Marine mammals are recognised as Priority Marine Features (PMFs) and serve as important indicators of marine biodiversity and ecosystem health. However, many species around Scotland remain in poor conservation status or are data deficient. The Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) at the University of St Andrews conducts world leading research on seals and cetaceans to provide the scientific evidence needed for evidence-based conservation and management.
This project saw the installation of an air handling unit and associated infrastructure to provide a facility to effectively process the stomach contents of stranded marine animals to inform our understanding of diet and trophic interactions.
In 2025 SMEEF was able to provide a grant of £20,342 to support this work using resources from the Nature Restoration Fund.