Marine Protected Areas and Cetaceans
Position paper
Summary
1.
Three species of cetaceans are listed as MPA search features in Scottish territorial
waters: Risso’s dolphin, white-beaked dolphin and minke whale.
2.
The Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines describe how MPAs might be used for mobile
species. Of most relevance to cetaceans are:
 Significant aggregations or communities of important marine species in Scottish
waters;
 Essential areas for key life cycle stages of important mobile species that persist in
time, including habitats known to be important for reproduction and nursery
stages; and
 Areas contributing to the maintenance of ecosystem functioning in Scottish waters.
3.
Different types of areas (e.g. habitats of preferred prey species or locations where
adults are regularly observed with calves) are considered that help to define more
precisely the types of areas that it might be appropriate to safeguard through MPAs for
each of the three cetacean species. MPA search locations have been identified using
effort-corrected data and behavioural/other contextual data where available. The
starting point for identification of all MPA search locations, is the consistent presence
(albeit often seasonal) of individuals.
4.
Six MPA search locations were identified for cetaceans and three are recommended
for further assessment against the Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines. This includes
one for both minke and white-beaked dolphins, one for Risso’s dolphins and one for
minke whale (which also includes basking shark).
5.
The Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
and the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit have submitted third-party proposals for
cetaceans. Within Scottish territorial waters the majority of third-party proposals
overlap with MPA search locations recommended for further assessment.
6.
Figure 1 overleaf shows the MPA search locations recommended for further
assessment and third-party proposals relating to cetaceans within Scottish territorial
waters.
7.
As a result of lack of data, there has been no identification of additional search
locations where cetaceans might add value to multi-feature sites.
8.
The development of approaches to management is briefly discussed and focuses at
this stage on a generic assessment of sensitivity of the three cetacean species to
various pressures (e.g. underwater noise).
9.
There are a number of issues relating to the selection of MPAs for cetaceans as part of
the Scottish MPA Project. Most of these relate to the available evidence. In SNH’s
view there are sufficient data to support the identification of MPA search locations.
However, it is not currently clear whether there are sufficient data to underpin a more
detailed application of the Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines and therefore to support
development of proposals for MPAs for cetaceans with regards to identifying critical
habitats. This decision will be made based on a review of available data and habitat
modelling work when this is complete in approximately 6 months.
1
Figure 1
Overview of MPA search locations recommended for further assessment and
third party proposals for cetaceans in Scottish territorial waters
10.
With regard to those locations in Figure 1 being taken forward for further assessment
(green shading), the northerly location (Eye Peninsula to Butt of Lewis) relates to
Risso’s Dolphin, the westerly location (Skye to Mull) to minke whale, and the easterly
location (Southern Trench and Smiler’s Holes) to both white-beaked dolphin and minke
whale.
11.
MPA search locations for minke whale have been identified in OSPAR Regions II and
III and this would be considered to serve as sufficient replication within the network,
capturing aspects of geographic range across Scottish territorial waters. It may not be
practicable to fully meet the concepts of replication for the other cetacean species
within the MPA network. There are insufficient data available to identify additional
search locations for Risso’s dolphin outwith OSPAR Region III, and no search locations
have been identified for white-beaked dolphin in OSPAR Region III because of some
evidence suggesting a contracting range linked to climate change.
2
Purpose of document
12.
This is an interim position paper to consider the identification of MPA search locations
for cetaceans to support discussions at the 4th national MPA stakeholder workshop in
March 2012 on the search locations and evidence issues. It summarises work by SNH
to develop an approach to represent three cetaceans in the MPA network.
Background
13.
Three species of cetaceans are included on the MPA search feature list for Scottish
territorial waters: Risso’s dolphin Grampus griesus, white-beaked dolphin
Lagenorhynchus albirostris and minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata. A review of
the coverage of existing protected areas (e.g. Special Areas of Conservation)
concluded that none had the potential to contribute to the conservation of these
species (Carruthers et al., 2011). This was largely because of the coastal distribution
and relatively small scale of existing protected areas.
14.
At the 3rd national MPA stakeholder workshop in October 2011 a set of initial MPA
search locations were identified. This included two search locations for minke whale
(none were identified for either white-beaked dolphin or Risso’s dolphin). The two
search locations were the Small Isles and Coll and Tiree (see Figure 2) which, in
addition to minke whale, had also been identified for basking shark and seabed
habitats and species.
15.
During the workshop these search locations were discussed by all attendees. Most
attendees that expressed a view felt that the mobile species associated with these
search locations (i.e. minke whale and basking shark) required slightly different
considerations to the benthic features. Others also felt that any further work on these
two search locations for mobile species should be undertaken within the context of a
broader review of those species. Another key point made was that the focus should be
on identifying MPA search locations for mobile species via effort-corrected data (as
opposed to sightings data), and this effort-corrected approach has been adopted in this
paper.
16.
Following workshop 3, the boundary of the Small Isles search location for benthic
features was amended to better reflect new data on seabed geodiversity features. To
take account of the mobile species comments, a broader search location was identified
for both basking sharks and minke whales. This was named the Skye to Mull search
location and is based on available effort-corrected data.
