More than 600 marine animals recorded in the Clyde

The Gourock-based ferry operator is working with the charity through its Marine Awareness Programme, which gathers information on wildlife in Scotland's coastal waters.

Trained volunteers conduct regular marine mammal surveys from CalMac vessels, collecting data that helps support the conservation of whales, dolphins, seals and other marine species.

Two humpbacks from the Ardrossan ferry (Image: Zsolt Prezenszki)

So far this year, 16 volunteer citizen scientists have completed 90 surveys across three ferry routes.

That includes 41 crossings between Wemyss Bay and Rothesay, 28 between Troon and Brodick, and 21 on the Ardrossan-Brodick route.

Their observations have documented 608 animals across nine species, including bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, harbour porpoises, minke whales, humpback whales, grey seals, harbour seals, basking sharks and ocean sunfish.

Among the most eye-catching sightings have been humpback whales, which have attracted significant interest from local communities and visitors.

Their continued presence has underlined the importance of monitoring how marine species use Scotland's coastal waters.

Nicola Hurrell, CalMac's Head of HSQE, said the ferry operator was in a unique position to support the marine environment on which its services depend.

She said: "Our partnership with the Sea Watch Foundation allows us to contribute directly to important scientific research while raising awareness of the incredible wildlife that shares these waters with us every day.

"The information gathered through these surveys helps build a better understanding of species in the Clyde and contributes to efforts to protect them for future generations. We're proud to support the volunteers who give their time to this work and to play our part in monitoring and conserving Scotland's marine environment."

Sea Watch volunteers onboard the Troon-Brodick ferry (Image: CalMac)

Sally Tapp, Scottish Officer for the Sea Watch Foundation, said the Clyde and wider Firth of Clyde remained a significant gap in knowledge about UK marine mammals, despite those species being among the most threatened marine animal groups globally.

She added: "Information on species present in the Clyde and the number of animals using the area is critical for identifying and managing marine protected areas and other area-based conservation measures.

"Long-term data collection is vital to investigate changes in species distribution and abundance and to assess future conservation implications in the Firth of Clyde.

"Our partnership with CalMac gives us the opportunity to easily collect valuable at-sea data all year round and galvanise local and national interest in the Clyde and all the wonderful marine life that we are lucky to have here on our doorstep.

"The presence of these beautiful humpback whales for the last 12 weeks has been a real treat for local residents and visitors all hoping to catch a glimpse of them every time they catch the ferry.

"It has been a very exciting year here in the Clyde and who knows what we will see next?"