Research expeditions beyond Level 0

This month restrictions in Scotland reduced dramatically as we left the Levels system.   

In Level 0, which the islands have been in for some time, our charity couldn’t welcome volunteers onboard Silurian for Research Expeditions due to Scottish Government restrictions on capacity, social distancing, and cabin sharing.  

As of the start of August (9th August) these rules changed and industry guidance for how we can operate was published by Sail Scotland a few days later (12th August). This is great news after two full seasons without volunteers on board. We have missed the energy, enthusiasm and joy that volunteers bring onboard each expedition. 

We are still hard at work carrying out acoustic surveys on board - CLICK HERE to read updates from the field - busy planning and fundraising for Silurian’s essential winter maintenance and getting her ready to welcome volunteers back on board for winter surveys. We will announce training dates in October ahead of these winter surveys.  

Maintaining our data collection during this uncertain and challenging time has only been possible because of the support we have received from you, our friends and supporters. Together we have maintained the longest running monitoring programme for marine mammals on the west of Scotland. Species monitoring and research is critical protect and restore our seas and safeguard Scottish whales and dolphins in the face of the climate emergency and global decline in biodiversity.  

We are already busy getting ready for our 2022 survey season. Incidentally, it marks 20 years since Silurian became part of the HWDT family and we cannot wait to welcome you on board to celebrate!