The Moray Firth is a large triangular embayment in NE Scotland. Measuring approximately 5230 km², it is the largest firth (or embayment) of its kind on the east coast of Scotland, and contains within it four smaller firths: the Dornoch, Cromarty, Inverness and Beauly Firths. These smaller firths lie within an area known as the "inner" Moray Firth; the area west of a line drawn from Helmsdale in the north to Lossiemouth in the south (See Map). The area to the east of this line is generally referred to as the "outer" Moray Firth.

The coastline of the inner Firth consists of tidally exposed mudflats, dune systems and cliffs, whereas the outer Firth, with its rugged coastlines - forming a composite of headlands and small bays - resembles more the open sea. Afforded protection by the Scottish Highlands, the Firth offers a relatively sheltered environment and a great diversity of habitats.

Considering its northerly latitude, the climate of the area is well favoured by high sunshine totals and below average rainfall for the United Kingdom. Fed by warm and cold waters from the Atlantic and Arctic oceans, variations in sea temperature mean that the Moray Firth can support an abundance of wildlife. Indeed, nationally important concentrations of wintering seaducks and sawbills can befound, along with high concentrations of auks, cormorants and shags, and numerous other species of offshore and nesting seabirds. Both common and grey seals breed and haul out in the Firth, and at least 9 species of cetacean occur in the Moray Firth area including: minke whales, bottlenose dolphins, harbour porpoise, pilot whales, white-beaked and common dolphins, and even killer whales (orca), particularly in offshore waters. These animals are supported by the rich, turbid waters of the firth which attract numerous and abundant fish and cephalopod species that breed and over-winter in these productive waters.