Selected television, radio, newspaper and online coverage of marine mammals, scientific research and conservation in the Firth of Clyde.
This page brings together media coverage of Clyde Porpoise and related research and conservation activities, alongside links to relevant scientific publications and public records.
Kylie the Dolphin
Kylie, a solitary common dolphin that spent many years associating with harbour porpoises in the Firth of Clyde, became the subject of international scientific and media interest.
Research undertaken with Dr Mel Cosentino and the University of Strathclyde drew on field observations and underwater acoustic recordings collected aboard Clyde Porpoise’s survey vessel, Saorsa.
The recordings revealed unusual similarities between some of Kylie’s echolocation clicks and those produced by harbour porpoises, raising questions about acoustic adaptation and communication between species.
Television, Radio and News Coverage
BBC — The One Show | 2018
Television coverage of Kylie and the early acoustic research findings.
An accessible programme recording has not yet been located.
BBC News | 29 August 2018
What did the dolphin say to the porpoise?
An introduction to the preliminary research into Kylie’s unusual acoustic behaviour.
Triple R Radio, Melbourne | 11 February 2018
An interview with Mel Cosentino about her marine mammal research at the University of Strathclyde.
Forbes | 31 August 2018
A Lonely Dolphin Has Learnt To Talk To Porpoises
A feature by Michael Marshall exploring the early findings and their possible implications for acoustic learning. Includes photography credited to Clyde Porpoise.
IFLScience | 29 August 2018
A Scottish Dolphin Has Learned How To “Speak” Porpoise
Popular science coverage of the preliminary research.
National Geographic | 25 March 2022
For the First Time, Wild Dolphin Observed ‘Talking’ With Harbor Porpoises
A feature by Elizabeth Anne Brown examining Kylie’s association with harbour porpoises, including interviews with Mel Cosentino and David Nairn about the research and field observations.
SYFY WIRE | 14 April 2022
Clicks and Cliques: A Lonely Dolphin Tries to Communicate With Her Porpoise Pals
A science feature discussing the published findings, including an interview with Mel Cosentino and photographs from the research.
Yle, Finland | 29 March 2022
Read the Finnish national broadcaster’s report
Coverage of Kylie’s acoustic behaviour and the possibility of interspecies communication.
International Editions
The National Geographic feature was also published in several international editions:
France · Latin America · Italy · Taiwan · Arabia
The Scientific Research
Although headlines sometimes suggested Kylie had learned to communicate with porpoises, the scientific findings were more cautious. Similarities between some of her acoustic signals and harbour porpoise clicks were identified, but their behavioural significance remains uncertain.
The peer-reviewed study, co-authored by David Nairn of Clyde Porpoise, was published in Bioacoustics in 2022.
Cosentino, M. et al. (2022). I beg your pardon? Acoustic behaviour of a wild solitary common dolphin who interacts with harbour porpoises.
Underwater Noise and Marine Protection
Investigations into acoustic deterrent devices associated with aquaculture have contributed to reporting about underwater noise, marine mammal protection and environmental regulation.
The Ferret | June 2021
Investigation Launched Over Use of ‘Seal Scarers’ by Fish Farms
Investigative reporting on acoustic deterrent devices, including monitoring and concerns raised by Clyde Porpoise and Inside Scottish Salmon Feedlots. The article examines differing perspectives from conservation groups, regulators and the aquaculture industry.
The Guardian | 24 September 2022
Scotland’s Defenders of the Seas: The Volunteers Standing Up for Sea Life
A feature by Karen McVeigh examining community-led marine conservation in Scotland, including investigations undertaken by David Nairn and David Ainsley into acoustic deterrent devices used at fish farms.
Related Regulatory Findings
Environmental Standards Scotland
Use of Acoustic Deterrent Devices — Investigation Report
An official investigation into regulatory compliance and enforcement arrangements concerning acoustic deterrent devices and European Protected Species legislation. Its findings contributed to improvements in regulatory procedures.
Marine Wildlife in the Clyde
Clyde Porpoise has contributed observations and commentary to reporting on marine mammal sightings, conservation concerns and wildlife incidents.
Arran Banner | 6 February 2018
Protecting Porpoises in the Clyde
Coverage of a presentation to the Arran Natural History Society, introducing acoustic surveys and the conservation of harbour porpoises in the Clyde.
BBC Scotland | 21 April 2018
Killer Whales Visit the Upper Clyde
Reporting on the appearance of orcas, including a calf, in the upper Firth of Clyde. Clyde Porpoise contributed observations about their behaviour, possible prey and the significance of the sighting. The event was also discussed in a live BBC Radio Scotland interview.
The original radio recording has not yet been located.
The Sunday Post | 22 April 2018
Onlookers Amazed as Killer Whales Enjoy Lunch on the Upper Firth of Clyde
Further coverage of the orca sightings, including observations and commentary from Clyde Porpoise.
The Lochside Press | 21 January 2020
Protect Portincaple Campaign Wins Cross-Party Support
Reporting on concerns about proposed development beside Loch Long, including information provided on marine wildlife, seabed ecology and local habitats.
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 about the risks posed by vessel traffic.
Content warning: the article contains graphic images.
Community Conservation and Marine Policy
Alongside marine mammal research, Clyde Porpoise has connections with wider community conservation, marine habitat protection and fisheries management.
Hunterston and Southannan Sands
The Save Southannan Sands — No Way Without an EIA campaign raised concerns about proposed dredging and industrial marine works at Hunterston.
Working through Fairlie Coastal Trust, founded by David Nairn, and alongside local community representatives, campaigners sought fuller assessment of the potential effects on sensitive coastal habitats and marine biodiversity.
The campaign received local press coverage, including reporting in the Largs & Millport Weekly News. In March 2020, Marine Scotland determined that the proposed works would require an Environmental Impact Assessment.
Our Seas Coalition and Parliamentary Evidence
Clyde Porpoise’s wider conservation involvement has included work relating to the ecological condition of Scotland’s inshore waters and the impacts of bottom-towed fishing.
David Nairn contributed to the early development of the Our Seas campaign, including correspondence to Scotland’s First Minister concerning seabed habitats, fisheries and coastal communities.
On 2 March 2022, he represented the Our Seas Coalition before the Scottish Parliament’s Rural Affairs, Islands and Natural Environment Committee during its consideration of the Clyde cod spawning closure.
The evidence addressed seabed impacts, spawning and nursery habitats, ecosystem-based fisheries management and the contribution of community-led scientific monitoring.
Related public records:
Our Seas — Early Correspondence
Scottish Parliament — Official Evidence Transcript, 2 March 2022
Inshore Marine Conservation
Our Seas Scotland | 10 October 2024
Majority of Scots Support Banning Bottom Trawling and Scallop Dredging in Marine Protected Areas
Coverage of public attitudes towards seabed protection and fisheries management, including comments from Clyde Porpoise about restoring marine habitats and improving inshore fisheries management.
Public Engagement
In addition to media contributions, Clyde Porpoise has participated in community presentations, educational activities, scientific meetings and marine planning discussions, including the Clyde Marine Planning Partnership.
These activities provide opportunities to share field observations, explain acoustic research and contribute locally collected evidence to discussions about the Clyde’s marine environment.
Media Enquiries
For enquiries about Clyde Porpoise’s research, marine mammal observations or previous media coverage, please contact:
Email: david@clydeporpoise.org
This page is a selection of media coverage and related public records. Links lead to the original publishers or organisations. Editorial views belong to the respective publishers, and some content may require registration or subscription access.