The importance of marine wildlife in the Clyde features in the scoping report for the Millport Flood Prevention Scheme.
Several species have been reported in and around the Firth of Clyde, and The Clyde Marine Mammal Project, have provided a submission detailing sightings in the surrounds of the Isle of Cumbrae.
Their report states that the harbour porpoise is the most commonly identified aquatic marine animal around the waters of Cumbrae. Basking sharks are also regularly observed.
Minke whale have also been observed. The Clyde Marine Mammal Project stated: “It is suggested that a general increase in the numbers in the west coast of Scotland with younger animals coming to the Clyde to look for food during autumn months.”
The Common Dolphin is another species which is a visitor in the summer months between May and October ‘when food is most abundant’.
Several records of killer whale Orca have been made in the Clyde, including the waters between Great Cumbrae and the Isle of Arran
The scoping report stated: “An environmental assessment will determine the requirement for mitigation measures to reduce the significance of the impact on marine mammals. An Environmental Action Plan will be used. Consultation with Scottish Natural Heritage will be undertaken. The selection of offshore option 1 (breakwater extension to Millport Pier) would also represent a significant mitigation measure from a marine mammal perspective.”