Plans for UK’s first dolphin, whale and porpoise conservation strategy has been launched by the Scottish Government in collaboration with government departments across the UK, Northern Ireland and Wales. The aim is to develop consultation on the strategy to ensure effective management, to achieve and/or maintain *Favourable Conservation Status of the most common species of dolphin, whale and porpoise in UK waters, which include the harbour porpoise, common dolphin, bottlenose dolphin and minke whale.
The strategy identifies a number of actions where further research or additional management measures could help to improve the conservation of these marine mammals. Actions include establishing UK-wide approaches to managing wildlife tourism, improving understanding of the impact that pollutants, plastics and underwater noise disturbances can have on cetaceans as well as increased research on how to reduce the threat of net entanglements – by far the single most serious, direct threat to cetaceans in our ocean today.
How You Can Help Be a Voice for UK dolphins, whales & porpoises
The focus of the consultation which runs until Monday 14 June 2021 is to gather UK public views on the assessments, evidence and actions proposed under this strategy and one of the most effective ways to give your opinion is by completing this survey provided
This is a milestone towards delivering vital protection for cetacean populations in UK waters so please add your voice to ensure their future welfare and survival.
*Favourable Conservation Status is an aim of the EU Habitats Directive and is defined by the UK Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies
