The smallest and most abundant cetacean in the north-east Atlantic, although their numbers have declined in recent decades. Common throughout Scotland and frequently seen in coastal waters. Mostly solitary or in small groups although large aggressions are known to form in the Northern isles.
Scotland is one of the best places in the world to see Harbour porpoise from land.
Photos:
© Charlie Phillips / Whale and Dolphin Conservation
© Emma Steel / Whale and Dolphin Conservation
Action Needed
- Press for the implementation of effective management measures to reduce noise pollution at its source and restricting damaging fishing practices, two of the biggest threats for the Hebrides and Minches harbour porpoise Special Area of Conservation
- Minimise and, where possible, eliminate bycatch as required in the Fisheries Act 2020 and supported by the Joint Fisheries Statement.
- Support long-term monitoring and research to meet the requirements of the Habitats Regulations (formerly Article 11of the Habitats Directive), and provide the evidence needed to inform conservation and management decisions.
- Support research efforts to better understand harbour porpoise distribution and habitat use, behaviour and threats (i.e. underwater noise, entanglement, climate change).
- Integrate restrictions on noisy, high-impact activities into management plans for Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), with particular focus on those designated for cetacean conservation.
- Publish the Cetacean Conservation strategy
- Support the implementation of the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy; specifically:
- Expand Scottish marine protected areas to 30% by 2030
- Increase the number of sites in Scotland’s Marine Protected Area network with specific fisheries management measures,
- Invest in nature – implementation of Biodiversity Investment plan
Threats
- Bycatch, especially by bottom-set gillnet
- Fast recreational vehicles and unregulated wildlife watching
- Increased coastal development
- Seismic surveys for oil, gas and renewable energy exploration
- Prey depletion
MSP Nature Champion
Member for:
