Harbour porpoise can be easily spotted close to shore in shallow water, either alone or in small groups. They are shy and will avoid boats and jet skis. If you do manage to get close enough you may hear their loud “chuff” noise as they come to the surface for air, this gives them their nickname “puffing pig”! Harbour porpoise give birth to a small calf every 1-2 years.
How to identify
Look out for a small, triangular dorsal fin breaking the surface. Harbour porpoise are small and stocky, with a dark grey back and lighter underbelly. Their faces are rounded and have no beak.
Did you know?
Harbour porpoises are eating machines! They are warm-blooded mammals and their small size means they have to feed constantly to keep their body temperature up in our chilly seas. They feed mainly on fish, including sand eels, herring and whiting.
