For more than thirty years, the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) has been helping people contribute to the understanding and protection of these species. Through decades of citizen science and dedicated research, HWDT has built one of the most comprehensive marine mammal databases in the UK. These data are shared with governments, universities, researchers, and conservation organisations to support evidence-based decision-making.<\/p>
Data gathered during research expeditions aboard Silurian<\/p>
Data gathered by our Whale Track community sightings network<\/p>
As data custodians, HWDT ensures this information is accurate, accessible, and ready to inform marine management. But who are the organisations responsible for managing Scotland\u2019s seas, and how do they ensure that the marine environment is protected for nature and people?\u00a0<\/p>
The Scottish Government is committed to a series of legal obligations to protect whales, dolphins, and porpoises under Scottish, UK, European, and international law.\u00a0<\/p>
Whales, dolphins, and porpoises are protected under the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994, which implement the EU Habitats Directive in Scotland. It is an offence to deliberately harm, disturb, or kill these animals, or to damage the places they use to breed or rest.<\/p>
At a UK level, the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 provides further protection, and international agreements such as ASCOBANS (Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) guide Scotland\u2019s commitments to conserving marine biodiversity on a global scale.\u00a0<\/p>
Together, these frameworks ensure that Scotland\u2019s approach to managing its seas aligns with international standards and that conservation actions contribute to wider regional and global efforts to protect cetaceans.\u00a0<\/p>
Common dolphins are a species more commonly encountered in Scotland\u2019s western seas<\/p>
As a devolved matter, the Scottish Government holds overall responsibility for the management of Scotland\u2019s seas. It sets marine policy, legislation, and strategic direction for how the marine environment is used and protected. This includes fisheries management, marine planning, and the designation of Marine Protected Areas.\u00a0<\/p>
Through its powers under the Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, the government aims to achieve sustainable development of the marine environment; supporting industries like fishing and aquaculture, while also safeguarding wildlife and habitats.\u00a0<\/p>
Scotland\u2019s seas make up 61% of the UK\u2019s territorial waters, so decisions made by the Scottish Government play a major role in protecting the species that call these waters home.\u00a0<\/p>
Harbour porpoises are resident in Scotland\u2019s seas, the Hebrides are home to one of the highest densities of porpoise in Europe<\/p>
The Marine Directorate (formerly Marine Scotland), part of the Scottish Government, leads the day-to-day work of managing Scotland\u2019s marine environment. It brings together marine science, policy, compliance, and licensing functions under one umbrella.<\/p>
The Directorate\u2019s responsibilities include:<\/p>
Developing and implementing marine policies;<\/p><\/li>
Managing Scotland\u2019s Marine Protected Area network;<\/p><\/li>
Overseeing fisheries regulation and sustainable practices;<\/p><\/li>
Conducting marine research and monitoring; and<\/p><\/li>
Enforcing compliance at sea through Marine Scotland Compliance.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>
The Marine Directorate is therefore at the heart of how decisions about the marine environment are put into action. Its scientists and policy specialists work closely with other agencies \u2013 such as NatureScot - to collect data, assess impacts, and ensure that marine life is properly considered in management decisions.<\/p>
Sightings of humpback whales have increased in recent years and the Whale Track community play a vital role in deepening the understanding of this species in our seas<\/p>
NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage) is Scotland\u2019s nature agency, and it plays a key role in advising the Scottish Government and Marine Directorate on how best to protect biodiversity.<\/p>
For cetaceans, NatureScot provides expert scientific advice on:<\/p>
The designation and management of Marine Protected Areas;<\/p><\/li>
Assessing the potential impacts of human activities - like offshore renewables or fisheries - on marine mammals; and<\/p><\/li>
Supporting research and monitoring to better understand species distribution and behaviour.<\/p><\/li><\/ul>
NatureScot also works closely with communities, NGOs, and local authorities to support conservation efforts and raise awareness of the importance of Scotland\u2019s marine wildlife.\u00a0<\/p>
HWDT are part of the Cetacean Monitoring Expert Group established by NatureScot bringing together experts in the field of cetacean monitoring and research to design and develop a long-term programme of cetacean species site monitoring and ecosystem surveillance.\u00a0Recently, HWDT and the Scottish Association of Marine Science led on a report published by NatureScot on how to protect cetaceans in marine protected areas.<\/a>\u00a0<\/p> A minke whale draws a breath before diving below the surface<\/p> Protecting Scotland\u2019s marine wildlife relies on strong collaboration. The Scottish Government sets the legal and policy framework; the Marine Directorate implements and enforces it; and NatureScot provides scientific guidance to ensure decisions are grounded in evidence.<\/p> Together, these organisations deliver Scotland\u2019s Marine Nature Conservation Strategy, which aims to safeguard species and habitats while enabling sustainable use of the marine environment. This joined-up approach is vital given the complexity of marine ecosystems and the growing pressures they face; from climate change and pollution to shipping and underwater noise.<\/p>WORKING TOGETHER<\/strong><\/h3>