Concern as Joint Warrior begins

Tomorrow marks the beginning of Joint Warrior, a UK led NATO military exercise. Joint Warrior usually takes place for two weeks each spring and autumn on the west coast of Scotland, and is the largest multi-ship, multi-threat exercise conducted by the Royal Navy in UK waters. This latest exercise runs 4th - 15th October 2020.

Military sonar used during these operations produces an intense loud noise that can disturb and harm whales, dolphins and porpoises (collectively known as cetaceans) – which rely on their sensitive hearing to navigate, find food and communicate. 

Unusual behaviour has been documented historically and this year there are additional concerns due to the presence of five northern bottlenose whales, known to be in the area as Joint Warrior begins. These whales are vulnerable, will need to find their way out to more typical deep-water habitat, and are likely to be particularly sensitive to any impacts.

The Hebrides is incredibly diverse, a globally important area for cetaceans. We are therefore also concerned for the wide variety of cetacean species present in our waters at this time of year including feeding minke whales, large groups of common dolphins, plus resident pods of dolphins and harbour porpoises.

HWDT have been running monitoring surveys to coincide with the Joint Warrior exercises since 2009 to help understand the impact that these activities may have on cetaceans across the Hebrides.

Thanks to your support for our Crowdfunder campaign our team will be back out on Silurian carrying out an acoustic survey to coincide with Joint Warrior from 7th October.  During the survey we will collect acoustic recordings and sighting to help understand the impact that these activities may have on cetaceans and assess any unusual behaviour.

We are also asking you to be vigilant and if you spot a whale, dolphin or porpoise to let us know by reporting through Whale Track.

If you see any animals in distress, or behaving unusually, please contact British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) on 01825 765546 or 07787 433412 at evenings and weekends