3
Figure 2
Initial MPA search locations identified for minke whale showing revised Skye to
Mull search location following discussion at workshop 3
4
Distribution in Scottish waters
17.
Figures 3, 4 and 5 show the distribution of Risso’s dolphin, white-beaked dolphin and
minke whale based on data from the Joint Cetacean Database (Reid et al., 2003). The
information in the following paragraphs focuses on what is known about the distribution
across Scotland’s seas within the context of the North-East Atlantic. The information is
summarised from Weir (in press and references therein) unless otherwise stated.
Additional information on these species is provided in ecological guidance produced to
support application of the Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines in territorial waters
(Lancaster et al., in press).
Risso’s dolphin
18.
Scottish waters are a stronghold for Risso’s dolphin in a UK context. They are most
common to the west of Scotland from the west coast to the edge of the continental
shelf but are also recorded from the outer Moray Firth, the Aberdeenshire coast and
the Shetland Islands. In the North-East Atlantic the Shetland Islands are considered to
be the northerly limit of their distribution.
Figure 3
19.
Distribution of Risso’s dolphins in north-west Europe (Reid et al., 2003)
Whilst this species is generally considered to be a shelf-edge and deep-water species,
around the UK it appears to be most abundant in shelf waters. Risso’s dolphins
around the UK are genetically distinct from those in the Mediterranean (Gaspari et al.,
2007).
5
20.
In terms of seasonal distribution, Risso’s dolphins are present throughout the year with
peaks in relative abundance/sightings between June and September. In early summer,
they are more likely to be found in deeper waters further from the coast, whilst later on
they are more likely to be found in coastal waters. There are no population estimates
for the North-East Atlantic, UK or Scotland.
White-beaked dolphin
21.
White-beaked dolphins are distributed widely throughout Scottish shelf waters.
Scottish waters are considered the main stronghold for white-beaked dolphins in both
the UK and Europe. There are two main areas where white-beaked dolphin
abundance is relatively higher: in the western North Sea, particularly off the
Aberdeenshire coast and off the west coast in the Minch, and to the north and west of
Lewis. The density of animals in SCANS I block C (east coast of Scotland and
England) in 1994 was far higher (0.0538 animals km-2) than any other area surveyed
(Hammond et al., 2002). During the 2005 SCANS II survey, the density of whitebeaked dolphins recorded in Block N (west coast including The Minch) was far higher
(0.105 animals km-2; Phil Hammond, pers. comm. from Weir, in press) than any other
survey block, even though sightings occurred only in the northern Minch (a small part
of the block).
Figure 4
Distribution of white-beaked dolphins in north-west Europe (Reid et al., 2003)
6
22.
Seasonal distribution seems to vary between the west and east coast with the former
being used year round and the latter predominantly being used between June and
October. There is some evidence of a contracting range, with possibly a more
northerly distribution on the west coast linked to climate change, specifically to
changes in water temperature. Population estimates from SCANS II in 2005 are
~22,700 white-beaked dolphins in the North Sea and European Atlantic continental
shelf waters.
Minke whale
23.
Minke whales are widely distributed throughout Scottish shelf waters. There are two
broad swathes of relatively high abundance which occur down the east coast from the
outer Moray Firth south to England and off the west coast of Scotland in The Minch,
The Little Minch and the Sea of the Hebrides. The relative abundance of minke whales
within these two broad areas appears to be higher than elsewhere in the UK or Northwest Europe.
Figure 5
24.
Distribution of common minke whales in north-west Europe (Reid et al., 2003)
Minke whales are largely seen between May and September. The presence of minke
whales in Scottish shelf waters during the summer months is representative of their
occurrence on high-latitude feeding grounds and represents a critical stage in their lifecycle since animals have to build up sufficient energy reserves (stored as blubber)
during the feeding season to enable them to migrate to winter breeding grounds. The
1994 SCANS survey estimated a total of ~8,500 minke whales in the North Sea, Celtic
Sea and Skagerrak but this area did not include most of the west coast of Scotland.
The 2005 SCANS survey estimated a total of ~18,600 minke whales in the North Sea
and European Atlantic continental shelf waters.
7
The three-pillar approach to marine nature conservation
25.
In 2011 Marine Scotland published its marine nature conservation strategy (Marine
Scotland, 2011). This document sets out a three pillar approach to marine nature
conservation comprising: protected species, protected sites and wider seas policies
and measures.
26.
The main mechanism providing protection to cetaceans comes from the Habitats
Directive and their listing as European Protected Species (EPS). The ultimate
objective of the Habitats Directive is to maintain favourable conservation status and
ensure long term survival is deemed secure across the entire natural range of EPS
within Europe. In Scotland, this is implemented through the Conservation (Natural
Habitats, &c.) Regulations 1994 (as amended) out to 12 nm and by the Offshore
Marine Regulations 2007 (as amended) and associated legislation outwith 12 nm. All
species of cetaceans are listed as EPS under Annex IV of the EC Habitats Directive.
