Push the boat out, to protect whales in Scotland project update
How you've helped make our iconic flagship, Silurian, a more effective and environmentally friendly survey platform.
Last April, we invited you to donate through the Big Give Green Match Fund to help refit our iconic research yacht, Silurian, and support vital marine conservation efforts here on the west coast of Scotland. Thanks to all the people who donated we were able to undertake an ambitious amount of winter maintenance before Silurian started her summer research expeditions in 2024.
“We had a very ambition maintenance plan for this winter. Silurian is an old vessel that has worked very hard for the Trust over the last 20 years. Each year we want to improve her condition and systems so that she continues to be a critical asset for the Trust. It is donations such as yours that allow us to keep her shipshape. Thank you.”
Silurian, has surveyed Scottish waters for 20 years. A recognisable and familiar presence in the Hebrides she has worked hard, monitoring and protecting areas of critical habitat for whales and dolphins. Thanks to you, we were able to protect Silurian’s hull with a non-toxic cooper coat and replace our chart plotter.
With your support, we lifted Silurian out of the water at Dunstaffnage marina during November and December 2023 and applied a copper coat to the underside of Silurian’s hull. This keeps the hull protected and streamlined in the water, maximising fuel (or wind!) efficiency, as well as avoiding the transport of species from one body of water to another.
Most vessels use an antifoul paint, which is applied yearly to the hull of the vessel. This paint is toxic and leaches off into the environment over the year stopping growth to the hull. Copper coat protects the hull without leaching toxic chemicals into the environment and also lasts much longer.
First the entire hull was sanded back, then a tent was built around Silurian to control the temperature and humidity, before the paint was mixed and applied. Six coats were applied over a period of 18 hours with a team of volunteers. During this period out of the water we serviced seacocks, replaced anodes, changed the cutlass bearing and improved the rudder stock.
We also replaced and upgraded Silurian’s chart plotter. This navigation aid is mounted at the helm and plays a pivotal role in our surveys as it allows the skipper and crew to plan and carry out the precise straight line survey tracks that are required.
This vital maintenance work, all made possible by your generous donations, has ensured Silurian is well cared for below the water line, and will remain a safe and operational vessel for many years to come.