MARINE wildlife businesses are meeting scientists, conservationists and policy makers today from across the country to look at how they can join forces to make the most of Scotland’s spectacular marine wildlife.

The event at SNH's Conference Centre, Battleby, near Perth was set up to share good practice and will encourage scientists and wildlife businesses to share information on marine wildlife and discuss ways to promote responsible wildlife watching.

“Marine Wildlife: working towards a better understanding” has been organised by Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) in association with Wild Scotland, the Dolphin Space Programme and the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.

Dr Fiona Manson, marine advisory officer at SNH explained: “Scotland’s wealth of marine wildlife is one of the reasons for our rapidly growing marine tourism industry. We also have a strong network of scientists carrying out marine research, so we want to bring those involved together to discuss how we can help each other.

“Tour operators who run boat, kayaking, scuba diving or bird-watching trips spend a great deal of time on, under or near the water - they are well placed to collect information on the wildlife they see that would be very useful to scientists. In turn, the scientists’ knowledge of whales, seals, dolphins, basking sharks and seabirds can be passed on to people on wildlife trips.

“By the end of the day, we hope to have made stronger links between those with a common interest in the marine environment, shared information and laid the foundations for working together in the future. With the new Marine (Scotland) Act now in place the timing is great. By sharing information and knowledge we can better look after and enjoy our marine wildlife, which will help us manage the seas round Scotland in a sustainable way.”