HWDT Research Expeditions update for 2021
Due to the current guidelines and expected continuation of certain restrictions we have made the incredibly difficult decision to cancel research expeditions onboard Silurian until mid-July.
The decision was not made lightly and while we are incredibly disappointed to have to cancel any of our research expeditions we must continue to place the health and well-being of our participants, crew, and the wider communities in which we operate as our top priority.
The essential long-term marine mammal monitoring taking place onboard Silurian is crucial for the conservation of cetaceans in the Hebrides and although we are unable to welcome volunteers on board, thanks to the generous support from you, we were able to raise the funds needed to run acoustic-only surveys with our crew during April, May and June. A huge THANK YOU to everyone who supported us to get back out on the water.
At this time, expeditions from mid-July 2021 onward are unaffected by these cancellations. We will continue to work hard over the next few months to make all our future expeditions safe for everyone on board and in accordance with government/indtthnkustry guidelines and reopening plans as they are published. An update will be provided once we have a clear strategy moving forward.
These are unprecedented circumstances and we need your support more than ever to deliver our essential long-term monitoring efforts. As a small charity, we will strive to do all we can to deliver our mission. We recognise that for many people it continues to be a very difficult time. However, if you feel that you can support us at this time, we would urge you to consider booking on a survey later this year, or registering your interest to sail with us in 2022, become a member, adopt a minke or killer whale, or alternatively to make a donation towards our conservation work.
Our staff continues to work from home and our offices remain closed in line with current restrictions. Please contact us at info@hwdt.org if you can help support our vital monitoring and conservation work.