Watching over the sea



Welcome to the Crawsnest Network

Picture: Charlie Philips

Tay Dolphins Project
The Crawsnest is an independent wildlife group based in Carnoustie, Angus. We have been monitoring the return of the bottlenose dolphins to the River Tay on a regular basis for the past four years. Crawsnest (Scotland), have decided to start a project to record, in detail, the numbers and individuals that are frequenting the area.

The project began in April 2007 with the shore-based monitoring of the dolphins as they returned from their winter travels. Over the summer months we will be recording data on their activity within the River Tay.

The increase in the numbers of dolphins has led many experts to the conclusion that they are the beginnings of a new colony, at present, resident in the Tay for at least six months of the year.

It is our hope that over the coming years we can build up a picture of these animals, leading to a greater understanding of individual dolphins, their family groups, their movements around our coastline and the environment they inhabit, as they continue to grow and develop into a fully resident colony.

26 Jan 2007 - 20:53 by Allan Tay Dolphins | comments (1)

BDMLR Marine Mammal Medic Course (Dundee 17-03-2007)
I'm happy to say the BDMLR (British Divers Marine Life Rescue) will be holding a Marine Mammal Medic training course in Dundee in March of this year.

This is your chance to help look after the marine wildlife in your local area. Perhaps you have already seen the dolphins in the River Tay or the seal colonies in the Tay Estuary. You can help ensure their welfare should they get into difficulties or danger.

If you are interested in training to be a Marine Mammal Medic or if you have any questions about the course, Read on...


Read More...
18 Dec 2006 - 20:26 by Allan XNews | comments (3)

It may be Law, but is it Justice?
Once again it has been shown that the conservation of seals act is such a vague piece of legislation that it offers no protection from those who would seek to abuse it… I personally have been called out to a number of seals that have been shot over the past year. It is not a pretty sight!

I have seen shot seals in locations where they could never have been accused of interfering with or being in the vicinity of, ‘fishing gear’. I have heard anecdotal stories about a ‘certain gentleman’ sitting on the clifftop, shooting seals at will, whether they are close to the ‘fishing gear’ or not. Of course without video evidence the chances of a successful prosecution are laughable…

And now, it would seem that the ‘closed seasons’ are to become ‘open seasons’, allowing the shooting of seals with impunity… Does your fish supper mean so much to you that you will just ignore the slaughter of seals on your own beaches? What will you say to your kids when they find a seal pup and its mother with their heads blown off, washed up on your local beach?

Yesterday’s ruling on the shooting of a seal will have dire consequences for the seals in our surrounding area. Be prepared to see your beaches littered with bodies… Oh! and be sure to enjoy your bit of fish…


8 Dec 2006 - 10:56 by Allan XNews | comments (14)

Seal pup found beside body of shot adult
A SEAL pup is recovering in a specialist unit after being found at Arbroath Harbour pining next to a dead adult with gunshot wounds.

The discovery of the dead mammal, washed up on the harbour slipway, sparked a police probe yesterday, as it comes during the close season for shooting grey seals.

Police wildlife and environment officer Alan Stewart said last night, “The grey seal is protected just now, and has been since September 1, because they are breeding.

“Whoever has shot it has shot it illegally. The matter is now under police inquiry and we are looking for any assistance to trace whoever is responsible.”

Full story: Crawsnest (Scotland) Source: Courier

6 Dec 2006 - 09:10 by Allan XNews | comments (3)

Seal pup attacked by dogs
As part of my duties with the BDMLR, I was called to a seal pup in distress on Arbroath beach. There I witnessed four dogs attacking the pup..

Full story on Crawsnest (Scotland)

http://www.crawsnest.com/scotland/

30 Nov 2006 - 15:12 by Allan XNews | comments (1)

Scottish Marine Wildlife Watching Code
This Code is designed for those actively watching marine wildlife. It is important that the Code is followed as far as is practical and feasible by those setting out to watch marine wildlife, as well as by anyone encountering marine wildlife in the course of their work or leisure pursuits.

To download a copy of the new code and a guide to best practice for watching marine wildlife, go here.

http://www.marinecode.org/scottish-marine-code-g.aspbr>

27 Nov 2006 - 20:40 by Allan XNews | comments (1)

Seal Pup Rescues
Crawsnest (Scotland) have been busy this week helping out with seal pup rescues as part of their work with the BDMLR.

The pup (below) has been named 'Bob' and we will keep you up to date on his progress at rehab over the coming weeks. If you would like to see pictures of some of the other pups, please visit our gallery.

Bob


26 Nov 2006 - 13:06 by Allan XNews | comments (51)

Changes, Changes, Changes...
Hi everyone...

As you have no doubt noticed there have been lots of changes here at the Crawsnest. All changes for the better, I hope you'll agree..

I have preserved the original forums as there is lots of good info in them, but the make-up of the site has changed radically. Most of the changes have been led by my own circumstances, which have also changed radically..

As many of you know I trained as a marine mammal medic with the BDMLR. I have continued with that work and have just recently been appointed regional co-ordinator for the Tayforth & Edinburgh area. What this means is I now have responsibility for any BDMLR response to cetacean strandings from Easthaven to Dunbar. That is quite an extensive stretch of coastline and quite a challenge. However, it is also very rewarding!!!



I am also in discussion with the local authority on my proposals to set up a shore-based dolphin monitoring station on the banks of the River Tay. Although the talks are still at an early stage, I am confident that it will soon become a reality..

You may also have noticed the links to the Crawsnest Network.. A few of us have been setting up our own crawsnests (lookouts) in our own countries.. Please do have a look around the network pages and see what's happening around the globe..

Can you help???

Maybe you can... If you think you would like to be involved in this project, then please mail me and we can have a chat about the details.. I would love to hear from those based in other countries eg. USA, Russia, Australia or some of the EU countries... as I see the network becoming global before very long. If you think you can maybe contribute... please get in touch!!!

So, keep an eye out for all the changes here as they happen...

All the best
Allan

21 Nov 2006 - 09:36 by Allan XNews | comments (1)






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