Dozens of Scotland’s marine and coastal species are critically endangered or in rapid decline due to industrial fishing, climate change, pollution and other pressures, The Ferret has found.

The species most at risk include fish, birds and mammals such as cod, salmon, trout, harbour seal, gulls, shag and guillemot.

Declining fish numbers in Scottish waters – caused by overfishing and climate change – are impacting birds, dolphins, whales and others who rely on fish as a key food source, while pollution, energy infrastructure, and fishing gear also threaten marine life.

Scotland’s coasts and seas support an estimated 8,000 plant and animal species, according to wildlife agency NatureScot.

As part of our Scotland’s Seas in Danger series, The Ferret looked at the most recent data and information from Scottish Government agencies, conservation bodies and others to explore which species are most at risk.

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