1. The waters west of Shetland, and along the North-east Atlantic margin are biologically productive, and provide important habitat for a diverse range of animals, including invertebrates, fish, seabirds, and cetaceans.

2. The deep and little known waters of the continental slope and beyond, are now coming under scrutiny by oil companies as they extend their investigatory activities seaward. Seismic surveys are underway, and exploratory platforms in position.

3. Although the status, abundance and distribution of cetaceans in British and Irish waters is uncertain, there are indications that the waters to the north and west are among the richest and most important in Europe for whales and dolphins. These waters were once productive whaling grounds: almost 6,500 whales were caught off Shetland and the Hebrides between 1903-1914. Although highly depleted, some populations of whales may be starting to recover from previous exploitation, and may be found in traditional feeding areas and migration routes west of Britain.

4. The continental shelf edge waters west of Britain and Ireland have been described as a 'whale highway', reflecting their importance to whales migrating from northern feeding grounds to breeding grounds to the south.

5. Many species of cetacean are present year round - the waters around Shetland, Orkney and the Hebrides seem to be areas of particularly high cetacean abundance.

6. Knowledge of the potential threats to cetaceans from disturbance and pollution is limited. There are indications that like fish, cetaceans may be displaced, even physiologically damaged by very loud noises, but there is little evidence demonstrating clear links between cause and effect.

7. Additional research is likely to reiterate that the cetacean fauna of the area is diverse and sensitive. It is of concern that much data remains outside the public domain at present.