Location Scotland

Project Protecting Scotland’s whales and dolphins

Field Season All year round

A number of the 20 plus species of whales, dolphins and porpoises found in the seas around Scotland are listed internationally as endangered or threatened. Harbour porpoises frequent Scottish waters, as do minke whales, Risso’s, common and white-beaked dolphins. Orcas, beaked, sperm, fin and blue whales are also regular visitors. And several of the last remaining bottlenose dolphin populations to be found off the UK coast live here. In addition, internationally important species of seabirds and vulnerable basking sharks are also found in significant numbers at certain times of the year. Very little information is available on the species found here, and the threats that these animals face.

For example, no one really knows what impacts military activity is having on the whales, dolphins and porpoises in Scottish waters. ‘Joint Warrior’ is the largest NATO joint navy exercise in Europe occurring twice a year involving warship, submarine and aircraft exercises in the offshore and coastal waters to the north east, and north-west of Scotland.

Without independent field survey data as a method of monitoring the presence of marine wildlife, as well as historical investigation of strandings during naval activities, lethal and sub-lethal impacts on these already vulnerable whale and dolphin populations in this region will remain unknown.

We are committed to increasing local people’s understanding of and interest in their whales and dolphins, and engaging them to help find solutions to the threats they face. In addition to running two wildlife centres in Scotland where locals and visitors of all ages can come and learn more about Scotland’s rich marine heritage, we conduct our own detailed whale and dolphin research around the Scottish coast. We also continue to support the dolphin research work of the University of Aberdeen and work in partnership with local people, schools, businesses and organisations and with the Scottish and UK governments to achieve better protection for Scotland’s whales and dolphins.