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Data gathered during research expeditions on our research vessel, Silurian, has shown that harbour porpoise are negatively impacted by Acoustic Deterrent Devices, which are used to deter seals at aquaculture sites. Here, Dr Charlotte Findlay, details the research she led to better understand the impact on this species.
Read MoreFollowing a public consultation in 2023, the Scottish Government have announced a ban on industrial sandeel fishing in Scottish waters ahead of the 2024 fishery season in March. The move is especially important for species that rely on sandeels as an important component of their diet, such as harbour porpoise and minke whale.
Read MoreLong-term monitoring is the foundation of effective conservation. At HWDT we talk about long-term monitoring a lot but what is it and why is it such an important part of wildlife conservation?
Read MoreEvery year, we welcome aboard teams of students from St Andrew’s University Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) to discover how we collect data on board our research vessel, Silurian. Over the course of 10 days, each team spent time travelling to different areas of the west coast, collecting vital visual and acoustic data on marine mammals.
Read MoreSince 2002, our research vessel, Silurian, has been collecting information of international importance on marine life in the Hebrides. A recognisable and familiar presence off Scotland’s west coast, Silurian and her teams of citizen scientists have worked hard, monitoring and protecting areas of critical habitat for whales and dolphins, but has she always undertaken such vital work?
Read MoreTo protect our marine environment, we must first understand it. How do we deepen our understanding…data. HWDTs flagship, Silurian, celebrated a milestone in 2022 - marking 20 years of monitoring Hebridean seas. Read all about the 20th field season on board Silurian
Read MoreEvery year, we welcome aboard teams of students from St Andrew’s University Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) to discover how we collect data on board our research vessel, Silurian. Over the course of 10 days, each team spent time travelling to different areas of the west coast, collecting vital visual and acoustic data on marine mammals. Each of the teams share their experiences here
Read MoreOur second research expedition of the summer field season was exceptional - recording a total of seven marine mammal species, including killer whales, John Coe and Aquarius of the West Coast Community! Hannah, our Science Officer on board who leads the data collection programme shares her experience
Read MoreLast year, Hebridean Adventures have raised a staggering £2,244 to protect Scottish whales and dolphins. The Stornoway-based small-boat cruising company plan to run a fundraising cruise in Aug 2022 to continue their fundraising efforts.
Read MoreHWDT’s summer outreach volunteers Bella and Celia recount a fantastic guided wildlife walk and watch from Hebridean Whale Trail site Glengorm.
Read MoreThe Scottish Government is currently running a public consultation and is seeking your views on a new UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy. The strategy aims to support the conservation of nine of the most commonly seen cetaceans in UK waters, and now includes minke whales.
Read MoreWith the massive military exercise, Joint Warrior, underway in the Hebrides, we are asking the public to be vigilant and report their sightings
Read MoreThe familiar fins of John Coe and Aquarius were spotted by Aaron Mclean near Canna on Thursday! Last seen on the east coast in January, we are delighted John Coe has returned home to the west coast.
Read MoreIn line with World Book Day, we are celebrating the publication of our own ‘book’ - the Hebridean Marine Mammal Atlas
Read MoreFor the first time in HWDT’s history, Silurian, our research yacht has started conducting surveys during the winter months.
Read MoreAs part of the Coigach and Assynt Living Landscape Partnership Scheme’s Marine Project, five local teens joined HWDT on board Silurian to see what living at sea and researching whales and dolphins is all about. Find out from their perspective how they got on…
Read MoreThe last survey of 2018 - our third and final Teen Research Expedition, covering waters around Wester Ross and up to Lochinver. This trip really proves that volunteering on board Silurian, is about much more than spotting a few dolphins!
Read MoreToday marks the launch of our Hebridean Marine Mammal Atlas. In this first edition, we present an overview of the visual sightings data collected from 15 years of survey effort on board the dedicated research vessel, Silurian, from 2003 to 2017.
Read MoreDuring the survey we covered the Sound of Sleat and surveyed around the Small Isles. In total we recorded six different species of marine megafauna, including an unexpected basking shark, some stealthy minke whales and over a hundred common dolphins.
Read MoreDuring the survey we recorded four different species of marine mammals, including some really special glimpses of harbour porpoises within meters of Silurian. We also had an unexpected encounter with a couple of common dolphins, who came over to bow ride as we surveyed up towards Fort William.
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