UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy

UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy High Level Report March 2021 UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 2 Contents Introduction ......................................................................................................... 3 Objectives ........................................................................................................... 4 Scope .................................................................................................................. 4 Table 1. Species of dolphins, porpoises and minke whales covered by the strategy ............................................................................................................... 5 Guiding Principles ............................................................................................... 5 Figure 1: Map of the protected sites over which this strategy applies ................. 6 Section 2 - Species protection and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs)................... 7 European Protected Species............................................................................... 7 Marine Licensing ................................................................................................. 7 Marine Protected Areas (MPAs).......................................................................... 8 Section 3 - Species Accounts ................................................................................. 9 Conservation Status ............................................................................................ 9 Species Accounts .............................................................................................. 11 Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) .......................................................... 11 Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) ............................................................... 12 Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) ..................................... 13 White-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) ......................................... 15 Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) ................................................................... 16 Long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas)................................................... 18 Section 4 – Actions ................................................................................................ 20 The technical report .......................................................................................... 20 Required actions ............................................................................................... 20 Table 3: Description of required management actions ...................................... 21 Review ..................................................................................................................... 23 UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 3 Section 1 - Context for the UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy Introduction 1. This strategy has been developed by Scottish Government in collaboration with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), the Welsh Government (WG), Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs Northern Ireland (DAERA) and the UK Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies (Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC), Natural England (NE), Natural Resources Wales (NRW) and Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH). 2. The strategy aims to ensure effective management to achieve and/or maintain favourable conservation status for eight of the most commonly found dolphin and porpoise species in UK waters. In addition, the minke whale was included as the ninth species in the strategy. These species have been selected because they occur predictably in UK waters and have similar characteristics and conservation needs. The collective name for all species of dolphins, porpoises and whales is cetaceans. 3. The strategy provides a summary of existing management measures and obligations which help to manage pressures on the nine species of dolphins, porpoises and minke whales. 4. The strategy seeks a joined-up approach to management, with both site and wider measures working together to conserve dolphin, porpoise and minke whale populations. It proposes a series of high-level actions to deliver these outcomes. 5. The strategy’s purpose is to deliver and/or maintain favourable conservation status by: • addressing existing and emerging pressures in the marine environment, with a view to conserving UK dolphin, porpoise and minke whale populations; • acknowledging where work is already planned or underway to meet conservation targets; and • creating opportunities for sectoral collaboration. 6. It is recognised that there are actions and management that may come from this strategy that will have wider benefits to the marine environment and other species with similar life histories, food sources and habitat use, to the nine named species. 