From the Firth of Clyde to an international audience — sharing marine research, scientific discoveries and the challenges facing our seas.
Since its establishment, Clyde Porpoise has attracted local, national and international media attention through its marine mammal research, scientific collaborations and community-based conservation activities.
From the remarkable story of Kylie, a solitary dolphin associating with harbour porpoises, to investigations into underwater noise, environmental regulation and marine habitat protection, our work has helped bring wider attention to the wildlife of the Clyde and the pressures affecting its marine environment.
For an independent organisation operating with limited resources, this coverage has provided important opportunities to communicate scientific findings, contribute to public debate and demonstrate the value of locally based conservation research.
This page brings together a selection of television, radio, newspaper and online coverage of Clyde Porpoise and projects to which we have contributed.
Kylie the Dolphin: A Clyde Story That Reached the World
One of Clyde Porpoise’s most widely reported scientific collaborations concerned Kylie, a solitary common dolphin that spent many years associating with harbour porpoises in the Firth of Clyde.
Working with Dr Mel Cosentino and researchers at the University of Strathclyde, Clyde Porpoise contributed field observations and underwater acoustic recordings collected aboard our survey vessel, Saorsa.
Analysis of these recordings revealed that Kylie produced unusual high-frequency clicks resembling those of harbour porpoises, raising intriguing questions about acoustic adaptation, vocal learning and communication between cetacean species.
The findings attracted international attention, first through preliminary research reported in 2018 and again following publication of the peer-reviewed paper in Bioacoustics in 2022.
International Television and Radio
BBC — The One Show | 2018
The BBC featured the Kylie research on The One Show, bringing the story of the Clyde’s unusual dolphin and her relationship with harbour porpoises to a national television audience.
The programme helped generate considerable interest in the preliminary scientific findings.
A programme archive link will be added if an accessible recording becomes available.
BBC News — 29 August 2018
What did the dolphin say to the porpoise?
BBC News reported on the early findings of Mel Cosentino’s research, introducing Kylie’s unusual acoustic behaviour to a much wider audience.
Triple R Radio, Melbourne, Australia — 11 February 2018
Einstein A Go-Go
Mel Cosentino was interviewed on the Australian science programme Einstein A Go-Go, discussing her marine mammal research at the University of Strathclyde.
The interview provides an early example of the research collaboration reaching an international audience.
Listen to the original Australian radio programme
International Newspaper and Science Coverage
Forbes, United States — 31 August 2018
A Lonely Dolphin Has Learnt To Talk To Porpoises
An international science feature by Michael Marshall discussing the preliminary Kylie findings, acoustic learning and interactions between different animal species.
The article also featured a photograph credited to Clyde Porpoise.
IFLScience — 29 August 2018
A Scottish Dolphin Has Learned How To “Speak” Porpoise
Popular science coverage of the emerging research, introducing Kylie’s unusual acoustic behaviour to an international readership.
National Geographic — 25 March 2022
For the First Time, Wild Dolphin Observed ‘Talking’ With Harbor Porpoises
A major international feature by Elizabeth Anne Brown examining Kylie’s remarkable association with harbour porpoises.
The article includes interviews with David Nairn and Mel Cosentino, discussing observations made during Clyde Porpoise’s fieldwork and the acoustic recordings that contributed to the research.
Read the National Geographic feature
SYFY WIRE, United States — 14 April 2022
Clicks and Cliques: A Lonely Dolphin Tries to Communicate With Her Porpoise Pals
An American science feature discussing the findings of the published Kylie research, including an interview with Mel Cosentino and photographs credited to the scientific study.
Yle, Finland — 29 March 2022
Finland’s national public broadcaster reported on Kylie’s acoustic behaviour and the possibility of communication between dolphins and harbour porpoises.
The article introduced the Clyde research to Finnish-speaking audiences.
National Geographic Around the World
The National Geographic feature was also published in international language editions, helping the research reach audiences far beyond the United Kingdom.
Examples include:
- National Geographic France — French
- National Geographic Latin America — Spanish
- National Geographic Italy — Italian
- National Geographic Taiwan — Chinese
- National Geographic Arabia — Arabic
These international editions demonstrate the geographical reach of the story, although they are versions of the same original feature rather than separate research publications.
The Science Behind the Headlines
Although media reports frequently described Kylie as a dolphin that had learned to speak the language of porpoises, the scientific interpretation is more cautious.
The research identified unusual similarities between some of Kylie’s acoustic signals and harbour porpoise clicks. Whether these signals represented deliberate communication, vocal learning or another form of acoustic adaptation remains an open scientific question.
The peer-reviewed paper was published in Bioacoustics in 2022, with David Nairn of Clyde Porpoise among the co-authors.
Cosentino, M. et al. (2022). I beg your pardon? Acoustic behaviour of a wild solitary common dolphin who interacts with harbour porpoises.
Read the original scientific paper
Kylie’s story demonstrates how long-term local observations and collaborative scientific research can lead to discoveries that attract international interest.
