The Scottish Seabird Centre team joined us to tell us about Scotland’s incredible marine environment, the wildlife that can be found there, the threats it faces and what you can do to protect it.
With more than 20 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises, large colonies of seals, plus crabs, lobsters and starfish, Scotland’s marine environment is exceptional and diverse. Scotland is also internationally important for seabirds, with more than 5 million breeding here each year, including the iconic puffin and the gannet.
The over-riding threat to our marine environment is the risk posed by climate change. As 90% of the world’s global warming has been absorbed by the oceans, it is unsurprising that this is having a wide range of effects: increased sea water temperature, level and acidity; reduced oxygen levels, and a loss of the right conditions that enable species to thrive.
You can watch the session here and find out how increasing sea temperatures and extreme weather patterns have both indirect and direct effects on our wonderful marine wildlife.
If you would like further information on Scotland’s marine species and habitats please visit: www.seabird.org