7. Each species has been assessed for vulnerability to pressures in UK waters. The assessments highlight where our understanding of vulnerability is incomplete, or where confidence in understanding potential impacts on UK populations may be limited. UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 4 8. The strategy provides nine high-level actions to enable better delivery of management, research, monitoring and communication. The strategy will be reviewed on a six-yearly cycle to take account of new research and monitoring data and to ensure the strategy and actions remain relevant and prioritised appropriately to achieve its objectives. Objectives 9. The strategy has the following objectives: • Identify vulnerabilities and the relevant pressures on the populations of the nine species of dolphins, porpoises and minke whales in UK waters. • Identify current management measures and obligations and opportunities for improvement. • Prioritise the management of key pressures that pose the greatest risk to achieving and/or maintaining favourable conservation status. • Initiate new actions, where necessary, to maintain or improve conservation status. • Improve understanding of population status and trends. • Raise public awareness and understanding of dolphin, porpoise and minke whale populations in UK waters. • Bring together organisations to implement the actions. Scope 10. The strategy covers all UK waters, from the coast out to the extent of UK continental shelf (see Figure 1) and encompasses existing Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). Actions set out in the strategy are intended to support the development of any conservation measures, required across UK waters, and the achievement of site-based conservation objectives. As part of achieving and/or maintaining favourable conservation status across UK waters, the strategy recognises local/regional variations in populations and pressures where appropriate (Table 4, Strategy Technical Report). 11. The species covered by the strategy are listed in Table 1 below. UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 5 Table 1. Species of dolphins, porpoises and minke whales covered by the strategy Common name Scientific name Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena Common dolphin Delphinus delphis Atlantic white-sided dolphin Lagenorhynchus acutus Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus White-beaked dolphin Lagenorhynchus albirostris Risso’s dolphin Grampus griseus Killer whale Orcinus orca Long-finned pilot whale Globicephala melas Minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata Guiding Principles 12. In developing the strategy, the following guiding principles were applied: • The strategy aims to achieve and/or maintain the favourable conservation status of populations through management informed by research and monitoring. • The strategy will achieve and/or maintain favourable conservation outcomes for species either through delivery of direct practical measures or improved understanding through research. • The strategy will be implemented in partnership with stakeholders and will be reviewed regularly and updated to reflect changing priorities, new knowledge, and available resources. The existing valuable contribution from stakeholders is recognised and we will continue to develop opportunities for future collaborative delivery of the strategy actions. • Existing commitments for dolphins, porpoises and minke whales will continue to be pursued. Evidence collected under this strategy will contribute to delivery of those commitments. • Appropriate standards and information systems will be used in data collection and management. This will include Quality Assurance (QA) measures and ensure discoverability and accessibility of data. • Spend on achieving the actions resulting from the strategy should be balanced with other relevant programmes that may improve our understanding of population status and trends, and key pressures. UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 6 • The actions proposed within the strategy should be integrated as far as possible with other activities to minimise resource requirements. We will work to achieve better co-ordination, share costs and avoid duplication where possible. 13. The strategy will be subject to periodic review to take account of new research and monitoring data and to ensure the strategy and actions remain relevant and prioritised appropriately to achieve its objectives. Figure 1: Map of the protected sites over which this strategy applies UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 7 Section 2 - Species protection and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) European Protected Species 14. All cetacean species found in UK waters (including those covered by this strategy) are protected under the EU Habitats Directive1. National legislation implements the EU Habitats Directive and makes it an offence to deliberately kill, injure, capture or disturb all cetaceans (Annex 2 of the technical report). In the UK, we refer to these as European Protected Species2 (EPS) and they are strictly protected3 throughout their natural range. 15. Where an activity is proposed and, despite the necessary considerations of the application, any proposed mitigation and processes being undertaken, there is a risk of a residual offence being committed, authorisation can be provided through EPS licensing, if required, and subject to the requirements under the relevant legislation being met. 16. There is published guidance on EPS and licensing in English4, Welsh5, Scottish6 and Northern Irish7 waters. Marine Licensing 17. Part four of the Marine and Coastal Access Act 20098 and part four of the Marine (Scotland) Act 20109 define activities for which a marine licence may be required. 18. Before deciding to undertake, give consent, permission or authorisation for a relevant plan or project that may impact a designated site, it is the role of the competent authority to undertake a Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) (Habitat Regulations Appraisal in Scotland) to assess the potential impact of a plan or project on the site, in view of that site’s conservation objectives under the appropriate UK legislation. This assessment is carried out during the relevant application process and where required, conservation measures may be put in place. 