In Scottish inshore waters it is an offence to deliberately or recklessly:
a. Capture, injure or kill any wild animal of a European protected species.
b. Deliberately or recklessly i.
Harass such an animal or group of animals.
ii.
Disturb such an animal while it is occupying a structure or place used for shelter
or protection.
iii.
Disturb such an animal while it is rearing or otherwise caring for its young.
iv.
Obstruct access to a breeding site or resting place, or otherwise deny the
animal use of the breeding site or resting place.
v.
Disturb such an animal in a manner that is, or in circumstances which are, likely
to significantly affect the local distribution or abundance of the species to which
it belongs.
vi.
Disturb such an animal in a manner that is, or in circumstances which are, likely
to impair its ability to survive, breed or reproduce, or rear or otherwise care for
its young.
vii.
Disturb such an animal while it is migrating or hibernating
c. Take or destroy the eggs of such an animal.
d. Damage or destroy a breeding site or resting place of such an animal.
27.
In addition to the protection afforded to all EPS, it is an offence to deliberately or
recklessly disturb any dolphin, porpoise or whale.
28.
Bullets bii, biv and c are largely focussed around the requirements of terrestrial species
and are not applied to cetaceans (which is why they have been greyed out). In terms
of wider seas policies and measures, there is potential for marine planning to recognise
the sensitivities of particular habitats and species and identify important locations.
29.
Under the protected sites pillar, Nature Conservation MPAs could be used to
complement existing species protection for cetaceans by protection of habitat. Further
consideration is required of cetacean habitat requirements. This will help determine
the role that MPAs might play in the conservation of cetaceans within Scottish territorial
waters and the value of using them in this way.
Role of MPAs for cetaceans
30.
This section summarises recent work by SNH and considers the types of habitats that
it may be appropriate to safeguard through MPAs for cetaceans. The following section
considers whether there is evidence that these types of areas exist in Scottish territorial
waters.
8
31.
The Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines highlight that MPAs are appropriate for
contributing to the conservation of biodiversity. Of particular relevance to cetaceans
are:
 Significant aggregations or communities of important marine species in Scottish
waters;
 Essential areas for key life- cycle stages of important mobile species that persist in
time, including habitats known to be important for reproduction and nursery
stages; and,
 Areas contributing to the maintenance of ecosystem functioning in Scottish waters.
32.
Thompson (in prep.1) highlights a number of different types of areas that could be
important to safeguard for mobile species, including cetaceans:
(i)
places used regularly for feeding, breeding, calving/spawning and/or
raising young and socialising;
(ii)
locations where associated and supporting activities (e.g. courtship, resting,
playing, communication) take place;
(additional) locations with (regular) seasonal concentrations;
movement corridors, including migration routes and resting areas, connecting
important areas (such as the above);
static areas/(benthic) habitats of critical importance to (preferred) prey (e.g.
sandeels require specific sand/gravel bed habitats and bottom current
speeds);
areas where important ecosystem processes occur that support high
(primary) productivity of (pelagic) prey species (e.g. thermal fronts);
areas where there are topographic structures that enhance productivity and/or
foraging opportunities (e.g. sub-surface hotspots of primary productivity
generated by internal wave mixing over bumpy topography such as banks or
troughs (Scott et al., 2008); tidal races generated by surrounding topography.
(iii)
(iv)
(v)
(vi)
(vii)
33.
Bullet (i) reflects the wording in the MPA Selection Guidelines fairly well and is
considered to be the starting point for considering the safeguard of cetaceans through
MPAs. Bullet (ii) has been removed from consideration because of a lack of
information on these types of activities for cetaceans within Scottish territorial waters.
Bullets (iii)-(vii) may be relevant to some species in some locations, but not all.
Evidence to support consideration of different types of areas
34.
This section considers whether there is evidence that the types of areas that it may be
appropriate to safeguard for cetaceans exist in Scottish territorial waters. It then goes
on to recommend a subset to be used to provide a focus for the identification of MPA
search locations.
35.
Tables 1, 2 and 3 consider different aspects of the types of areas listed in the section
above and recommend which should be considered further in terms of supporting
identification of MPA search locations for cetaceans in Scottish territorial waters. This
has been done to help define the broader terms in the Scottish MPA Selection
Guidelines (see bullet list under para. 29) for each of the cetacean MPA search
features. The evidence in the following tables is not exhaustive but is included to
provide examples from Scottish territorial waters.
1
This work is being carried out by SNH to clarify the evidence requirements for mobile species in
territorial waters in relation to development of the Scottish MPA network
9
36.
Greyed out rows indicate types of areas not recommended for further consideration.
Table 1
Types of areas considered for safeguarding Risso’s dolphin
Type of areas
Risso’s dolphin
Recommendation
Places used regularly
for feeding, breeding,
calving/spawning
and/or raising young
and socialising.
Adults with calves regularly
observed in specific locations.
Evidence: Photo-ID east of Lewis
(Gill & Atkinson, 1996), sightings
Bluemull Sound (SBRC unpublished
data).
Off the west coast, seen mainly
between May and September.
More frequently observed over the
continental shelf edge between
October and May.
Evidence: JNCC Cetacean Atlas
(Reid et al., 2003).
