Scotland’s historically rich waters could be some of the most biodiverse and productive in the world.  Sadly, historical industrial whaling, decades of overfishing, and a failure to protect ocean life have left Scotland’s waters a shadow of what they should be.

HWDT has worked with communities in the Hebrides for 30 years to collate sightings and photographs of whales and dolphins, supporting long term efforts to establish effective marine protection.  This project will fully scope the development of an innovative photo-ID data management infrastructure, using the latest automated technology, to ensure community-led photo-ID research is effectively mobilised to protect whales and dolphins during a period of rapid change and human development in Scottish seas.