Compensatory measures for marine mammals in relation to offshore renewable energy developments in Scottish waters: An initial exploration

A workshop was organised by SAMS and NatureScot to discuss potential ideas for compensatory measures/measures of equivalent ecological benefit (MEEB) for marine mammals under the relevant Habitats Regulations and Marine (Scotland) Act 2010, respectively, in relation to current and future offshore renewable energy developments in Scottish waters. The workshop took place at NatureScot headquarters at Great Glen House, Inverness, on 27 January 2026, and was supported by the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF). The workshop brought together academic experts and representatives of Scottish regulators and statutory advisors, and was attended in person by 26 people, with an additional 20 people attending online, collectively representing 14 separate academic and government organisations. The workshop was structured to encourage open and inclusive discussion, with participants invited to explore a broad range of ideas and perspectives. Emphasis was placed on a workshop environment which fostered creative thinking, constructive dialogue, and one in which all contributions were considered. Through two successive Breakout Group sessions, more than 150 initial ideas for compensatory measures were suggested across five broad Themes (Direct mortality reduction; Disturbance reduction; Habitat quality improvement; Prey availability; Pollution reduction). These initial ideas were discussed at the workshop and were subsequently amalgamated into Aggregate Ideas, representing a basic starting point for further discussion about potential future compensatory measures. The workshop format did not permit an in-depth look at the evidence base for the initial ideas, nor did it allow consideration of whether their implementation was feasible (from a technical, practical and/or resources perspective) or indeed appropriate. A process therefore needs to be put into place such that ideas for potential compensatory measures, like the Aggregate Ideas presented in this report, can be developed further into measures that may be suitable to address impacts associated with ORE on marine mammals. Through such a process, the ideas presented here can be refined and assessed in terms of their likelihood of success, feasibility of implementation (e.g., on technical, practical, financial terms), whether they adequately reflect regulatory requirements, and/or whether they will be acceptable to other stakeholders and wider civil society. Such a process may conclude that some of the ideas presented here may form the basis of successful compensatory measures, whereas others likely will not. As part of this process, the available evidence base around each proposed idea needs to be carefully reviewed to establish whether there is sufficient support for further development, or whether critical knowledge gaps require filling. It is recommended that, as the next step, Scottish regulators and statutory advisers now consider the findings expressed in this report as part of ongoing discussions in this rapidly evolving field.