Using reticle binoculars to estimate range
An essential skill for all Marine Mammal Observers is the ability to estimate range to a sighting. Reticle binoculars and range finding sticks are the most common methods used, but it is also possible to use a sextant. Demonstrated here, is everything you need to know about estimating range using reticle binoculars. For information on […]
Acoustics aids in individual recognition of animals
It has long been known that some odontocetes (toothed whales and dolphins) produce sounds with unique frequency modulation patterns known as signature whistles. Research has shown that these individually identifiable whistles, which are formed early in life, play a similar role to names in humans. Under normal circumstances, signature whistles account for 50% of whistle […]
OSC to attend MASTS Annual Science Meeting
In August this year OSC will be attending the Annual Science Meeting of the Marine Alliance for Science and Technology for Scotland (MASTS). Dr Victoria Todd will be discussing our research at the workshop ‘To remove or not to remove? The challenge posed by man-made structures on the Marine Environment: considerations for the O&G community’
Sonar and marine mammals
An article in BBC news today (www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-23115939) discusses new research by DeRuiter et al. (2013), and Goldbogen et al. (2013) on how sonar affects blue and beaked whales; a topic relevant to the research conducted by OSC on anthropogenic noise and marine mammals. By attaching multi sensor Digital tags (D-TAG), which measure animal activity and […]
Grey seal sightings
The majority of sightings by our Marine Mammal Observers in the last few weeks have been Grey seals (Halichoerus grypus), which are a member of the Phocidae family, more commonly known as the true seals. When seen at sea, our Marine Mammal Observers have been recognising these seals by their distinctive long, broad, flat snout, […]
Sea bird surveys
Seeing as our new microsite, www.Seabirdsurveys.co.uk, has gone live this week, it seems like an appropriate time to talk seabirds. Concern for seabirds is growing continually, especially with the growth of wind farms in the coastal zone. The effect of wind turbines on seabirds is mostly unknown, but possible effects include habitat loss or mortality […]
Rigs – to decommission or not to decommission, a new article by Dr Victoria Todd
An article, written by OSC’s Dr Victoria Todd, entitled Rigs – to decommission or not to decommission, is set to be published in Marine Scientist. What to do with offshore installations when they reach the end of their lifetime is a hot topic of debate. Since 1986, the Gulf of Mexico has been running a […]
The harbour porpoise
OSC Marine Mammal Observers out in the field are being kept busy with sightings of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena). Harbour porpoise are some of the smallest cetaceans, with females reaching ca. 1.6 m in size, and males 1.4 m. Distributed in coastal and offshore Northern temperate and subarctic waters, they are the most abundant cetacean […]
Spott Road renovations: the new office
With the wall complete and our office building gutted, we are ready for the builders to start work. Plans are well underway and materials are now being ordered; we should be seeing some progress soon.
All energy conference
OSC are set to attend All energy (http://www.all-energy.co.uk/en/Home/), which is taking place in Aberdeen in May. The annual conference, which brings all sectors of the renewable energy industry together, should provide an interesting networking opportunity for our staff. Preparation for our stall, H118, is well underway; why not pay us a visit.