Dolphin watching in the Spey Estuary • EnezGreen

One of the best spots on Earth for observing marine fauna

Dolphins, minke whales, ospreys, seals, gannets and otters are among the species residing by the River Spey that can be admired leisurely from the coast.

However, the bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are the stars of this permanent natural show. At rising tide, 2–3 hours after low tide, visitors keep watching the river to catch a sight of the dorsal fins of cetaceans. The bottlenose dolphins that are seen in the Moray Firth are part of a resident population that uses the whole North-East coast of Scotland. This is a relatively small population of dolphins and they can be spread out over a large area. Scientific observations and photo-identification show that the group comprises nearly 130 individuals in the Moray Firth Estuary. From May to September, the number of dolphins in the coastal areas of the Moray Firth increases due to the dolphins feeding on salmon as they enter and leave the rivers. The dolphins are present in the area all year round – however they can be harder to spot outside summer months as they may range over a wider area and look further out to sea for their food.

The River Spey, a legendary river

The River Spey, which was designated as a Site of Special Interest in 1998, is the second-longest river in Scotland. It has a watershed of over 3,000 km² and after flowing down from the mountainous area of the Scottish Highlands at diverse speeds, its water that is a priori free of pollution reaches the sea at a subdued pace.

Whisky distilleries are established along the course of the river for many centuries, of which some of the best known locally and internationally are Cardhu, Aberlour, Glenlivet, Glenfiddich, etc. Very pure water needs to be used in the preparation and in keeping with tradition, some pure fresh water must be added before tasting this spirit whose origins date back to the ancient Celts. This certainly weighed on economic choices made in favour of sustainable development and the preservation of the environment.

It is clear that the River Spey is today among the streams with the greatest fish density in Scotland. Atlantic salmons (Salmo Salar) come in numbers to spawn there and the river has for a very long time been one of the favourite fishing areas in the UK.

The Atlantic lamprey (Petromyzon Marinus) also colonises the river over a long distance for spawning purposes. The river also features large colonies of freshwater pearl mussels.

Cetacean and sea bird watching, key-features

Remarkable biodiversity and magnificent landscapes ★★

The site: Nature lovers need to take a pause or even make a longer stopover in the surroundings of the River Spey Estuary. This scenic river winds its way through the woods and reed beds and its fish-bearing estuary where food is plentiful is frequented by bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). It is among the rare sites in Europe developed for the observation of cetaceans from the coast.

Classification: A large part of the inner Moray Firth has been recognised as being of European importance due to the presence of the resident bottlenose dolphins which are listed under Annex II of the EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) as a species whose conservation requires the designation of Special Areas of Conservation. Since the Moray Firth dolphin population is relatively small, isolated and vulnerable, part of the Moray Firth has been designated as a marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC).

Responsible environmental management ★★

Presentation: the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS) has bought and restored an old farm that is ideally located by the sea with a breathtaking view of the River Spey Estuary, which is a prominent animal observation post. The organisation has taken the necessary steps to satisfactorily accommodate a large number of visitors and house its volunteers and permanent staff.

A sustainable policy: a documentation centre and a shop selling books, multimedia material and gift items help sensitise, inform and carry the message of the WDCS for the protection of cetaceans. A promontory overlooking the shore serves as an observation post for the members of the WDCS who take turns every hour to record the observations of cetaceans. The data collected is entered onto a computer file together with other permanent data collected by the organisation or its affiliate members in Scotland, the UK and other countries.

Awards: this tourist centre has been rewarded by Scotland’s National Tourism Organisation.

An excellent reception structure for visitors ★★★

The centre: the WDCS has adopted a resolutely professional approach. The centre promises and offers views of an unspoilt nature. Dolphins are really present and you can check on the spot the exact dates and times of appearance of these cetaceans and other wildlife. This is the complete opposite of certain operators who offer dolphin and whale watching outings at sea without however informing clients of the chances of successful sightings! The structure and the people who work there as volunteers and permanent staff are welcoming and the latter will easily share their experience with you and tell you the reasons for their passion and commitment.

The services: an exhaustive documentation centre, a boutique, a snack, a lounge and a bar enable visitors to obtain information and relax in a comfortable setting. It is possible to borrow binoculars or to use the centre’s powerful fixed binoculars. A parking area for cars that is somehow invasive in this picture postcard landscape is available free of charge for visitors.