Scotland’s seas are of international importance to marine life and in need of protection. The pressures faced by whales and dolphins globally are huge and the threat of extinction for some species is real. Scotland’s seas are changing rapidly amid the global biodiversity and climate crises. Whale Track’s role in building a long-term picture of whale movements in Scotland and providing evidence on their distribution, health and threats, to inform conservation action, has never been more critical.

Whale Track is a growing sightings community, consisting of tour operators, fishers, wildlife groups and individuals. Accessible to all, and underpinned by a free app, Whale Track volunteers play a crucial role in HWDT’s marine mammal research. This incredible public effort is gaining momentum each year, contributing to scientific discoveries and generating the knowledge and evidence needed to protect whales and dolphins, restore our marine environment, and tackle the impacts of climate change.