Marine News

From John Kinsman

Scientists have found that wild seals given a dose of oxytocin, nicknamed the love hormone, become more sociable and less aggressive. A study of grey seal pups on the isle of May off St Monans found those given the hormone would also stay close to each other. The University of St Andrews team said the effects of the hormone lasted for days despite the small doses given. Oxytocin is known to forge emotional bonds between romantic partners, and mothers and new born babies.

Study leader Dr Kelly Robinson reported that “seals given oxytocin spent significantly more time in close proximity to each other, confirming that oxytocin causes conspecifics (same species members) to seek others out and remain close to one another. Aggressive and investigative behaviours also significantly fell after oxytocin manipulations.”

The scientists concluded “oxytocin manipulations have been subject to intense interest in the last decade due to the widespread occurrence of oxytocin in mammals, and its far reaching effects on behaviour including parental and social bonds.” The research was conducted in a way that ensured no harm came to the seals, said the team ……

Meanwhile Coastwatch St Monans which is part of Coastwatch Scotland has become the first full time Coastwatch station in Scotland. The station was set up in 2012 and covers an area from Anstruther to Largo Bay. The station is under the command of station manager John Kinsman, a former part time coastguard with 8 year’s experience, and a team of six volunteers including his wife Anne who is deputy station manager. The station is based in an historic windmill on the clifftop.