SMRU is a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Collaborative Centre that provides the UK's main science capability in the field of marine mammal biology.

The SMRU focuses over 50% of its research effort on cetaceans. Strategic scientific priorities include: evaluating the status and dynamics of marine mammal populations; studying their social structure and communication; looking at their importance to the marine ecosystem and providing the technological basis for observation. Cetacean observation programmes are often carried out using UK fishing vessels, particularly those of the Scottish pelagic fleet.

These activities address the requirements for marine mammals in the UK and Scottish Governments' Sustainable Development and Biodiversity Strategies and most importantly, in the new Strategy for Scotland's Coast and Inshore Waters. They also assist with information for the Joint UK Response to the Review of Marine Nature Conservation, the EU Marine Strategy and the UK Small Cetacean Bycatch Response Strategy. Additionally SMRU has a role providing advice to marine industry and providing services to the science community.

http://smub.st-and.ac.uk/