Science

The Sea Mammal Research Unit is a world leading academic and applied research group, whose expertise and interests span a wide range of subject areas.

Current Research Priorities:

  • Evaluating the status and dynamics of marine mammal populations
  • Investigating the importance of marine mammals as components of marine ecosystems
  • Determining the impact of anthropogenic activities in the oceans on marine mammals
  • Studying marine mammal social structure and communication
  • Observing the oceanographic environment of marine mammals
  • Providing the technological basis for observing free-ranging marine mammals and their environment

    • Wildlife and Tidal Energy Research Group (WATER)
    • DanGER (Russell & Hastie Ecological Research Group)
    • Ecophysiological Group

    • BND
    • BMP

    • Citizen Fins
    • Seal Tag Sightings
    • Report a seal predation event

This is not an exhaustive list, but provides a broad outline of how our research is of strategic importance to understanding marine ecosystems and our changing oceans, the impact of which was recognized in the 2014 REF exercise.

The University of St Andrews recognises the need for greater understanding of animal research and has therefore signed the Concordat of Openness on Animal Research in the UK.

Cookie preferences