Over the past few days, Scotland hosted one of the largest events in the world of marine biology – the Conference of the European Cetacean Society. In the coastal town of Dundee, nearly 800 people from around the world gathered, all dedicated to the study and conservation of the enigmatic inhabitants of the ocean depths.
The choice of the city of Dundee is not accidental. In addition to its historical connection to whaling, it is also located very close to the town of St Andrews – home to the oldest University in Scotland and a global capital of marine mammal science. There, our team held meetings with some of the most distinguished scientists in the field.
For another year, our team also took part in the conference as one of the few representatives of researchers from the Black Sea region. We presented the results of a study on the stomach contents and feeding habits of Black Sea harbour porpoises and bottlenose dolphins to the international scientific community. Data such as these are crucial for tracking long-term changes in the target prey species of these marine mammals, the reasons behind these changes, and how they affect threats to the species, such as entanglement in fishing nets.
As part of the exchange of experience, our team visited the Nature Reserve on the Isle of May. The island is located in the Firth of Forth estuary and hosts breeding colonies of several seabirds – puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars, and others. The island is also home to a colony of grey seals. The breathtaking scenery, untouched nature, and the enthusiasm of visitors are examples of how habitat conservation can go hand in hand with the development of tourism.
To effectively protect wildlife, we must know it in detail. This was also the motto of this year’s conference – from fundamental science to practical outcomes. The impressive scientific achievements showcased at the event around the world give hope that we have a chance to preserve the richness that nature has entrusted to us.
The choice of the city of Dundee is not accidental. In addition to its historical connection to whaling, it is also located very close to the town of St Andrews – home to the oldest University in Scotland and a global capital of marine mammal science. There, our team held meetings with some of the most distinguished scientists in the field.
For another year, our team also took part in the conference as one of the few representatives of researchers from the Black Sea region. We presented the results of a study on the stomach contents and feeding habits of Black Sea harbour porpoises and bottlenose dolphins to the international scientific community. Data such as these are crucial for tracking long-term changes in the target prey species of these marine mammals, the reasons behind these changes, and how they affect threats to the species, such as entanglement in fishing nets.
As part of the exchange of experience, our team visited the Nature Reserve on the Isle of May. The island is located in the Firth of Forth estuary and hosts breeding colonies of several seabirds – puffins, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, fulmars, and others. The island is also home to a colony of grey seals. The breathtaking scenery, untouched nature, and the enthusiasm of visitors are examples of how habitat conservation can go hand in hand with the development of tourism.
To effectively protect wildlife, we must know it in detail. This was also the motto of this year’s conference – from fundamental science to practical outcomes. The impressive scientific achievements showcased at the event around the world give hope that we have a chance to preserve the richness that nature has entrusted to us.
