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
1. Press for cetacean at-sea monitoring to meet the requirements of the Habitats Directive Article 11
2. Press for the inclusion of Moray Firth in the EU Special Areas of Conservation Network
3. Ensure Harbour porpoises are not impacted by the expansion of the marine renewable energy industry
4. 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 Species Champion
Maureen Watt
Member for: Aberdeen South and North Kincardine
Party: Scottish National Party
