Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises

About this book

Scots and Scotland have a long association with whales that can be traced back to prehistory. Whereas today they provide pleasure and excitement through whale watching trips, in the past many species were hunted to the brink of extinction from which they are slowly recovering. Of the 23 species that have been recorded in Scottish waters in recent years, some such as the harbour porpoise, minke whale, killer whale and bottlenose dolphin are regularly seen whilst others such as the beaked whales and the humpback whale are much rarer visitors.

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Biography

Katie Gillham joined Scottish Natural Heritage in 1998. She has worked on various issues including the development of management schemes for European Marine Sites in Shetland and provision of advice on the conservation of marine mammals around Scotland. She is currently specialising in marine policy, particularly in relation to Marine Protected Areas.

John Baxter joined the Nature Conservancy Council in 1990 as the senior marine biologist in Scotland, just before the organisation was split into separate country agencies. He continued in this role in Scottish Natural Heritage and more recently has taken a lead in developing SNH's response to climate change issues. He is also series editor for the Naturally Scottish booklets.