1The EU Habitats Directive 2European Protected Species 3Guidance document on the strict protection of animal species of Community interest under the Habitats Directive 92/43/EEC 4English EPS guidance 5Welsh EPS guidance 6Scottish EPS guidance 7Northern Irish EPS guidance 8Marine and Coastal Access Act 2009 – Part 4: Marine Licensing 9Marine (Scotland) Act 2010 – Part 4: Marine Licensing https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/legislation/habitatsdirective/index en.htm https://www.nature.scot/professional-advice/safeguarding-protected-areas-and-species/protected-species/legal-framework/habitats-directive-and-habitats-regulations/european https://ec.europa.eu/environment/nature/conservation/species/guidance/pdf/guidance en.pdf https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment data/file/850708/Draft Guidance on the Protection of Marine European Protected Species from Injurt and Disturbance.pdf https://naturalresources.wales/permits-and-permissions/species-licensing/european-protected-species-licensing/information-on-european-protected-species-licensing/?lang=en https://www.gov.scot/policies/marine-and-fisheries-licensing/european-protected-species/ https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/doe/Marine%20Wildlife%20Licencing%20-%20Guidance%20%20Document March2017.pdf https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2009/23/part/4 https://www.legislation.gov.uk/asp/2010/5/part/4 UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 8 19. There is published guidance for planning and licensing processes in English10, Welsh11, Scottish12 and Northern Irish13 waters, as well as guidance for English14, Welsh15 and Scottish16 waters to support authorities in undertaking HRAs. 20. At strategic levels, Strategic Environmental Assessment is used to consider the consequences of plans and projects for protected sites and species. Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) 21. The UK is a signatory to a range of international agreements which require the development of an ecologically coherent network of MPAs across Europe, the North-east Atlantic and globally. MPAs are one of a number of management tools used to help deliver conservation objectives and authorise sustainable use of the seas around the UK. 22. Provisions under the EU Habitats Directive also require Member States to contribute to the ecological network of protected sites across Europe by designating Special Areas of Conservation (SACs). Bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises are the only cetaceans listed in Annex II of the Directive. 23. The UK has designated three SACs for bottlenose dolphins and seven SACs for harbour porpoises. These SACs recognise the areas that are important for the species as indicated by persistently higher densities of animals or by supporting key aspects of the species lifecycle, for example for breeding or feeding. The SACs place specific duties on public authorities to manage activities for which they have responsibility, in a way that avoids deterioration of the site. As such, these sites contribute in the best possible way to achieving and/or maintaining the favourable conservation status of the species throughout UK waters. 24. The maintenance of favourable conservation status of protected species, such as those covered by this strategy, is an important principle underpinning the development of marine plans for UK waters. 25. In Scotland, in 2020, four MPAs were designated, including two for minke whales and one for Risso’s. These designations are some of the first of this kind in the world. 26. MPA designations for the other species covered by this strategy can be designated under national legislation. 10English marine licensing information 11Welsh marine licensing information 12Scottish marine licensing information 13Northern Irish marine licensing information 14English guidance to support authorities undertaking HRAs 15Welsh guidance to support authorities undertaking HRAs 16Scottish guidance to support authorities undertaking HRAs https://www.gov.uk/topic/planning-development/marine-licences https://naturalresources.wales/permits-and-permissions/marine-licensing/?lang=en https://www.gov.scot/policies/marine-and-fisheries-licensing/marine-licensing/ https://www.daera-ni.gov.uk/articles/marine-licensing https://www.gov.uk/guidance/appropriate-assessment https://naturalresources.wales/permits-and-permissions/species-licensing/european-protected-species-licensing/information-on-european-protected-species-licensing/?lang=en https://www.gov.scot/publications/marine-european-protected-species-protection-from-injury-and-disturbance/ UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 9 Section 3 - Species Accounts 27. This section provides a general overview of each species covered by the strategy. It takes account of current knowledge of distribution, abundance and trends, and conservation status in UK waters. The nine species occur predictably in UK waters and have similar characteristics and conservation needs. Conservation Status 28. Under the Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic (OSPAR), The Habitats Directive and the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN Red List), the UK is required to report on the conservation status of species, including those listed within this strategy. 