Who manages Scotland's seas
Scotland’s seas are internationally important, with 24 species of whale, dolphin, and porpoise (collectively known as cetaceans) recorded in our waters. From the resident harbour porpoise to migratory minke whales, these species depend on healthy marine ecosystems.
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.
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’s seas, and how do they ensure that the marine environment is protected for nature and people?
MEETING LEGAL OBLIGATIONS
The Scottish Government is committed to a series of legal obligations to protect whales, dolphins, and porpoises under Scottish, UK, European, and international law.
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.
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’s commitments to conserving marine biodiversity on a global scale.
Together, these frameworks ensure that Scotland’s approach to managing its seas aligns with international standards and that conservation actions contribute to wider regional and global efforts to protect cetaceans.
Common dolphins are a species more commonly encountered in Scotland’s western seas
THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
As a devolved matter, the Scottish Government holds overall responsibility for the management of Scotland’s 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.
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.
Scotland’s seas make up 61% of the UK’s territorial waters, so decisions made by the Scottish Government play a major role in protecting the species that call these waters home.
Harbour porpoises are resident in Scotland’s seas, the Hebrides are home to one of the highest densities of porpoise in Europe
THE MARINE DIRECTORATE
The Marine Directorate (formerly Marine Scotland), part of the Scottish Government, leads the day-to-day work of managing Scotland’s marine environment. It brings together marine science, policy, compliance, and licensing functions under one umbrella.
The Directorate’s responsibilities include:
Developing and implementing marine policies;
Managing Scotland’s Marine Protected Area network;
Overseeing fisheries regulation and sustainable practices;
Conducting marine research and monitoring; and
Enforcing compliance at sea through Marine Scotland Compliance.
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 – such as NatureScot - to collect data, assess impacts, and ensure that marine life is properly considered in management decisions.
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
NATURESCOT
NatureScot (formerly Scottish Natural Heritage) is Scotland’s nature agency, and it plays a key role in advising the Scottish Government and Marine Directorate on how best to protect biodiversity.
For cetaceans, NatureScot provides expert scientific advice on:
The designation and management of Marine Protected Areas;
Assessing the potential impacts of human activities - like offshore renewables or fisheries - on marine mammals; and
Supporting research and monitoring to better understand species distribution and behaviour.
NatureScot also works closely with communities, NGOs, and local authorities to support conservation efforts and raise awareness of the importance of Scotland’s marine wildlife.
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. Recently, 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 minke whale draws a breath before diving below the surface
WORKING TOGETHER
Protecting Scotland’s 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.
Together, these organisations deliver Scotland’s 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.
HWDT plays a crucial role in this process by providing the evidence base needed to inform management decisions. Data collected through our research expeditions have directly shaped marine conservation policy helping define the boundaries of protected areas like:
The Inner Hebrides and the Minches Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for harbour porpoise
The Sea of the Hebrides Marine Protected Area (MPA) for minke whales and basking sharks
The Northeast Lewis MPA, designated for Risso’s dolphins
HWDT actively engage with Marine Directorate and NatureScot to share latest information and evidence, as well as share evidence based information to support better protection for our seas through responding to consultations, writing letters to share our views and engaging in meetings and events. We also share data and collaborate on PhD projects with Marine Directorate and NatureScot to identify important areas and assess trends and changes, threats and pressures.
By working together - from national agencies to coastal communities - we can ensure that Scotland’s seas remain a place where marine life thrives, and where people can continue to enjoy and benefit from these extraordinary waters for generations to come.