Consider locations where
adults are regularly seen
with calves.
Locations with (regular)
seasonal
concentrations.
Movement corridors,
including migration
routes and resting
areas, connecting
important areas.
Areas containing
habitats of critical
importance to prey.
Areas where important
ecosystem processes
occur that support high
productivity of prey
species (e.g. thermal
fronts).
Areas where there are
topographic
structures that
enhance productivity
and/or foraging
opportunities.
Animals observed moving through
topographically restricted areas
(e.g. sounds).
Evidence: sightings Bluemull
Sound (SBRC unpublished data).
Cephalopods are the main prey
species for Risso’s dolphin.
Evidence: JNCC Cetacean Atlas
(Reid et al., 2003)
Areas where Atlantic and coastal
waters meet leading to formation of
shelf fronts and concentration of
pelagic prey.
Evidence: Question about
predictability / persistence of these,
for example when compared to
surface thermal fronts.
Associated with slope habitats.
Evidence: Association with location
off Tiumpan Head with waters
between 50-100m (Gill & Atkinson
1996) ) as well as associations with
shelf-edge.
10
Helps us in understanding
data on this species.
Consistent presence
(whether or not it is
seasonal) should be the
minimum requirement for
identification of MPA search
locations.
Evidence very limited and
so not recommended for
consideration.
Not generally considered
relevant to MPAs because
prey species are highly
mobile and
presence/abundance shows
significant spatial and
temporal variation (but see
areas where there are
topographic structures
below).
Not recommended for
further consideration
because of variability in
formation of front location.
Consider areas of slope
habitat that support high
productivity/availability of
prey species.
Table 2
Types of areas considered for safeguarding white-beaked dolphin
Type of area
White-beaked dolphin
Recommendation
Places used regularly for
feeding, breeding,
calving/spawning
and/or raising young
and socialising.
Adults with calves regular
observed in specific locations.
Evidence: Photo-ID
Aberdeenshire coast (Canning,
2008).
White-beaked dolphins generally
move into inshore waters
between June and October.
Evidence: JNCC Cetacean Atlas
(Reid et al., 2003).
Consider locations where
adults are regular seen with
calves.
Locations with (regular)
seasonal
concentrations.
Movement corridors,
including migration routes
and resting areas,
connecting important
areas.
Areas containing
habitats of critical
importance to prey
Areas where important
ecosystem processes
occur that support high
productivity of prey
species (e.g. thermal
fronts).
Not known.
Helps us in understanding
data on this species.
Consistent presence
(whether or not is seasonal)
should be the minimum
requirement for identification
of MPA search locations.
n/a
Not known
n/a
Distribution linked to surface
thermal fronts.
Evidence: Outer Moray Firth and
Aberdeenshire coast (Canning
2008, CRRU).
Areas where there are
topographic structures
that enhance productivity
and/or foraging
opportunities.
Associated with shelf deeps and
shelf banks and mounds.
Evidence: Association with shelf
deeps (Canning 2008, NE report)
and shelf banks and mounds
(Joint Cetacean Database).
Consider locations where
surface thermal fronts are
predictable and persistent.
Also linked to areas with
topographic structures (see
areas where there are
topographic structures below)
and should be considered as
part of that type of habitat.
Consider areas with shelf
banks and mounds and shelf
deeps that support high
productivity/availability of
prey species.
11
Table 3
Types of areas considered for safeguarding minke whale
Type of area
Minke whale
Places used regularly for
feeding, breeding,
calving/spawning and/or
raising young and
socialising.
Places used for feeding have
been identified (see below habitats of critical importance
to prey).
Locations with (regular)
seasonal concentrations.
Movement corridors,
including migration routes
and resting areas,
connecting important areas.
Areas containing habitats of
critical importance to prey.
Areas where important
ecosystem processes
occur that support high
productivity of prey species
(e.g. thermal fronts).
Areas where there are
topographic structures that
enhance productivity and/or
foraging opportunities.
Recommendation
Consider areas used for
feeding as part of habitats of
critical importance to prey
and topographic structures
(see below). Insufficient
information to consider
breeding, calving etc.
Sighted year-round but
Helps us in understanding
between July and September data on this species.
can form feeding
Consistent presence
aggregations in inshore
(whether or not is seasonal)
waters.
should be the minimum
Evidence: (Reid et al., 2003). requirement for identification
of MPA search locations.
Not known.
n/a
Links with habitat of preferred
prey species e.g. sandeel.
Evidence: habitat modelling
off Mull (McLeod et al.,
2004), habitat modelling
southern coast of outer
Moray Firth (Tetley, 2010).
Links with upwelling
associated with availability of
prey species.
Evidence: habitat modelling
off Ardnamurchan
(Anderwald et al., in press)
and southern coast of outer
Moray Firth (Tetley, 2010).
Associated with shelf deeps
and shelf banks and mounds.
Evidence: Association with
Southern Trench (shelf deep,
Tetley, 2004).
12
Consider habitats of
preferred prey species,
particularly sandeels.
