Cetaceans – licence forms and guidance documents
If you can’t find the relevant forms or guidance below for what you want to do, please see our licensing or protected species pages for further information on what needs a licence and how to apply.
Applying for a licence
Please complete an application form found in the forms section below and email to [email protected].
Processing times
We aim to assess all applications as quickly as we can. We will acknowledge your application by email on receipt and then consider it as soon as possible.
We email licences to licence holders as soon as they’re ready.
Processing times vary by licence type, and they also depend on the complexity of the project or quality of the application forms and supporting documents we receive. We may also require to seek advice from specialist species advisors which may also lead to a delay in processing.
Licence returns
If there isn’t a return form below for your licence, please email [email protected] with the information as requested on the conditions of your licence.
Licence changes and renewals
You should get in touch if you wish to amend a licence. But check your licence conditions first: you may be able to appoint agents and assistants without having to get them named on your licence.
Find out about adding persons to a licence.
You must also remember to contact us to renew your licence. Licences aren’t renewed automatically.
Forms
Licence application form - Cetaceans
Licence application form - reference form
Guidance
Guidance - European protected species licensing tests
Guidance - notes for an application for a licence for European protected species
Guidance - notes on European protected species licence applications - supporting information
Guidance - species protection plans
Guidance - notes for surveys and monitoring supported by NatureScot
Guidance - accompanying notes for survey and monitoring licences
Guidance - data protection notice
Disclaimer: Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) has changed its name to NatureScot as of the 24th August 2020.
At the time of publishing, this document may still refer to Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) and include the original branding. It may also contain broken links to the old domain.
If you have any issues accessing this document please contact us via our feedback form.
Contacts
If you already have a licence number, include it in the subject line of your email, or have it to hand when you call.
You should receive an automatic confirmation email from us if you send an email. If you do not receive this, please phone us on the number below:
