iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 12/05/2026

We've been using huggingface.co/conservation... (indexed with our catalogue) and it's been really effective with bottlenose dolphins! Still verifying it on minke whales, but it's hopefully going to alleviate some of the bottleneck with photo ID!

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 11/05/2026

It allows for the grouping of photos containing unique identification markings, includes tools for editing and visually filtering photographs to help identify marks, and can be integrated with an analysis provider (such as a machine learning model) for convenient catalogue matching.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 11/05/2026

We have just released the first version of our Photo ID App for public use! 🎉 The Photo ID app is a research tool that can be used for photo identification studies, such as in longitudinal mark-recapture research. 🧪 photoidapp.crru.org.uk

The app allows for the grouping of photographs containing unique identification markings.

The app includes tools for editing and visually filtering photographs to help with the identification of marks.

Edge detection can be used to highlight edges, nicks, and marks for easier identification.

The app can be integrated with an analysis provider (such as a machine learning model) for convenient catalogue matching.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 30/12/2025

A big congratulations to Kevin from everyone at CRRU and a heartfelt THANK YOU for all that you’ve done over the past 30 years, and for all the years ahead! ❤️

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 30/12/2025

On receiving the award: “I am both humbled and very honoured to receive the news of this award, but the award is testament to the hard work and contribution of so many individuals that have made the recognition of CRRU’s long-term conservation work in northeast Scotland possible”.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 30/12/2025

We’re thrilled to announce that Dr Kevin Robinson, director and lead researcher of CRRU, has been awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) for his services to the protection of UK whales, dolphins, and porpoises as part of the King’s New Year Honours List 2026. #newyearhonours #kinghonourlist 🧪

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 25/12/2025

We hope you have a wonderful Christmas break, and a healthy and happy 2026!

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 25/12/2025

We would like to thank everyone who has volunteered their time and energy to support us in 2025 - our staff, trustees, sponsors and of course our team members and interns who all make our vital work possible.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 25/12/2025

As always, we have been lucky enough to witness some wonderful marine life during our field work this past summer in the Moray Firth, including 10 different species of whales and dolphins!

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 25/12/2025

Our research continues to inform the Southern Trench MPA, and we were notably able to publish a number of leading research papers in 2025 in the peer-reviewed journals Molecular Biology, Global Ecology and Biogeography and Oceans, as well as co-authoring two forthcoming book chapters. 😊

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 25/12/2025

Thanks to last year’s fundraising efforts - and to everyone who contributed - we were able to get our new research boat “Helios” out on the water this year. We have really noticed a boost in capability.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 25/12/2025

We have had a fantastic year, continuing our long-term work in the Moray Firth, supporting new research development, exciting new collaborations, and further recognition for our contributions to marine conservation for UK whales and dolphins.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 25/12/2025

Merry Christmas everyone, from the entire CRRU team! 💙

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Reposted by Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU)

Oceana UK @oceanauk.bsky.social · 24/11/2025

🚢 Hidden vessels are threatening marine life in Scotland's protected waters 🚨 Nearly 2/3 of ships entering Scottish marine havens go undetected as they don’t use AIS, an identification system ❌ @whalesorg.bsky.social @heriotwattuni.bsky.social oceanographicmagazine.com/news/hidden-...

oceanographicmagazine.com

Hidden vessel traffic threatens life in Scotland’s MPAs - Oceanographic

A study finds two-thirds of vessels in Scotland’s MPAs aren’t using tracking system, exposing major gaps in protection for marine species.

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Reposted by Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU)

Open Seas @open-seas.bsky.social · 30/10/2025

It’s time to put the ‘P’ back in MPA: Marine Protected Areas in Scotland (and around the world) exist on paper but not always in practice. Here's what our #OceanWitnessReport uncovered ⬇️🧵🌊

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 09/10/2025

Stories from the team: learn about life at Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) from Dr. Kevin Robinson, Director and Lead Researcher, and others from the CRRU team. Part of a series of four short films of stories from different team members and their lives at CRRU. 💙🧪 youtu.be/Kc6dpeam318

youtu.be

Stories from the team - Life at CRRU

YouTube video by Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU)

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 01/09/2025

Having worked with these whales for almost 30 years now, CRRU's ongoing studies are incredibly important for the future protection of these presently "data-deficient" (and still commercially exploited) coastal balaenopterid whales that we so dearly cherish and love. 🐋

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 01/09/2025

We are also able to track the foraging patterns of the whales by recording each footprint location (left by the whale each time it surfaces and dives), from which eDNA samples are also collected for individual genetic analyses.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 01/09/2025

⛵ In such cases, our approach is simply to "hang" with the whales, sitting most of the time with engines and sonar off, then moving with the animals as they relocate from one feeding patch to the next - allowing us to observe and record their unique feeding methods and individual entrapment methods.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 01/09/2025

Other than recording individuals sighted during encounters (recaptures are highly informative to the site tenacity and movements of this meta-population), most of our research work (stable isotope studies, sex segregation, telemetry studies etc) is difficult to apply when the animals are feeding.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 01/09/2025

This summer has been a poor time for minke whales in the Southern Trench Moray Firth MPA. There has been a notable lack of available sandeels for the whales, and until last week, we had absolutely zero encounters with the whales inshore. 🧪

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 13/08/2025

We have also suggested that the identification of groups containing "good mothers" would be highly desirable for conservation efforts for the future viability and protection of this potentially vulnerable northeast dolphin population. 🧪 #dolphins #bottlenose #research #science #conservation

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 13/08/2025

From our long-term studies we have established that there is a good cadre vs a poor cadre of mothers in this Moray Firth bottlenose population (see: assets.ctfassets.net/xe1w9sqtia79...).