Underwater Noise and Environmental Protection
Clyde Porpoise’s investigations into acoustic deterrent devices and their potential impacts on cetaceans have attracted significant national media attention.
These investigations highlighted wider questions about environmental protection, scientific evidence and the regulation of activities capable of disturbing protected marine mammals.
The Guardian — 24 September 2022
Scotland’s Defenders of the Seas: The Volunteers Standing Up for Sea Life
A major feature by Karen McVeigh examining community-led marine conservation across Scotland.
The article includes a substantial section on David Nairn of Clyde Porpoise and David Ainsley of Sealife Adventure, describing their work investigating acoustic deterrent devices associated with salmon farming.
It explores how community conservationists used field observations, underwater acoustic evidence and environmental advocacy to raise concerns about the enforcement of marine protection legislation.
The Ferret — June 2021
Investigation Launched Over Use of ‘Seal Scarers’ by Fish Farms
Investigative reporting into concerns raised by Clyde Porpoise and Inside Scottish Salmon Feedlots about acoustic deterrent devices operating at marine fish farms.
The article discusses Clyde Porpoise’s acoustic monitoring, complaints to the authorities and the differing views of conservation groups, regulators and the aquaculture industry.
Environmental Standards Scotland — Regulatory Findings
Although not a media article, the subsequent investigation by Environmental Standards Scotland provides important context to the press reporting.
The investigation examined the Scottish Government’s compliance and enforcement arrangements concerning acoustic deterrent devices and European Protected Species legislation.
The findings led to improvements in regulatory procedures.
Read the Environmental Standards Scotland report
Community Conservation and Environmental Advocacy
Fairlie Coastal Trust, Clyde Porpoise and the Hunterston Campaign
Clyde Porpoise has strong roots in community-based environmental conservation, with close connections to Fairlie Coastal Trust and a shared commitment to protecting the marine environment of the Firth of Clyde.
David Nairn, founder of Fairlie Coastal Trust and a community councillor for ten years, has played an active role in environmental advocacy, marine planning and community-led conservation.
These closely connected activities have combined local knowledge, scientific evidence and community engagement to challenge environmental pressures and promote more accountable marine management.
Save Southannan Sands — No Way Without an EIA
One of the most significant examples was the campaign opposing the progression of proposed dredging and industrial marine works at Hunterston without a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
David Nairn played an instrumental role in the campaign, working through Fairlie Coastal Trust and alongside other community representatives and supporters.
Under the banner Save Southannan Sands — No Way Without an EIA, campaigners raised concerns about the potential environmental consequences of the proposals, including impacts on sensitive coastal habitats, marine biodiversity and the wider Clyde ecosystem.
The campaign attracted considerable local press attention, including coverage in the Largs & Millport Weekly News.
In March 2020, Marine Scotland determined that the proposed works would require an Environmental Impact Assessment, marking an important outcome following sustained community scrutiny and campaigning.
The experience demonstrated how determined community action, environmental evidence and effective public engagement can contribute to greater scrutiny of decisions affecting the marine environment.
Connecting Research with Conservation Action
The close relationship between Fairlie Coastal Trust and Clyde Porpoise reflects a shared approach to environmental protection: combining practical experience, local knowledge, independent scientific investigation and community representation.
This work has informed our continuing involvement in marine spatial planning, environmental advocacy and research into the pressures affecting cetaceans and their habitats.
For Clyde Porpoise, scientific research is not simply about collecting information. It is also about ensuring that reliable environmental evidence can contribute to decisions affecting the future of the Clyde.
Our Seas Coalition — From Community Advocacy to Parliamentary Evidence
Clyde Porpoise’s involvement in marine conservation has extended beyond cetacean research to include wider concerns about the ecological condition of Scotland’s inshore waters and the sustainability of fisheries management.
David Nairn was involved in the early development of the Our Seas campaign, including helping to draft one of the original letters to Scotland’s First Minister raising concerns about the impacts of bottom-towed fishing on seabed habitats, fish populations and coastal communities.
These early efforts contributed to the development of the Our Seas Coalition, bringing together community organisations, fishers, scientists, marine businesses and conservation groups with a shared interest in improving the management of Scotland’s coastal waters.
Giving Evidence to the Scottish Parliament
On 2 March 2022, David Nairn represented the Our Seas Coalition before the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee.
The committee was examining regulations concerning the Clyde cod spawning closure.
His evidence addressed the ecological condition of the Clyde, the effects of bottom-towed fishing on fish habitats, the limitations of protecting spawning grounds without considering wider nursery habitats, and the need for an ecosystem-based approach to fisheries management.
He also highlighted the scientific contribution of community-led organisations, drawing attention to the acoustic monitoring, postgraduate research and scientific publications undertaken with the involvement of Clyde Porpoise.
The evidence emphasised the importance of making locally collected scientific information available to decision-makers and ensuring coastal communities have meaningful opportunities to participate in marine management.