29. The conservation status of each species is listed under the corresponding reporting mechanism in Table 2 below. UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 10 Table 2: Conservation status of the named species under the required reporting mechanisms Species (Common name) Habitats Regulations OSPAR IA 2017 IUCN Red List UK assessment 2019 EU Atlantic assessment 2013 EU assessment Global assessment Harbour porpoise Unknown Favourable Uncertain* Least concern Least concern Common dolphin Unknown Favourable Not assessed Least concern Least concern Atlantic white sided dolphin Unknown Favourable Not assessed Least concern Least concern Bottlenose dolphin Unknown Favourable Not assessed Least concern Least concern White beaked dolphin Unknown Favourable Uncertain* Least concern Least concern Risso’s dolphin Unknown Unknown - Data deficient Least concern Killer whale Unknown Favourable Not assessed Least concern Least concern Long finned pilot whale Unknown Favourable Not assessed Least concern Least concern Minke whale Unknown - Uncertain* - Least concern * For most species there are only two comparable estimates of abundance and a robust trend assessment is not possible. The longer time series of estimates for harbour porpoise, white-beaked dolphin and minke whale in the North Sea, and harbour porpoise in the Kattegat / Belt Seas, show no evidence of any change in abundance since 1994. However, for harbour porpoise in the North Sea, a substantial southward shift in distribution occurred between 1994 and 2005, and was maintained in 2016 most likely due to changes in prey availability. 17 17OSPAR IA 2017 - Abundance and Distribution of Cetaceans https://oap.ospar.org/en/ospar-assessments/intermediate-assessment-2017/biodiversity-status/marine-mammals/abundance-distribution-cetaceans/ UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 11 Species Accounts Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) 30. In UK waters harbour porpoises generally prefer water depth less than 200 m. Harbour porpoises feed on a wide variety of small fish such as herring, cod, haddock, gobies and sandeels. The harbour porpoise is a small predator with limited ability to store energy. It is dependent on constant foraging throughout the year without prolonged periods of fasting. UK distribution – Densities tend to be highest in the southern North Sea and off the west coast of Scotland and in several areas in Celtic and Irish Seas. More recent data show that harbour porpoises are now more widely distributed throughout the English Channel than in previous decades. Abundance and Trends – The most recent estimate of the abundance of harbour porpoises is 466,569 (95% Confidence interval = 345,306 - 630,417) in shelf waters extending from the coast of northern Norway south to southern Spain. This estimate excludes waters around Ireland which also contain considerable numbers of this species. Although there are two robust abundance estimates covering the UK EEZ over a period of 11 years, two data points do not enable confidence in population trends therefore the UK population trend is unknown. Estimates of abundance of harbour porpoise in the North Sea suggest that their numbers are stable (OSPAR IA, 201718). Long term population trend – Uncertain. 18OSPAR IA 2017 - Abundance and Distribution of Cetaceans https://oap.ospar.org/en/ospar-assessments/intermediate-assessment-2017/biodiversity-status/marine-mammals/abundance-distribution-cetaceans/ UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 12 Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) 31. Common dolphins are found in shelf and offshore waters where they can form large groups of thousands of individuals. Common dolphins feed on schooling fish (including cod, hake, mackerel, and herring) and are known to dive to 200 m. They are often associated with schools of other whales and dolphins, such as long-finned pilot whales. UK distribution – The UK is at the northern extent of the species’ range in the Northeast Atlantic. Common dolphins are mainly found on the west coast of the UK, particularly off the South West. Abundance and Trends - The most recent estimate of the abundance of common dolphins in northwest European waters is 467,673 (95% Confidence interval = 281,129 - 777,998). This estimate excludes waters around Ireland which also contain considerable numbers of this species. Although there are two robust abundance estimates covering the UK EEZ over a period of 11 years, two data points do not enable confidence in population trends therefore the UK population trend is unknown However, the abundance of this species estimated from the SCANS-III survey in 2016 was considerably higher than the previous survey in 2005. Long term population trend – Unknown. UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 13 Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) 32. Atlantic white-sided dolphins can be found offshore in deep waters between 100 and 500 m, although they have also been seen in both shallower and deeper waters. They feed on a variety of marine fish, squid and crustaceans. The UK is towards the southern end of their distribution. UK distribution – Atlantic white-sided dolphins are distributed primarily in the deep waters to the west and north of Scotland. Seasonal incursions onto the continental shelf occur but their density is much lower than that beyond the shelf edge. Abundance and Trends - The most recent estimate of the abundance of Atlantic white-sided dolphins in northwest European waters is 15,510 (95% Confidence interval = 4,389 - 54,807). There is no information on trends. Long term population trend – unknown UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 14 Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) 33. Bottlenose dolphins are found in coastal and continental shelf waters where they form distinct coastal and offshore populations. They