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 13/08/2025

Introducing our 2nd newborn bottlenose calf of the 2025 season with her proud mum "Barbi" (ID#253)! 🐬 This new youngster (5th known calf for Barbi), was probably only hours old when we met her yesterday, as evidenced from its bent-over dorsal fin and uncoordinated surfacing behaviour. 🧪

Newborn bottlenose dolphin calf surfacing next to its mother. Fetal folds and a bent over dorsal fin are visible on the calf.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 04/08/2025

"Blotchy" has successfully raised 4 of her 5 previous calves, so we have high hopes for this wee one, and will continue to track the health and welfare of mum and her little one over the following weeks/months ahead. 🧪 #dolphins #bottlenosedolphins #cetaceans #research #conservation #science

Photo of bottlenose dolphin calf with its mother.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 04/08/2025

Some lovely news to start your week! 💙 Meet "Splatch", our first recorded newborn bottlenose calf (neonate) for 2025, born at the very end of July! 🐬 "Splatch" is the 6th known calf of ID#035 "Blotchy", who we first recorded back in 1997 when she was just a juvenile herself. 🧪

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 31/07/2025

Further impact may also be due the increase in vessel traffic and associated noise disturbance caused by the proposed export cable corridors and landfall sites for new wind farm operations adjacent to this newly-designated MPA. 🧪 #whales #minkewhales #conservation #research #science #marinebiology

Photo of a minke whale in north-east Scotland, with birds in the background.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 31/07/2025

The nearshore habitats utilised by juvenile minke whales, for example, may harbour greater impacts from anthropogenic activities such as set creel lines (with pathological evidence of entanglement in creel lines being seen in as many as 50% of all stranded minkes in Scottish waters).

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 31/07/2025

A better understanding of the movements, habitat preferences, behaviour and niche segregation of these whales is necessary to inform the adaptive management process for this north east MPA (see sitelink.nature.scot/site/10477).

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 31/07/2025

Recaptures of known minke whales (see crru.org.uk/minke-catalo...) provide us with important information on the repeated, long-term presence and habitat use of these coastal whales within the Moray Firth Marine Protected Area (MPA).

crru.org.uk

Photo-ID Catalogues

The Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) is dedicated to the research, conservation and protection of cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) in northeast Scotland.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 31/07/2025

The team have all been working very hard with our beloved minke whales these past few weeks, and after long hours going through all the accumulated photo-identification shots, we have been finding some super recaptures of whales that have been in our long-term ID catalogue for many years now. 🧪

Photo of a minke whale in north-east Scotland.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 30/07/2025

This remains a focal objective of our ongoing and long-term monitoring studies within the Moray Firth MPA. #whales #minkewhales #cetaceans #research #conservation #science

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 30/07/2025

Therefore understanding the complex interplay of these factors is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies to better understand and protect these ecologically-important coastal whales.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 30/07/2025

Changes in prey availability, due to climate change or other environmental factors, can lead to reduced food intake and emaciation as well.

Photo of a minke whale in Scotland with its dorsal fin visible.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 30/07/2025

Last week we saw the first wave of newly-arriving minke whales to the Southern Trench MPA (Marine Protected Area). Several of the animals were evidently underweight, distinguishable from their projecting vertebrae, which could clearly be seen along their backs.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 30/07/2025

Emaciation in baleen whales can be a serious issue. However, it is not unusual to see this in these animals upon returning to their high latitude feeding grounds from their low latitude breeding grounds - especially in females, post-calving, visibly exhibiting their low energy reserves. 🧪

Photo of an emaciated minke whale in Scotland, with the outline of its protruding spine visible.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 01/07/2025

Thanks Manu, much appreciated 💙 Have a lovely week too!

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 30/06/2025

Hi Manu, could this account please be added to the oceans/atmosphere feed! 🧪 We are a research non-profit with over 20 years of publications on cetaceans in costal and offshore waters in northeast Scotland and the wider UK (in addition to eDNA and other related work): crru.org.uk/research/pub...

crru.org.uk

Scientific Publications

Since 1997, CRRU has published a plethora of research papers, government reports, conference proceedings and university theses.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 30/06/2025

Hi Andrew, could this account please be added to the zoology feed! 🧪 We are a research non-profit with over 20 years of publications on cetaceans and related subjects: crru.org.uk/research/pub...

crru.org.uk

Scientific Publications

Since 1997, CRRU has published a plethora of research papers, government reports, conference proceedings and university theses.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 28/06/2025

It will be very interesting to resolve where these animals had in fact travelled from, and ultimately where they head to hereafter.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 28/06/2025

Male sperm whales seem to travel more widely than females, and have been known to undertake extensive seasonal movements, having been reported from the Azores to Denmark, for example, and even between Nova Scotia and Spain.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 28/06/2025

We are extremely relieved to have received no further news of the group since they were pleasingly last seen heading north-northeast and into deeper outer firth waters.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 28/06/2025

Further to establishing the composition and sex of the pod and obtaining high quality photographs of each of the 8 individuals present for sexing and identification (all males).

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 28/06/2025

A follow up on our recent emergency call-out to a group of sperm whales sighted in dangerously shallow waters within the inner Moray Firth.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 20/06/2025

We respectfully ask ALL boat operators NOT to approach the group and maintain a very respectful distance of at least 500 metres. Police Scotland North East (@policescotland.bsky.social) are also aware and will be assisting us in enforcing this ruling. #conservation #whales #wildlife #scotland

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 20/06/2025

We are all keeping our fingers crossed that the group will find their way to deeper waters and will give raise no further concerns.

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Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU) @crru.org.uk · 20/06/2025

We are grateful to receive any further shore reports and will continue to monitor the situation with our colleagues at SMASS (@uofglasgow.bsky.social), who are aware of the animals.

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