Known examples in Scottish
territorial waters are linked to
areas with topographic
structures (see topographic
structures below) and should
be considered as part of that
type of area.
Consider areas with shelf
banks and mounds and shelf
deeps that support high
productivity/availability of
prey species.
37.
Types of areas considered relevant to Risso’s dolphins, white-beaked dolphins and
minke whales are summarised in Box 1. Underpinning all of these is the regular
presence (albeit likely to vary seasonally) of animals - predictability/consistency in
terms of annual recurrence is a must. The recommended types of areas have been
used to provide the basis for the identification of MPA search locations for cetaceans.
Box 1
Types of areas recommended for further consideration for cetacean MPA search
features
NB These areas define the broader categories in the Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines
for each cetacean MPA search feature
In addition to the consistent presence (albeit often seasonal) of individuals,
the following are proposed for use in identifying areas that it may be
appropriate to safeguard through MPAs for cetaceans:
Risso’s dolphin
 Locations where adults are regularly observed with calves.
 Locations with slope habitat that support high productivity/availability of prey
species.
White-beaked dolphin
 Locations where adults are regularly observed with calves.
 Locations with topographic structures (shelf banks & mounds and shelf
deeps) which support high productivity/availability of prey species.
 Locations where surface thermal fronts are predictable and persistent.
Minke whale
 Habitats of preferred prey species (sandeels).
 Locations with topographic structures (shelf banks & mounds and shelf
deeps) which support high productivity/availability of prey species.
Application of the Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines
38.
This section describes the approach used for applying the Scottish MPA Selection
Guidelines to identify MPA search locations for cetaceans. Specifically it sets out the
process, describes the Broad Search Areas (BSAs) and the types of evidence used.
Process
39.
The Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines set out the technical process for identifying
MPA search locations which includes:
A. Develop list of MPA search features.
B. Identify significant gaps in the conservation of MPA search features through
reviewing the potential contribution made by Natura and other spatial
management measures to the MPA network.
C. Define Broad Search Areas for MPAs to address gaps identified in B.
D. Apply the MPA Selection Guidelines.
40.
The Background section above covers work done to address A and B. An SNH
commissioned research report (Weir, 2012) used a combination of existing data and
expert judgement to identify BSAs for cetaceans to address C. Whilst the purpose of
the work was originally to focus survey work, these areas are nevertheless useful for
defining locations to which the Stage 1 guidelines can be applied.
13
Broad Search Areas
41.
Figure 6 and Table 4 show the Broad Search Areas to which the Stage 1 guidelines
were applied.
Figure 6
Broad Search Areas for cetaceans (from Weir, in press)
NB These were the areas within which MPA search locations were identified. They
are not MPA search locations themselves.
Table 4
Summary of Broad Search Areas for minke whale, Risso’s dolphin and whitebeaked dolphin (adapted from Weir, 2012)
BSA
Area
Species
1
2
Sea of the Hebrides
The Little Minch and The Minch
3
North-west coast of Lewis
4
East Scotland
Minke whale
Minke whale
Risso’s dolphin
White-beaked dolphin
Minke whale
Risso’s dolphin
White-beaked dolphin
White-beaked dolphin
Minke whale
14
Supporting evidence
42.
Thompson (in prep.) discusses the levels of evidence required to support application of
the MPA Selection Guidelines for mobile species. This is summarised in Box 2. A
distinction is made between the evidence required to support application of the stage 1
guidelines where cetaceans are underpinning identification of the MPA search
locations and those situations in which the MPA search location is identified on the
basis of other features and therefore where cetaceans may be considered as adding
value.
Box 2
Recommended evidence to support application of the MPA Selection Guidelines
To support application of the stage 1 guidelines to Broad Search Areas:

Required evidence: consistent (possibly seasonal) presence of feature within
defined geographic area.

Desirable evidence: broader (regional) distribution of search feature to enable
identification of concentrations; and generic understanding of (functional) links
to underlying habitat or environmental features.
To support consideration of added value (analogous to stage 5) to MPA search
locations identified for other features:

Required evidence: consistent (possibly seasonal) presence of feature within
defined geographic area.

Desirable evidence: relative or absolute abundance within site; usage of site
and importance to population maintenance; knowledge of (functional) links to
features driving site selection.
43.
At the 3rd MPA workshop, stakeholders recommended the use of effort-corrected as
opposed to sightings data. Effort-corrected data are therefore being used to underpin
the identification of MPA search locations for cetaceans i.e. where cetaceans are
drivers. At this point in the process the focus has been on the required evidence to
identify search locations for the species. No further consideration has been given to
MPA search locations where cetaceans could add to a multiple feature approach. This
is because of a lack of evidence on which to base assessments.
44.
See discussion at the end of the paper on Issues and opportunities on the data
required to support further application of the MPA Selection Guidelines (i.e. beyond the
initial identification of MPA search locations).
MPA search locations
45.
This section describes the MPA search locations which relate to cetaceans.
46.
The identification of MPA search locations was undertaken through applying the
stage 1 guidelines to the Broad Search Areas discussed above. Search locations for
cetaceans were only identified in places where effort-related data were available.