have a diverse diet, including a variety of benthic and pelagic fish (both solitary and schooling species), squid and octopus. Bottlenose dolphins are known to attack other cetacean species including harbour porpoises. UK Distribution – There are two types of bottlenose dolphins; coastal and offshore. There are well-studied coastal populations along the east coast of Scotland and the west coast of Wales. The offshore population is widespread and has limited exchange with coastal populations, although their distributions may overlap. Abundance and Trends - The most recent estimate of the abundance of bottlenose dolphins in northwest European waters is 27,697 (95% Confidence interval= 17,662 43,432). This estimate largely relates to offshore bottlenose dolphins but excludes waters around Ireland which also contain considerable numbers of this species. For the wider Cardigan Bay, Wales, the population of bottlenose dolphins is estimated at 150 to 246 individuals and is considered stable over the long-term. For the east Coast of Scotland the population is estimated at 155 to 216 individuals and is considered to be increasing. There is no information on trends in abundance for the offshore populations. Long term population trend – Inshore populations are overall stable. Unknown for offshore populations. UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 15 White-beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) 34. White-beaked dolphins are seen mainly in waters shallower than 200 m. They feed on small schooling pelagic fish (e.g. mackerel, herring, and sprat), haddock, as well as crustaceans, octopus and squid. White-beaked dolphins occur in the North Atlantic Ocean as far north as the Arctic pack ice and as far south as Portugal. UK distribution – The species is most commonly found on the west coast of Scotland and in the North Sea. They are also relatively common off the Dorset and South Devon coasts. Abundance and Trends - The most recent estimate of the abundance of white beaked dolphins is 36,287 from a survey of northeast European waters (95% Confidence interval= 18,694-61,869). Although there are two robust abundance estimates covering the UK EEZ over a period of 11 years, two data points do not enable confidence in population trends therefore the UK population trend is unknown. In the North Sea, there is some evidence to suggest that there has been no change in abundance over the last two decades. Long term population trend – Uncertain in the North Sea. UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 16 Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) 35. Risso’s dolphins are seen in both shelf waters and deep waters between 400 and 1000 m. They are capable of diving for up to 30 minutes. They mostly travel in groups of 10 to 50 individuals but have been observed in groups of up to 4,000 animals. They are often seen associating with other cetaceans. Risso’s dolphins feed on crustaceans, octopus and squid. There is evidence that the majority of foraging behaviour occurs at night. Risso’s dolphins are widely distributed in both the northern and southern hemisphere. UK distribution – Risso's dolphins are widely distributed on the west and north coasts of the UK and around the Northern Isles. Abundance and Trends – The most recent estimate of the abundance of Risso’s dolphins is 13,584 in northeast European waters (95% Confidence interval= 5,943 31,047). There is no information on trends. Long term population trend – unknown UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 17 Killer whale (Orcinus orca) 36. Worldwide, killer whales are known to live in stable family pods. Different pods have been known to develop different prey preferences and hunting strategies. They hunt co-operatively and many pods have distinct vocal dialects. Killer whales feed on a wide variety of prey species including marine mammals, seabirds, fish, octopus and squid. Killer whales seen around Shetland are known to switch feeding strategies from marine mammals to fish and back depending on the opportunities available. Some pods within this population are associated with the herring fishery, forming large groups during the autumn around the fishing fleet. UK distribution – Killer whales occur around Shetland, Orkney and on the northwest coast of Scotland throughout the year. There are two distinct groups: a small population distributed primarily off the west of Scotland and a larger group of animals associated with the Icelandic population that are regularly seen around the Northern Isles and northern North Sea. Abundance and Trends – In the UK, population estimates come from photo identification studies. The group on the west coast of Scotland comprises eight individuals. There have been no recorded births in the group in the last two decades. Around 70 animals have been identified from the Northern Isles and wider east Scottish waters, but these are likely part of a much larger population of many thousands. Long term population trend – unknown. UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 18 Long-finned pilot whale (Globicephala melas) 37. Long-finned pilot whales are usually found in deep waters (200 to 3,000 m) but will enter more coastal areas on a seasonal basis as they follow their prey inshore. Long-finned pilot whales are a deep-diving species, reaching depths of 600 m. They feed primarily on squid but also take a variety of fish species, particularly mackerel. There are two distinct populations; one found in the colder waters of the North Atlantic, and another in the southern hemisphere. UK Distribution - Long-finned pilot whales are found off the continental shelf edge, mainly to the north of