Red-throated divers breed on Scottish lochs and their welfare during the breeding season depends on undisturbed water bodies and access to fish in nearby coastal or larger inland waters.
Red-throated diver welfare during breeding depends on undisturbed nesting on small lochs free from human disturbance. Boat use including kayaking and canoeing on breeding lochs causes nest abandonment. Fishing line entanglement is a documented mortality cause. Their need to commute to feed means disturbance at either the nesting loch or feeding areas affects welfare. Site protection through voluntary agreements has improved conditions at many key lochs.