Harbour porpoise
Physical description
The harbour porpoise is a small, stocky cetacean with an adult length of 1.5 metres (5ft).
A small, triangle shaped dorsal fin is located in the centre of the back and the head is rounded with almost no visible beak. Colouration is dark grey with a white underbelly.
Manx distribution
The most common species of cetacean in Manx waters, the harbour porpoise can be observed here at any time of year and from anywhere around our coastline. They can be seen offshore and inshore, with boat surveys suggesting there could be 1000 porpoises in Manx waters at any one time.
There are two known hot spots; the first is an area known as The Ledges at Port St Mary, where they are often observed very close inshore feeding among the shallow ledges of rock. The second is an area off the back of the Calf of Man called the Stack and the tidal streams between here and Chicken Rock. At this location, they have been seen behaving more like common dolphins, swimming at pace as feeding is plentiful and they put higher levels of energy into catching their prey.
Group size is typically 1-4 individuals and mother-calf pairs are often seen. Occasionally, larger aggregations may exceed 10 individuals if a good food source is available.
Worldwide distribution
Harbour porpoise are widespread and inhabit temperate waters of the Northern Hemisphere.
Behaviour
Harbour porpoise are recognisable by their slow and gentle surfacing behaviour, resembling a tyre ‘rolling’ through the water, just breaking the surface. Often the only visible body part is the top of the back and the small triangular dorsal fin.
Unlike dolphins, porpoises rarely display acrobatic behaviour such as breaching and bow riding. They are fairly timid and dislike boat activity, often diving away from on-coming vessels. They do not usually create any white water as they swim, and can be difficult to spot unless the sea is very calm.
Feeding
Harbour porpoise are excellent predators with a wide and varied diet. Food can include many species of fish and also cephalopods. Herring, mackerel and sand-eels make up a large part of their diet in Manx waters.
Report a Sighting
Have you seen a harbour porpoise in Manx waters? Report your sighting to us.