Once a month we will be sharing a marine species reported via the Fair Isle Marine WhatsApp group. This group is a space for community members and visitors to the isle to share any interesting marine finds. These reports also contribute to marine species records for Fair Isle to help monitor changes in biodiversity.
Not quite a beachcombing find but some very exciting visitors along our shores this month.
Towards the end of February there were reports of three orcas in North Haven, which swiftly made their way south of the island, hugging the eastern coastline as they went and making for some incredible sightings. One individual was seen surfing in the swell in South Harbour and was visible within the waves as they broke. They were last seen heading towards the Holm’s with their final direction of travel unknown…
Orcas were last seen around Fair Isle in November last year so we hope this is the first of many sightings for 2026!
David Parnaby
