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Photography has never been so accessible; the development of camera technology in our phones and the affordability of professional kit means more people than ever can take amazing photos. But did you know…for decades photos have been a fundamental resource in driving forward our understanding of whales and dolphins.
Read MoreThe great whales are important green allies in the fight against climate change; from storing carbon in the ocean depths, to encouraging phytoplankton blooms at the surface, the denizens of the deep are a natural, effective solution to removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Read MoreThe Scottish Government are currently running a public consultation to seek your views on Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs). HWDT will be responding to the consultation and we hope that all stakeholders will take the opportunity to voice their views, so that the best possible outcome can be reached for whales, dolphins, porpoises and people.
Read MoreThis week the Royal National Mòd is underway; a wonderful celebration of the Gaelic culture here in Scotland. Below, Coinneach MacFhraing explores the connection between the Gaels and the sea creatures which inhabit our waters, by sharing his knowledge of the place names associated with whales and dolphins.
Read MoreCheck out what’s been reported over the winter by our wonderful Whale Track community. Recording whale, dolphin and porpoise movements over winter months is crucial to building a year-round understanding of how these creatures use our waters and document any changes over time. A huge thank you to all our Whale Track reporters for helping undertake this vital work!
Read MoreCraig Mackie gives us an update on the first winter expedition of 2021, where a couple of ‘summer visitors’ were recorded. The winter survey programme, funded by Nature Scot, is helping us improve our year-round understanding of Hebridean marine environment
Read MoreWell-known killer whale John Coe from the West Coast Community has been spotted of the English coast again, this time seen off Dover, in the English Channel. John Coe was seen with a second individual, likely to be Aquarius.
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 MoreMuch loved killer whales John Coe and Aquarius from the West Coast Community have returned to the Hebrides 9 days after this famous pair were recorded off the English coast for the first time.
Read MoreWith a year in lockdown just passed, we look back at some of the most memorable encounters of whales and dolphins off Scotland’s west coast over this time.
Read MoreIn August 2021, James Armour will attempt to be the first person ever to swim and run the entire length of the Outer Isles, with a target of £10,000 to raise for the Trust. Learn more about his mega challenge
Read MoreWe are calling on members of the public to record their at-sea excursions and sightings of whales, dolphins, porpoises and endangered basking sharks off Scotland’s west coast to boost monitoring efforts and strengthen understanding of the coronavirus lockdown’s impact on these animals.
Read MoreThe sun shone down as we set sail for the last winter survey of the season. Six volunteers from the local community joined us on board as we surveyed waters to the north of Mull
Read MoreWild weather extended into February as we set out for our latest winter survey. We encountered all types of weather as we surveyed the waters to the east of the Isle of Mull, with snow showers and hail storms broken up by sunny spells.
Read More2019 marks a very special year for HWDT as we surveyed the Hebridean seas every single month for the first time in our history! Recently Silurian completed surveys in November and December with magic minke whale and Christmas killer whale encounters!
Read MoreWe couldn’t believe our luck as we scanned the flat calm seas whilst bathed in sunshine during our latest winter survey. Sunglasses were a must and some members of team team had to get the sunscreen out!
Read MoreOur latest research expedition concentrated on surveying the wild and remote northern reaches of our survey area, and saw Silurian sail up to Cape Wrath, the most north-westerly point of the UK mainland. It was a great trip with an unforgettable morning with basking sharks and plenty of other wildlife along the way too, and the evenings were spent enjoying spectacular sunsets and exploring uninhabited islands.
Read MoreThe fourth survey of the summer season concentrated on the southern reaches of our survey area, with eight species of marine megafauna encountered, inlcuding: basking sharks, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, minke whales, harbour porpoise, grey and common seals.
Read MoreToday the Scottish Government has opened a public consultation seeking views on proposals for four new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). HWDT will be responding to the consultation and hope that all stakeholders will take the opportunity to voice their views, so that the best possible outcome can be reached for whales, dolphins, sharks and for coastal communities.
Read MoreThe third survey of the season explored the waters of the southern Outer Hebridean Islands, bringing the first basking shark sightings of the year on board Silurian! We also encountered hundreds of common dolphins, 10 minke whales, as well as harbour porpoise, common and grey seals.
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