This involvement illustrates the connection between Clyde Porpoise’s research and its broader commitment to marine conservation: using scientific evidence, local knowledge and community representation to inform decisions affecting the marine environment.
Original records
Our Seas — Early correspondence with the First Minister
Scottish Parliament — Official evidence transcript, 2 March 2022
Marine Wildlife and Conservation in the Clyde
Our observations and local knowledge have also contributed to newspaper reporting about marine mammal sightings, threats to wildlife and the ecological importance of the Clyde.
Arran Banner — 6 February 2018
Protecting Porpoises in the Clyde
An early feature following a presentation by David Nairn to the Arran Natural History Society.
The article introduces Clyde Porpoise’s acoustic surveys and conservation work, including the use of scientific evidence to support improved recognition and protection of harbour porpoises within the Clyde.
BBC Radio Scotland — April 2018
Live Morning Interview: Killer Whales Visit the Upper Clyde
David Nairn of Clyde Porpoise gave a live morning interview on BBC Radio Scotland following the remarkable appearance of a pod of orcas, including a calf, in the upper Firth of Clyde.
The sightings attracted widespread media attention. Clyde Porpoise also contributed to BBC Scotland’s online news coverage, discussing the whales’ behaviour, their potential prey and the significance of their appearance in the upper Clyde.
Read the BBC Scotland article — 21 April 2018
Radio programme and original recording awaiting confirmation.
The Sunday Post — 22 April 2018
Onlookers Amazed as Killer Whales Enjoy Lunch on the Upper Firth of Clyde
Coverage of an unusual visit by killer whales to the upper Clyde.
David Nairn contributed observations and commentary about the animals’ behaviour, their potential prey and the significance of the sighting.
Daily Record — 22 June 2020
Porpoise Sliced Open and Killed by Speedboat Propeller Off Scots Beach
Reporting on the fatal injury of a harbour porpoise, including comments from Clyde Porpoise.
The incident highlighted the risks that fast-moving vessels can pose to marine mammals and the need for greater public awareness around wildlife at sea.
Please note: the original article contains graphic images.
The Lochside Press — 21 January 2020
Protect Portincaple Campaign Wins Cross-Party Support
Coverage of local concerns about proposed development beside Loch Long.
David Nairn contributed information on marine wildlife, seabed ecology and the environmental value of Loch Long and its surrounding habitats.
Read The Lochside Press article
Marine Habitat Restoration
Clyde Porpoise’s interests extend beyond cetacean research to the wider health and recovery of the Clyde marine ecosystem.
Zoological Society of London — 13 May 2021
Native Oysters Restored to the Firth of Clyde
The Zoological Society of London announced the return of native oysters to the Clyde as part of the Wild Oysters Project.
The article identifies Clyde Porpoise as a local project partner and includes comments from David Nairn, who was also involved as a local project officer.
The initiative aimed to restore native oyster populations, improve coastal biodiversity and provide educational opportunities for local communities.
Our Seas Scotland — 10 October 2024
Majority of Scots Support Banning Bottom Trawling and Scallop Dredging in Marine Protected Areas
A conservation campaign article examining public attitudes towards seabed protection and fisheries management.
The article includes comments from David Nairn of Clyde Porpoise about the need for effective inshore marine management and the recovery of damaged marine habitats.
Community Engagement and Public Outreach
Alongside media reporting, Clyde Porpoise has contributed to public presentations, scientific meetings, community events and educational activities.
These activities have helped communicate the importance of harbour porpoises, explain the role of passive acoustic monitoring and encourage greater public interest in marine conservation.
Our involvement in the Clyde Marine Planning Partnership and other marine conservation discussions reflects our commitment to ensuring that local knowledge and scientific evidence contribute to decisions affecting the Clyde.
For a small community-based organisation, public engagement is an essential part of connecting scientific research with the people and communities who depend upon the marine environment.
The Value of Independent Research
The range of media coverage documented here reflects more than public interest in individual wildlife stories.
It demonstrates how scientific research, practical fieldwork and community conservation can contribute to discussions extending far beyond the location in which the work was undertaken.
Kylie’s remarkable story brought the Clyde to international audiences. Investigations into underwater noise helped raise awareness of the challenges involved in protecting marine mammals. Reporting on environmental restoration and marine planning has provided opportunities to highlight the importance of the wider marine ecosystem.
Much of Clyde Porpoise’s work has been undertaken without sustained external funding.
The resulting scientific contributions, environmental investigations and media interest demonstrate what can be achieved through long-term local commitment and collaboration.
We hope that by sharing our work more widely, we can encourage new research partnerships, strengthen public understanding and create opportunities to expand marine conservation research in the Clyde.
Media, Research and Collaboration Enquiries
Clyde Porpoise welcomes enquiries from journalists, documentary producers, researchers, conservation organisations and others interested in the marine mammals and changing environment of the Firth of Clyde.
Email: david@clydeporpoise.org
This page is a developing archive of selected media coverage and public communications. Links lead to the original publishers, whose reporting and editorial opinions remain their own. Some articles may require registration or subscription access.