HWDT staff undergo Marine Mammal Medic training with BDMLR
Here at HWDT we work closely with communities, businesses and other charitable organisations to ensure that whales, dolphins and porpoises are valued and protected throughout the Hebrides. One such group we work with is British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), a voluntary network of trained marine mammal medics who are dedicated to the rescue and well-being of all marine animals in distress around the UK.
HWDT staff undertake BDMLR Marine Mammal Medic training to volunteer as part of this network and respond to marine animals in distress across Scotland’s west coast. Siobhan Moran - Hebridean Whale Trail Officer, and Kenny Rankin - Gaelic Development Intern, underwent this training on Saturday on Tiree alongside members of the local community, and attendees from Oban, Glasgow and Fife.
The trainees on Tiree receiving a briefing. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Cope - Tiree Ranger
“I am delighted to join BDMLR’s marine mammal medic team - the training was interesting, challenging and great fun. It really highlighted for me what an incredible job this group of volunteers do. It is fantastic to be able to support BDMLR not just through my work here at HWDT but now as a member of their response team.”
Trainee marine mammal medics learn how to re-float a stranded pilot whale (life sized water filled model). Photo courtesy of Stephanie Cope - Tiree Ranger
HWDT also work closely with BDMLR on the large whale entanglement project as part of the Scottish Entanglement Alliance (SEA) which aims to better understand the impacts and risks of entanglement in creel lines in Scottish waters by working closely with the Scottish inshore fishing industry. SEA have published information cards providing guidance and emergency contact details for who to contact should you find an entangled animal. You can find out more about this, along with our other research projects here.
If you find a live whale, dolphin or porpoise
A whale, dolphin or porpoise stranded on the beach is obviously not a usual phenomenon. These animals do not beach themselves under normal circumstances, and they will require assistance. Please do not return them to the sea as they may need a period of recovery before they are fit enough to swim strongly.