Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch (MWDW) members have been to a conference in Barcelona to showcase their research into a dolphin species that is rarely studied in most parts of the world.

The World Marine Mammal Conference saw 2,500 delegates from 95 countries sharing their research into whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans).

MWDW studies five species of cetacean found in Manx waters but its research is primarily focussed on the elusive Risso’s dolphin Grampus griseus.

Jen Adams of MWDW said: ’It is a species rarely observed in many parts of the world due to its preference for deep water off continental shelves.

’It is unusual, therefore, that in the shallow waters of the Isle of Man, they are our most commonly sighted dolphin species, returning each spring to feed and bring up their young.

’In fact, more Risso’s dolphins are recorded each summer around our tiny coastline than the whole of the rest of the British Isles and Ireland.’

Why these dolphins like Manx waters so much is unknown, she said.

MWDW’s team of three presented a poster presentation analysing their Manx Risso’s dolphin photo-identification catalogue, which is one of the largest in Europe.

They also attended a workshop containing almost every Risso’s dolphin researcher in the world, all 25 of them.

’It shows just how understudied they are as a species that only 1% of conference delegates focus their studies on this fascinating species,’ Ms Adams said.

For more information, find Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch online or go to the visitors’ centre on Michael Street, Peel, which is open on Saturdays during the winter.