 2016.

The trust’s 2017 survey – which recorded nearly 3,000 whales, dolphins, seals and sharks during more than 1,100 sightings – also saw large numbers of minke whales, with 62 sightings of 80 animals, and Risso’s dolphins, with eight sightings of 58 individuals.

The charity’s Dr Lauren Hartny-Mills said: “We have never documented so many sightings of common dolphins off Scotland’s west coast before.

“Our findings highlight the importance of on-going monitoring and research to strengthen our understanding of what is taking place in Hebridean waters. It is hard to say what is causing this increase, but a rise in sea surface temperatures linked to climate change could be playing a role.”

Fiona Manson, a marine specialist at Scottish Natural Heritage, said: “Volunteer citizen scientists make an important contribution to marine conservation in Scotland.

“The exciting range of marine wildlife in Scottish waters is a huge draw for visitors to our coasts, and is a fantastic way of connecting people with nature.”

The trust is collecting long-term data of species sighted along the west coast, with a number of volunteers and experts taking part in the project.