‘Everywhere you look in Scotland there are marine wonders worthy of our protection’
◆ Hannah Rudd explains why we should all become conservationists when it comes to saving sea life and communities
Scotland is a jewel in Britain’s marine crown. From the Orkney Islands in the north to the Outer Hebrides in the west and the enchanting Isle of Mull, its breathtaking marine landscapes and unique species make Scotland a true gem.
Scottish waters host a plethora of marine species, including majestic seabirds like puffins and gannets that gracefully soar above the waves, and playful seals that can be spotted lounging on remote beaches. Delving into the deep, you can encounter magnificent cetaceans, such as orcas, humpback whales and white-beaked dolphins, gliding through the waters in graceful harmony. For nature lovers there are few places in Britain that get your heart racing like the wilds of Scotland.
Beyond its intrinsic beauty, Scotland’s marine environment holds international importance. Migratory species take to the skies and the seas to journey to its rich waters throughout the year for vital feeding and breeding grounds. Scotland and its isles are an essential pitstop on the avian highway for migratory birds that travel astounding distances from the Arctic to Africa; the world’s secondlargest shark – the basking shark – aggregates around the western isles in the summer months for breeding; and the Atlantic salmon makes its way across the vast Atlantic Ocean to venture home to Scotland’s rivers. Scotland is a European stronghold for the otter too, and the Isle of Mull is one of the best places to catch a glimpse of these adorable aquatic acrobats.
Looking northwards, Handa Island emerges as a sanctuary for seabirds. This uninhabited island off the northwest coast attracts thousands of seabirds
The delicate balance of Scotland's marine ecosystems is at risk
each year, making it one of the most internationally significant seabird colonies in the British Isles. Great skuas, guillemots and razorbills fly high in the skies above Handa Island which are alive with the calls and flights of these captivating seabirds. Handa Island is not the only world-renowned island in Scotland for dramatic seabird colonies, through. Bass Rock, Fair Isle and the Shiant Isles boast populations of norther gannets, shags, Arctic terns, and northern fulmars too.
Deep in the chilly, dark depths of Scotland’s offshore waters, coldwater coral reefs are home to rare and vulnerable species, highlighting the global significance of protecting these vulnerable environments. Approximately 160km off the northwest of Cape Wrath at the end of Rockall Trough, descending over 1,000m in parts, lies one of the most striking examples of these deep-sea marvels. Here you will find the Darwin Mounds, capped with multiple thickets of deep-water corals ranging from one to several metres in diameter. These depths are home to myriad species, including the alien-like xenophyophores – the world’s largest single-celled organism.
Perhaps the most iconic fish is the Atlantic cod, which has never fully recovered from the last anthropogenic onslaught and remains on the brink of collapse.
With one of the longest gestations in the animal kingdom at 22 months, the spurdog – a small shark – is another species with a fascinating life history. Off Scotland’s northwest coast, the critically endangered flapper skate has started to show signs of recovery throughout its range, offering a glimmer of hope for the future of the species. It seems everywhere you look in Scotland there are marine wonders worthy of our attention – and protection.
While Scotland’s coastal waters boast incredible biodiversity and scenic beauty, they are not immune to the challenges threatening marine life worldwide. Unsustainable fishing practices, a toxic cocktail of pollution, deadly invasive species and the growing impact of the energy industry all threaten the delicate fabric of life in our seas.
Climate change is already having a staggering impact on our ocean, with a marine heatwave sweeping across the Northeast Atlantic this summer. Not only will our seas get warmer, but they’ll acidify, they’ll rise, and they’ll lose oxygen too. Species will move if they are able, but many species will be lost as they struggle to adapt. Coastal communities and their unique heritage may be lost too. The delicate balance of Scotland’s marine ecosystems is at risk.
As my new book, Britain’s Living Seas: Our Coastal Wildlife & How We Can Save It, stresses, while these marine treasures are not immune to the threats posed by human activity, all is not lost. Hope shines through, emanating from bold actions like the Isle of Arran No Take Zone, demonstrating that by embracing community-led conservation, we can safeguard the splendour of Scotland’s marine environment for generations to come. In the heart of Lamlash Bay, located off Arran, there is a world-leading example of marine conservation. This picturesque coastal stretch has witnessed a remarkable transformation through the power of rewilding. Sparked by local observations of the damaging impact of dredging and the dramatic decline of fish populations in the area – the Lamlash Sea Angling festivals once attracted hundreds of anglers to the area until it was cancelled in the late Nineties as the catches were down by 96 per cent – Lamlash Bay became the site of the first No Take Zone in Scotland in 2008.
Studies show the move is having positive effects, with a remarkable resurgence of marine species underscoring the potential of such bold conservation actions. In the last ten years, seabed biodiversity has increased by 50 per cent and anecdotal observations from divers, fishermen and anglers indicate the seabed and the biodiversity that call it home are recovering.
The beauty of Scotland’s marine landscapes and the diversity of its species are undeniable. In Britain’s Living Seas I invite readers to embark on a journey of discovery, learning about the intricate web of life beneath the waves and understanding the vital services these marine ecosystems provide for us all. However, knowledge alone is not enough; action is the key to preserving our marine legacy. By championing bold initiatives like the Isle of Arran No Take Zone, supporting a just transition to less environmentally damaging fishing practices, and rethinking our relationship with the natural world, we can promote resilience in our marine ecosystems. Sustainable fisheries, for example, are not only integral for human economic interests now and in the future, but also for the health of the wider marine environment.
We are at a crossroads in our relationship with the sea. Our actions today will determine the legacy we leave for future generations. As global citizens, it is our collective responsibility to protect and preserve Scotland’s seas. My book provides guidance on how we can become marine conservationists in our everyday lives, working together to protect the unparalleled beauty and ecological importance of Scotland’s marine environment.
The journey ahead is a challenging one, but as we commit to putting people and the planet at the heart of our decisions, we can create a future where Scotland’s marine marvels continue to thrive, weaving a tapestry of beauty and hope that extends far beyond our shores.
We can, and must, collectively shift the tide towards a healthier future for our ocean – and the wildlife and communities that depend on its riches.
Britain’s Living Seas: Our Coastal Wildlife & How We Can Save It by Hannah Rudd is out now (Bloomsbury), £16.99