Fisheries

During 2024, 11,039 encounters of whales, dolphins, porpoises, and other marine life were reported to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) by members of the public, or citizen scientists.  Over 65,000 animals have been sighted in Scottish waters, from 17 different species.    

The data was collected during research expeditions run by the Trust and by people reporting what they’ve spotted through their community sightings network, Whale Track. 

New scientific research published today explores how sharks, skates and rays are distributed around Scotland’s coasts, with the results to be used to help their conservation.

Using existing information about shark, skate and ray distribution around Scotland, a report published today models where the highest numbers of nine threatened species are predicted to occur.

Five new draft Fisheries Management Plans (FMPs) designed to improve the long-term sustainability of UK fish stocks have opened for consultation, securing the health of the UK fishing industry which depends on them.    

First Minister John Swinney has confirmed that 67 projects will share a total of £14 million in support from the latest round of Marine Fund Scotland.

The First Minister made the announcement in Shetland, where this morning he will tour Lerwick’s daily electronic fish auction and meet the Shetland Fishermen’s Association before attending the Convention of the Highlands and Islands.

Strathnaver Museum and North Sutherland Community Forest Trust (NWSFT) proved they were shipshape last Saturday (28 September) as north Sutherland’s new community boat took to the sea.

A new community boat built by volunteers is set to launch at Bettyhill Pier this Saturday in culmination of Strathnaver Museum’s £2.2m refurbishment project and activity programme.

2023 saw the highest sighting rates and numbers of minke whales yet recorded in the Hebrides, but the lowest known for basking sharks, says a new report by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.

A company that grows nutrient-rich algae from whisky waste to help preserve wild fish populations has been announced as a finalist for the prestigious Earthshot Prize 2024.

MiAlgae, which started at the University of Edinburgh in 2016, farms its own algae to produce Omega 3 - an essential mineral for human and animal health - that is naturally accumulated by the likes of sardines and anchovies.

Plans to extend marine planning zones have been put out to public consultation.

Fish and shellfish farms require planning permission out to twelve nautical miles, however local authority responsibilities for planning controls currently only extend to three nautical miles. Under new proposals, the marine planning zones will be extended.

As the native oyster season opens (1st September), Scotland’s oyster festival has announced a new celebration of nature, right in the heart of the festival site.