Whale Track Stories: Tracking Skye’s Humpbacks and Responding to Entanglement

This winter, a number of Humpback whales were sighted off the coast of Skye, bringing joy to many. However, this joy turned to despair when two of the individuals became entangled. Luckily, both were freed but not without stress and injury to the animals. Anthony Rigell, a dedicated whale watcher from Skye, was on the ground assisting with the response.

©Anthony Rigell

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A Science Sea Trial Success!

Following an extensive period of winter maintenance, our research vessel, Silurian, set sail on Hebridean seas once again to test some new equipment on board. The data gathered during expeditions is used to better understand our seas and protect the species found off Scotland’s west coast.

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Mapping Marine Life: The Power of Expedition Data

In modern times, the importance and application of data is well understood; the digital world we live in has been driven by it.  Data is vital to understanding trends and it’s no different when investigating environmental changes.

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Big Love for the Ocean's Giants

Our passion for whales runs deep, and there’s so much to admire about these incredible creatures.  On Valentine’s Day, we highlight some of the reasons why we loves whales and why you should too.

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Over 10,000 Whale and Dolphin Sightings Recorded in Scotland's Seas

During 2024, 11,039 sightings of whales, dolphins, porpoises, and other marine life were reported to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) by members of the public, or citizen scientists.  Over 65,000 animals have been sighted in Scottish waters, from 17 different species. 

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Tides of Change: Monitoring Hebridean Seas

Whales and dolphins are long-lived and well-travelled, with some species crossing oceans on migration.  Understanding these magnificent creatures and safeguarding their futures relies on long-term monitoring, offering us a deeper glimpse into their lives and challenges.

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Whales, porpoises and seabirds galore…

The team on our seventeenth survey encountered foraging minke whales, porpoises and sea birds on their seven-day survey out of Mallaig. Read all about their experiences here…

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Seabirds, fin whales and Northern Lights delivered magic during the penultimate expedition of 2024

As reports of the wettest summer on record spread, the team aboard the 13th expedition this field season battled through to survey around the west of Mull, rewarded with dolphins and porpoises.

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Deep divers inshore drive

Inshore movement of deep diving whales in Scottish coastal waters documented by community sightings volunteers.

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Dolphins, seals, stars and bioluminesence on fifteenth survey of the year!

The team on our fifthteenth survey encountered foraging common dolphins, bow-riding harbour porpoises and numerous common seals on their seven-day survey out of Mallaig. They enjoyed the first of our autumnul expeditions with starry skies and bioluminescense. Read all about their experiences here…

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