These data were then complemented by data relating to types of areas that it may be
appropriate to safeguard for cetaceans (e.g. for minke whales considering the
presence of sandeel habitat).
15
47.
The assessment of whether cetaceans could contribute to MPA search locations
identified for other features relates to application of the stage 5 guideline. As a result
of a lack of data, the consideration of where cetaceans could add value has not
resulted in the identification of any additional search locations for cetaceans.
48.
MPA search locations are described for each of the three species separately,
accepting that there is overlap for some locations/species. The MPA search locations
include those proposed and/or refined through the 3rd stakeholder workshop in October
2011. Options are considered and recommendations made as to which MPA search
locations should be subject to more detailed assessment against the MPA Selection
Guidelines. Third-party proposals which overlap with these MPA search locations are
highlighted. For further discussion of these and other third-party proposals for
cetaceans refer to the Third-party proposals section below..
Risso’s dolphin
49.
Table 5 and Figure 7 show the MPA search locations for Risso’s dolphin. East Shiant
Bank to Tolsta Head is recommended for further assessment. There is one third-party
proposal for Risso’s dolphin (and white-beaked dolphin) and this overlaps with the East
Shiant Bank to Tolsta Head MPA search location.
Table 5
Recommended options for MPA search locations for Risso’s dolphin
MPA search
location
Type of area
Eye Peninsula
to Butt of
Lewis
Location where adults are
regularly observed with calves.
Possibly also location with
slope habitat that support high
productivity/availability of prey
species.
Location with consistent
presence.
Third-party
proposal
overlap?
Yes
WDCS / HWDT
Northern Minch
Recommendation on
MPA search features
Data available on use of
the location and regular
sightings of calves (e.g.
Gill, A. and Atkinson, T.
(1996)). Results of new
photo ID work in 2010 and
2011 will be available later
in 2012. Should be
assessed further.
16
Figure 7
Risso’s dolphin options for MPA search locations including third-party proposals
17
White-beaked dolphin
50.
Table 6 and Figure 8 show the MPA search locations for white-beaked dolphin. The
Southern Trench to Smilers Holes is recommended for further assessment. It is likely
that this assessment will take a slightly wider view (i.e. incorporating the Aberdeenshire
coast which overlaps with one of the WDCS / HWDT third-party proposals). Three
third-party proposals have been made by WDCS / HWDT for white-beaked dolphin.
There is also partial overlap with the East Shiant Bank to Tolsta Head MPA search
location, identified for both Risso’s and white-beaked dolphin. The WDCS / HWDT
Outer Hebrides proposal overlaps with the North-west of Lewis MPA search location.
51.
There is ongoing debate about the distribution of white-beaked dolphin on the west
coast and the links to climate change and, particularly, to sea surface temperature.
This means that no search locations have been recommended for further consideration
for white-beaked dolphin on the west coast. It is likely at some point in future that
white-beaked dolphin distribution may also be similarly affected on the east coast.
Consistent with the overall approach of identifying MPA search locations with multiple
features, there has been a focus on prioritising search locations for white-beaked
dolphins for further assessment where the locations overlap with those identified for
other features.
Table 6
Recommended options for MPA search locations for white-beaked dolphin
NB Greyed out rows are MPA search locations not recommended for further assessment
MPA search
location
Type of area
Southern
Trench and
Smiler’s Holes
Location with consistent
presence.
Third-party proposal
overlap?
Recommendation on
MPA search features
Yes
Location where adults are
regularly observed with calves.
Location with topographic
structures (shelf banks &
mounds and shelf deeps) which
support high
productivity/availability of prey
species.
This search location is
similar to the
WDCS / HWDT/CRRU
Aberdeenshire coast
Southern Moray Firth
but has been identified
The 3rd party proposal is for for multiple features
minke whale not whiteincluding geological
beaked dolphin
and large-scale
features. Should be
assessed further.
Location where surface thermal
fronts are predictable and
persistent.
North Minch
North-west of
Lewis
Yes
Location with consistent
presence (although see
comments on climate change).
WDCS / HWDT Northern
Minch
Possible location with consistent
presence (although see
comments on climate change).
18
Yes
WDCS / HWDT Outer
Hebrides
No further assessment
because of concerns
over range changes
possibly linked to
climate change.
No further assessment
because of lack of
data and concerns
over range changes
possibly linked to
climate change.
MPA search
location
Type of area
Aberdeenshire
coast
Location with consistent
presence.
Location where adults are
regularly observed with calves.
Location with topographic
structures (shelf banks &
mounds and shelf deeps) which
support high
productivity/availability of prey
species.
Location where surface thermal
fronts are predictable and
persistent.
19
Third-party proposal
overlap?
Recommendation on
MPA search features
Yes
This search location is
very close to the
Southern Trench and
Smiler’s Holes search
location. The latter is
the preferred option
because it contains
multiple features (see
above).
WDCS / HWDT
Aberdeenshire
Figure 8
White-beaked dolphin options for MPA search locations including third-party proposals
20
Minke whale
52.
