Bottlenose dolphins in UK coastal waters face welfare threats from boat disturbance, pollution, entanglement and prey depletion in their restricted ranges.
UK bottlenose dolphins face welfare threats from multiple anthropogenic sources. Boat pressure during calf-rearing impairs mother-calf bonding and reduces juvenile survival. Acoustic disturbance from vessel engines causes avoidance behaviour and disrupts echolocation-dependent foraging. PCB contamination causes chronic immunosuppression leading to higher disease susceptibility. For small, resident populations where individuals are known and their life histories tracked, the welfare significance of each individual is heightened. Responsible wildlife watching and reducing marine pollution are the most actionable welfare interventions.