Scotland. Abundance and Trends - The most recent estimate of the abundance of long finned pilot whales in north eastern European waters is 25,777 (95% Confidence interval= 13,350-49,772). There is no information on trends. Long term population trend – unknown UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 19 Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) 38. ‘Northern’ or ‘common’ minke whales are widespread and seasonally abundant in northeast Atlantic waters for feeding during spring and summer. In the northeast Atlantic, and particularly in UK waters, sandeel forms the bulk of their diet, alongside herring, sprat, pout, whiting and mackerel. They are commonly recorded in shelf waters in depths of 200m or less, but are also known to be found in deeper waters beyond the continental shelf. UK Distribution – Minke whales range widely and can be observed throughout UK waters, predominantly during spring and summer, although they are less common around the southern North Sea and English Channel. Abundance and Trends - The most recent estimate of the abundance of minke whales in northwest European waters is 12,340 (95% Confidence interval = 6,912 22,032) which is approximately equal to the 2005-2007 estimate from previous surveys of 12,867 (95% Confidence interval = 5,507-30,062). Although there are two robust abundance estimates covering the UK EEZ over a period of 11 years, two data points do not enable confidence in population trends therefore the UK population trend is unknown. However, for the North Sea abundance is considered to be stable (OSPAR IA, 2017). Long term UK population trend – unknown UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 20 Section 4 – Actions The Technical Report 39. The Technical report provides detail of the vulnerability and confidence assessments that have been undertaken. These provide the basis for determining whether new or improved action is required. 40. The assessments consider how vulnerable the species are to pressures and considers existing management measures in place. From this potential issues for each species can be identified and be taken into account when determining what actions should be taken forward. Required actions 41. This section identifies the actions considered necessary to: • maintain or/and improve the conservation status of dolphins, porpoises and minke whales (management actions) • help improve our understanding of the species, the issues that affect them and awareness raising (research, monitoring and communication actions). 42. The results of the technical report’s existing management analysis identify where further action is necessary. These have been condensed into actions covering all of the species which should enable better delivery of management, research, monitoring and communication. 43. Tables 3 and 4 list these actions, summarises the rationale for inclusion, and on implementation will identify the lead organisation responsible for taking forward the action. The scores referenced in the ‘Rationale’ column of Table 3 are detailed in the technical report. The Action Plan document has been developed to provide a more detailed description of the problem and the proposed steps to resolve it. Each action is displayed in an Action Sheet, which is based on the model used within OSPAR. UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 21 Table 3: Description of required management actions Management Actions Rationale Project coordinator − Consolidate and improve knowledge on sources, pathways and impacts of pollutants, plastics and biotoxins on cetaceans to develop and implement better management. The scores for activities within this action indicated varying levels of research and consideration of new management measures were required for all species. Government and SNCBs − Continue to develop and implement a UK bycatch mitigation initiative. There is a need for more research on bycatch and in some instances, consideration of additional measures for species assigned a medium vulnerability to this pressure. Government − Improve understanding of entanglements and work towards developing strategies to reduce this threat. There is a need for more research on entanglement and in some instances, consideration of additional measures for species assigned a medium vulnerability. Government − Consolidate and improve our understanding of noise impacts on cetaceans to better inform management and conservation. − Develop an operational framework to manage the cumulative impact of acoustic disturbance in the context of environmental assessments. − Understand the pressures of increasing underwater anthropogenic noise and potential impact on cetacean populations. − Future trends in underwater noise: Consolidate and improve Acoustic disturbance may result from numerous activities, from piling, to vessel noise and use of pingers. This action has been developed into three sections. The scores across the species indicate that further research is required, in some instances where there is no evidence of impact, but there is overlap of the species and pressure. Government and SNCBs UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 22 Management Actions Rationale Project coordinator knowledge of increasing sources of underwater noise. − Establish approaches to managing wildlife tourism. Recreational and wildlife tourism has been highlighted for four species (common dolphin, coastal bottlenose dolphin, killer whale and minke whale) as requiring further research and to consider management measures. SNCBs − Improve knowledge of the physical condition of supporting habitats and prey availability to inform management and conservation. Reduction in prey availability