Table 7 and Figure 9 show the MPA search locations for minke whale. Both options
are recommended for further assessment. It is likely that the assessment for the
Southern Trench and Smiler’s Holes will take a slightly wider view i.e. incorporating the
Aberdeenshire coast MPA search location for white-beaked dolphin (which overlaps
with the WDCS / HWDT Aberdeenshire third-party proposal for white-beaked dolphin
and minke whale). One other third-party proposal have been made by WDCS / HWDT
for minke whale. This overlaps with the recommended Skye to Mull minke whale MPA
search location.
Table 7
Recommended options for MPA search locations for minke whale
MPA search
location
Type of area
Skye to Mull
Habitats of preferred prey
species (sandeels).
Locations with topographic
structures (shelf banks &
mounds and shelf deeps)
which support high
productivity/availability of
prey species.
Southern
Trench and
Smiler’s Holes
Habitats of preferred prey
species (sandeels).
Locations with topographic
structures (shelf banks &
mounds and shelf deeps)
which support high
productivity/availability of
prey species.
Third-party
proposal
overlap?
Yes
Recommendation on MPA
search features
Data available on foraging
WDCS / HWDT activity and links to habitat of
Southern Hebrides prey species e.g. Macleod et al.
2004 and Anderwald et al. in
press. Should be assessed
further.
Yes
WDCS / HWDT/
CRRU Southern
Moray Firth
Data available on foraging
activity and links to habitat of
prey species e.g. Tetley et al.
2008 and Robinson et al. 2009.
Should be assessed further.
Other places
53.
A small number of other places were also considered because of known presence of
cetaceans but have not been identified as MPA search locations because of a lack of
relevant data. These include the Fair Isle-Shetland Channel, the Rhinns of Galloway to
Beauforts Dyke and the area to the west of South Uist and Barra.
21
Figure 9
Minke whale options for MPA search locations including third-party proposals
22
Third-party proposals
54.
Third-party proposals for Nature Conservation MPAs for or including cetaceans have
been submitted by a grouping of environmental NGOs and also by the Small Isles
Community Council. These proposals are discussed briefly below.
Environmental NGO proposals
55.
Figure 10 shows the third-party proposals for cetacean MPA search features submitted
by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society, Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
and the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit. Table 8 summarises the details of the
five proposals giving details of the relevant species, organisations and
recommendations. In addition to the main species highlighted in their proposals,
cetacean assemblages are also included. Note that harbour porpoise and bottlenose
dolphin are not being considered as part of the MPA Project because they are species
for which Special Areas of Conservation may be designated.
Table 8
Summary of third-party proposals for cetaceans submitted by environmental
NGOs
Name of
proposal
Proposing
organisation
Main
species
Cetacean
assemblage
Overlap with
MPA search
location?
Recommendation
on MPA Search
Features
Southern
Hebrides
WDCS /
HWDT
Minke whale
Risso’s dolphin,
bottlenose dolphin,
harbour porpoise,
common dolphin &
killer whale
Skye to Mull
Should be assessed
further as part of Skye
to Mull search
location.
Northern
Minch
WDCS /
HWDT
Risso’s
Minke whale,
Eye Peninsula
dolphin &
bottlenose dolphin, to Butt of Lewis
white- beaked harbour porpoise,
Risso’s dolphin
dolphin
common dolphin &
killer whale
Should be assessed
further as part of the
Eye Peninsula to Butt
of Lewis search
location.
Outer
Hebrides
WDCS /
HWDT
Risso’s
Risso’s dolphin,
North-west
dolphin &
bottlenose dolphin,
Lewis
white- beaked harbour porpoise,
Risso’s dolphin
dolphin
common dolphin,
Atlantic white-sided
dolphin, minke
whale & killer whale
To be assessed
alongside East Shiant
Bank to Tolsta Head
as part of
consideration of
broader (regional)
distribution (see box
2).
Southern
Moray Firth
WDCS /
HWDT/
CRRU
Minke whale Bottlenose dolphin &
harbour porpoise
23
Minke whale
Southern
Should be assessed
Trench and
further as part of the
Smiler’s Holes Southern Trench and
Minke whale Smiler’s Holes search
location. (see also
White-beaked comments below on
dolphin
Aberdeenshire
proposal).
Name of
proposal
Proposing
organisation
Aberdeenshire
WDCS
Main
species
Cetacean
assemblage
Overlap with
MPA search
location?
Recommendation
on MPA Search
Features
White-beaked Bottlenose dolphin & Aberdeenshire To be assessed
dolphin
harbour porpoise
coast
alongside Southern
White-beaked Moray Firth as part of
consideration of
dolphin
broader (regional)
distribution (see box
2).
Developing approach to management
56.
This section considers the sensitivities of Risso’s dolphins, white-beaked dolphins and
minke whales to certain pressures. It is a summary of more detailed risk assessments
prepared for individual MPA search features. These assessments have been done at
a generic level and for the purpose of this paper the three species are considered
combined. The one exception to this is for white-beaked dolphins where the sensitivity
to temperature changes for this species is considered to be significantly different to
known sensitivity of the other two species.
57.
