Mara

MARA is a registered Scottish charity dedicated to understanding and protecting marine mammals and their habitats in the Western Isles and wider Scottish waters. Its name means “of the sea” in Scottish Gaelic, reflecting its focus on the rich marine environment off Scotland’s west coast. These waters support harbour porpoises and several dolphin species, including Risso’s, bottlenose, white-beaked and common dolphins, as well as seasonal visits from minke, fin and humpback whales. Seals and otters are also found along the coast.

MARA works to improve knowledge of how marine mammals use the region, their population health and the threats they face, including bycatch, noise pollution and disturbance. The organisation shares its work through research resources, species guides and photo-identification catalogues for Risso’s, bottlenose and common dolphins. Its website also provides information about initiatives and ways the public can help protect marine life. MARA’s mission supports stronger understanding and environmental protections for these important Scottish waters and the wildlife that depends on them.