The seas around Scotland are among the richest in Europe for marine mammals. Scotland holds about 70% of Europe's population of grey seals ( Halichoerus grypus) and about 35% of the EC population of common seals ( Phoca vitulina), emphasising the important role that these mammals have in Scottish waters. In addition, over twenty species of whales, dolphins and porpoises (known collectively as 'cetaceans') can be seen around the Scottish coastline. These include common dolphins, minke whales and killer whales. Scotland is also home to the most northerly pod of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) which are found within the Moray Firth - designated a marine Special Area of Conservation (SAC) in March 2005.
The Scottish Government has responsibility for the conservation, protection and management of seals and cetaceans found within Scottish waters. It works closely with a number of partners to ensure a co-ordinated approach, including Fisheries Research Services, Scottish Natural Heritage, the Sea Mammal Research Unit and the University of Aberdeen.
Within the Scottish Government, the Marine Biodiversity Policy and Sustainable Management Team (part of the Marine Management Division) has specific policy responsibility for seal management and the conservation of cetaceans. The Team also provides the Secretariat for the Scottish Seals Forum and its associated Working Group.