Following discussion at the 4th national MPA stakeholder workshop, further work will be
required to link these sensitivity assessments to information on pressures and activities
at the scale of the MPA search locations. This work will need to be based on a good
knowledge and understanding of the distribution of the cetacean species and of where
particular activities are undertaken. This will enable an assessment of the likely
interaction and therefore vulnerability and so provide a starting point for discussing
required management at a site level.
58.
Guidance is currently being produced on the future management of MPAs. This will
provide more information on the process for developing management for individual
MPAs.
Underwater noise
59.
The direct impact of anthropogenic sound on cetaceans is well known. The scale of
disturbance impacts and biological significance of this remains poorly understood, as
does the significance of impacts at a population level. However, anthropogenic sound
may displace cetaceans from extensive areas of habitat with potential implications for
fitness (Tasker, 2010). Whilst data are available for undertaking assessments, work is
ongoing to consider how population-level effects should be determined. An interim
approach has been developed and will be tested later in 2012.
Death or injury by collision with stationary structures
60.
Being mobile species, cetaceans are likely to be able to avoid large stationary
obstacles on the seabed. Cetaceans are most likely to be sensitive in situations when
stationary structures present barriers to movement. Consideration of whether this is an
issue may be needed on a site by site basis.
24
Figure 10 Nature conservation MPAs for Risso’s dolphin, white-beaked dolphin and minke whale proposed by the Whale and Dolphin Conservation
Society, Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust and the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit
25
Physical loss or restriction of essential areas to key life-cycle stages
61.
This paper has identified areas which could be considered essential to key life-cycle stages
for cetaceans. The sensitivity of different species to loss or restriction of these areas will
depend on the species concerned and the relevant key life-cycle stages. For example, minke
whales feed inshore during spring and summer months. Loss or restriction of feeding areas
could disrupt a key time for this species when feeding on abundant prey enables minke
whales to store energy reserves as blubber.
Temperature changes - regional/national
62.
In Scottish waters, the distribution of white-beaked dolphin is linked with sea surface
temperatures, with critical values of around 13-14oC causing marked changes in occurrence.
A hypothetical increase in water temperature of 5oC was predicted to cause an unfavourable
conservation status for this species throughout it’s range, but particularly in North-west
European waters (Macleod, 2009). Further work is required to consider the indirect effects of
temperature changes on key prey species which are known to have high sensitivity to this
pressure. Ongoing debate about changes in distribution linked to climate change are the
reason why no MPA search locations have been identified for white-beaked dolphin on the
west coast (see para. 48).
Other pressures
63.
For a number of pressures considered, such as removal of non-target species (bycatch),
there is very limited information on which to base an assessment for Scottish waters. For
example, whilst recent work (Northridge et al., 2007) has highlighted the risk to minke whales
of entanglement in creel lines, the scale of the issue is still unclear as is the need to
implement mitigation strategies. Other pressures that fall into this ‘not assessed’ category
include electromagnetic changes and marine litter.
Issues and opportunities
64.
Data availability - at present the identification of MPA search locations has relied on the data
from GeMS (which in turn came from the Joint Cetacean Database) and from effort-corrected
data from HWDT. To support further assessment, there will be a need to collate additional
data for individual MPA search locations. For example, we know that additional data will
become available e.g. from the photo-ID work carried out by the Whale and Dolphin
Conservation Society off Lewis.
65.
Agreement on the types of area used to support the selection of MPAs. There is also a need
to agree the methods and timeline to be used for habitat modelling and ensure we have
sufficient data on environmental parameters to undertake this work.
66.
Revised density estimates - are going to be produced through Joint Cetacean Protocol being
led by the Joint Nature Conservation Committee. Estimates for some areas are likely to be
available later in 2012 and will provide useful additional information.
67.
Application of the Guidelines - we have sufficient data to identify MPA search locations but it
is not clear whether we have sufficient for all to underpin a more detailed application of the
Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines in relation to identifying:
 Significant aggregations of communities of important marine species in Scottish waters;
 Essential areas for key life cycle stages of important mobile species that persist in time,
including habitats known to be important for reproduction and nursery stages; and
 Areas contributing to the maintenance of ecosystem function in Scottish waters.
26
68.
There is a need to agree levels of evidence which are required/desirable to support the
development of MPA proposals. Work is currently being undertaken to consider general
principles and data quality issues relating to mobile species and MPAs. We think that it is
likely that at least some MPA search locations will drop out of the process because of a lack
of information.
69.
How to define boundaries for some species. This depends to some extent on the nature of
the type of area e.g. whether it is a location with persistent thermal fronts or those providing
habitat to prey species.
70.
Overlap with other interests - there is a need to have further discussion with stakeholders so
that all involved have a clear understanding of the process being followed and likely
implications of selecting areas as MPAs.
Next steps
71.
Following discussion at the 4th MPA workshop, there are likely to be revisions to at least
some of the MPA search locations proposed in this paper. Once these have been agreed
there will be further application of the Scottish MPA Selection Guidelines. This will be based
on a review of available data and decisions required as to whether these are, in conjunction
with the results of supporting habitat modelling work, sufficient to support the development of
MPA proposals.
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28