About Us

The north-east coast of Scotland is  relatively species-rich area for marine mammals. Since 1990, there have been 15 cetacean (whale, dolphin or porpoise) and two pinniped (seal) species recorded in our near-shore waters. Of these, several occur regularly either as year-round residents or seasonal visitors. 

However, as most of these species are fairly wide ranging and spend a considerable amount of time beneath the waves, there is still a lot to learn about their ecology! The Aberdeen Marine Mammal Project (AMMP) aims to a initiate long-term, dedicated monitoring programme for marine mammals using our waters. This is particularly important given the high level of potential overlap these animals have with human activities.

Dr Sarah Marley

I am a Senior Lecturer in Ecology and Programme Leader of the MSc Wildlife and Conservation Management at Scotland's Rural College (SRUC), based at the Aberdeen Campus. My research focuses on marine mammal ecology, particularly aspects of animal behaviour, underwater acoustics, and human impacts. I also have a passion for science communication and enjoy encouraging others to get enthusiastic about the natural world. Originally from Aberdeen, after several years overseas I'm delighted to be back studying marine mammals in my home town!

Research Students

Claire Stainfield

Claire is studying a PhD at SRUC. Her thesis is investigating the sustainability of seal tourism in the Ythan Estuary.

Nadia Murphy

Nadia is studying a MSc Environmental Protection and Management at University of Edinburgh and SRUC. Her Masters project is investigating the response of dolphins to vessel traffic within Aberdeen Harbour.

Giverny Fitzgerald

Giv is studying a BSc (Hons) Wildlife & Conservation Management at SRUC. Her Honours project is investigating foraging behaviour of dolphins within Aberdeen Harbour.

Current Field Assistants

Amber Anderson

Craig Henderson

Iona MacLeod

Charlotte Wood

Naomi Smith

Vanesa Conjar

Andy Haines

Bethany James

Mike Raby

Funders

SMEEF

The Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF) support a joint project between the University of St Andrews and SRUC that is piloting an autonomous camera monitoring system for seals at Newburgh Beach.

Sea Changers

Sea-Changers are supporting Claire Stainfield's PhD project that involves conducting drone surveys to gather data on the environmental factors influencing seal haul-out behaviour at Newburgh Beach. This funding directly supports the drone observers and helps early-career marine biologists develop key fieldwork skills.

SRUC

Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) cover tuition fees and stipend for Claire Stainfield's PhD.

Past Research Students

Iona Macloud

Iona completed a BSc (Hons) Wildlife and Conservation Management at SRUC. Her Honours project investigated the environmental and anthropogenic drivers of dolphin occurrence within Aberdeen Harbour.

Past Field Assistants