requires further research for all nine species and some consideration for management measures for medium vulnerability. SNCBs Table 4: Description of required research, monitoring and communication actions Action Rationale Project coordinator − Develop a framework to prioritise research requirements. Given the research requirements stated above, developing a prioritisation framework will allow the division of work and dedication of resources to undertaken required projects. Additional tailored projects (e.g. to investigate mortality from ship strike) may be required. SNCBs − Develop and implement an effective monitoring programme to provide a more robust Working in parallel to the prioritisation framework, a monitoring programme can Government and SNCBs UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 23 understanding of the conservation status of UK cetaceans. continue to be developed that will support the management actions − Develop and implement communications with stakeholders to support conservation actions. To keep stakeholders up to date, but also to enable data sharing with the working groups to assist in progressing the actions. Government Review 44. This High-Level Strategy and the Technical Report will be reviewed every six years. The Action Plan document is intended to be updated more frequently to demonstrate progress towards delivery and to allow flexibility to account for scientific, technical, or management improvements that occur in the six year period without having to review the whole strategy. 45. The review will be used to assess the effectiveness of the strategy. This will be done by assessing progress against the stated purpose of the strategy. UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 24 References Cheney, B., Graham, I.M., Barton, T.R., Hammond, P.S. and Thompson, P.M. 2018. Site Condition Monitoring of bottlenose dolphins within the Moray Firth Special Area of Conservation: 2014-2016. Glover, Kevin. A., Naohisa, Kanda., Haug, Tore., Pastene, Luis A., Øien, Nils., Goto, Mutsuo., Seliussen, Bjørghild, & Skaug, Hans J. (2010). Migration of Antarctic Minke Whales to the Arctic. PloS one. 5. e15197. 10.1371/journal.pone.0015197. Hammond, P. S., C. Lacey, A. Gilles, et al. 2017. Estimates of cetacean abundance in European Atlantic waters in summer 2016 from the SCANS-III aerial and shipboard surveys. Available at https://synergy.st andrews.ac.uk/scans3/files/2017/04/SCANS-IIIdesign-based-estimates-2017-04-28 final.pdf. Heinänen, S. and Skov, H. 2015. The identification of discrete and persistent areas of relatively high harbour porpoise density in the wider UK marine area, JNCC Report No. 544, JNCC, Peterborough. ICES. 2018. Report of the Working Group on Marine Mammal Ecology (WGMME) 19 – 22 February 2018, La Rochelle, France. ICES CM 2018/ACOM:28. 120pp Patterson IAP, Reid RJ, Wilson B, Grellier K, Ross HM, Thompson PM, 1998. Evidence for infanticide in bottlenose dolphins: an explanation for violent interactions with harbour porpoises? Proc R Soc Lond B 265: 1-4. UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy 25 Glossary A guide to terms and acronyms used across the document Bycatch Incidental non-target species caught in commercial fishing gear. Cetacean Infra-order of marine mammals that includes whales, dolphins and porpoises . Confidence interval A 95% confidence interval has a 0.95 probability of containing the population mean. 95% of the population distribution is contained in the confidence interval. UK CSIP UK Cetacean Stranding Investigation Programme. European Protected Species (EPS) Species listed in Annex IV of the Habitats Directive, which requires protection measures in relation to incidental killing and capture (e.g. fisheries bycatch) and disturbance. Favourable Conservation Status This is the overarching aim of the Habitats Directive. The conservation status of a species is considered favourable when the population is maintaining itself on a long-term basis, the natural range of the species is neither being reduced nor is likely to be reduced for the foreseeable future, and there is, and will probably continue to be, a sufficiently large habitat to maintain the populations on a long-term basis. IUCN International Union for Conservation of Nature. Marine protected area (MPA) Area of sea protected by legislation. OSPAR The Convention for the Protection of the Marine Environment of the North-East Atlantic. PCBs Polychlorinated biphenyls. PME Post mortem Examination. Special Area of Conservation A site designated under the EU Habitats Directive. Often abbreviated to SAC. SMASS Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme. Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies Body appointed by legislation to advise Governments on nature conservation issues. © Crown copyright 2021 This publication is licensed under the terms of the Open Government Licence v3.0 except where otherwise stated. To view this licence, visit nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open government-licence/version/3 or write to the Information Policy Team, The National Archives, Kew, London TW9 4DU, or email: psi@nationalarchives.gsi.gov.uk. Where we have identified any third party copyright information you will need to obtain permission from the copyright holders concerned. This publication is available at www.gov.scot Any enquiries regarding this publication should be sent to us at The Scottish Government St Andrew’s House Edinburgh EH1 3DG ISBN: 978-1-80004-850-8 (web only) Published by The Scottish Government, March 2021 Produced for The Scottish Government by APS Group Scotland, 21 Tennant Street, Edinburgh EH6 5NA PPDAS845626 (03/21) w w w . g o v . s c o t