The smallest and most abundant cetacean in the north-east Atlantic, although their numbers have declined in recent decades.
Scotland is one of the best places in the world to see Harbour porpoise from land.
Action Needed
- Press for cetacean at-sea monitoring to meet the requirements of the Habitats Directive Article 11
- Press for effective management measures in the EU Hebrides and Minches harbour porpoise Special Area of Conservation
- Ensure Harbour porpoises are not impacted by industrial activities, including marine renewables and aquaculture
- Ensure the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy is fully implemented
Threats
Bycatch, especially by bottom-set gillnet; fast recreational vehicles and unregulated wildlife watching; increased coastal development; seismic surveys for oil and gas exploration; prey depletion.
MSP Nature Champion
