The bodies of Risso’s dolphins become covered in distinctive scars as they age, and old males may have a completely white head.
They have a blunt face with no beak, and a tall and identifiable dorsal fin.
Action Needed
1. Press for cetacean at-sea monitoring to meet the requirements of the Habitats Directive Article 11.
2. Press for designation of North East Lewis MPA and inclusion of Risso’s dolphin in management plans.
3. Support development of wider management policy to include European Protected Species.
4. Ensure the Scottish Biodiversity Strategy is fully implemented.
Threats
Noise pollution including seismic surveys for oil and gas or military operations; collision with ships and tangling in fishing gear.
MSP Nature Champion
