Warm-water dolphins spotted off Scotland

EDINBURGH, Scotland, July 13 (UPI) -- Common dolphins have been sighted in unprecedented numbers this summer in the cold waters off Scotland.

Pods as large as 300 have appeared in the Moray Firth near Aberdeen, The Scotsman reported.

The common dolphin is a warm water animal, only rarely seen in the North Sea and more usually found in the Mediterranean. Scientists say rising temperatures have allowed them to move north.

"The arrival of common dolphins to the Moray Firth confirms that sea temperatures are rising," said Kevin Robinson, director of the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit.

Another marine mammal is losing ground in the area because of higher temperatures. The harbor porpoise has become rare in the firth because of the decline of its usual food, sand eels.

Dr. Peter Evans of the Sea Watch Foundation said the common dolphin has probably been following its usual prey, anchovy and pilchards, into the North Sea.