You can help us get back on the water!

You can help us to conduct essential scientific research by taking part in our Crowdfunding campaign!

Our ability to gather crucial scientific evidence has been hit hard by the global Covid-19 pandemic. For the first time in almost 20 years, the waters around the Hebrides are unmonitored by volunteers onboard the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust’s research yacht Silurian. While this is incredibly disappointing, the health and well-being of our participants, crew, and the wider communities is paramount. 

We need your help today to get Silurian back out on the water and carry out surveys to protect the marine life in our oceans for years to come.

Your donation towards the campaign will allow our experienced crew to sail across the west coast of Scotland towing an underwater microphone (hydrophone) to detect marine mammals and monitor and record underwater sound.

Why is this important? 

Life in our oceans live in a world of sound. Whales, dolphins, and porpoises – collectively known as cetaceans – have a highly developed auditory sense and sound is vital for all aspects of their life. They use sound to explore their world, communicate with one another, find prey, and navigate across oceans. On the surface, you only get brief glimpses of what is really happening. By supporting these surveys, you will help us to listen to the underwater soundscape, allowing us to see beneath the surface of the waves and gain real insight into their world.

The oceans are becoming increasingly noisier, and that is because of us!

Human activity has a significant impact on the underwater soundscape; from the hum of a boat’s engine to the intense blasts of sound produced by oil and gas exploration. Evidence over the last few months from around the world has revealed a drop in underwater noise due to a decrease in ship traffic. The impact of this on cetaceans is still to be determined. Only with long-term monitoring, can you look at these trends and understand the effect lockdown has had on Scottish whales and dolphins.

With more than a quarter of the world’s whale, dolphin and porpoise species recorded in Hebridean seas, this area is of global significance.

Now is the busiest time of the year for cetacean sightings in Scotland. Many animals migrate to Scotland to feed and breed. Our hydrophone can detect cetaceans, even if they can't be seen above the waves. By donating today you will increase the number of animals recorded in 2020 and provide essential evidence needed to determine if there have been any changes on the west coast of Scotland this year. Every pound you gift, will make a difference and help protect whales, dolphins and porpoises in our waters.

So how can you help?!

Go to our Crowdfunder page and donate today. You can purchase an amazing reward and get a ticket to our exclusive raffle, where you will be in for a chance to win some incredible prizes.

You could win:

• an exclusive trip for two onboard our research vessel, Silurian

• an original painting of John Coe, Scotland's most famous killer whale by artist Ryan Chadwick

• an amazing cruise on Scotland’s spectacular North West coast with Hebridean Whale Cruises

• and much, much more!

Full details here

We know that these are very difficult times. please give as generously as you can so that we can get back on the water and collect vital data for evidence-based conservation, helping to protect whales, dolphins and porpoise for years to come!