Posts in Science & Research
Over 10,000 Whale and Dolphin Sightings Recorded in Scotland's Seas
Over 10,000 Whale and Dolphin Sightings Recorded in Scotland's Seas

During 2024, 11,039 sightings of whales, dolphins, porpoises, and other marine life were reported to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) by members of the public, or citizen scientists.  Over 65,000 animals have been sighted in Scottish waters, from 17 different species. 

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Silurian, Science & Research, Climate Change, Sightings, In the NewsMorven Summersscience tourism, ecotourism, volunteer now, volunteer holiday, expedition, marine expedition, whale watching with a difference, whale watching, experience in the field, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, wildlife watching on mull, minke, minke whales, how can I get involved in whale research, how can I help whales, save the whales, porpoises, acoustic data, research expedition, holiday with a difference, whale conservation, whale research in Scotland, how people are helping, citizen science, citizen science projects, get involved, how can I help, how can i get involved
Tides of Change: Monitoring Hebridean Seas
Tides of Change: Monitoring Hebridean Seas

Whales and dolphins are long-lived and well-travelled, with some species crossing oceans on migration.  Understanding these magnificent creatures and safeguarding their futures relies on long-term monitoring, offering us a deeper glimpse into their lives and challenges.

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Silurian, Science & Research, Climate ChangeMorven Summersscience tourism, ecotourism, volunteer now, volunteer holiday, expedition, marine expedition, whale watching with a difference, whale watching, experience in the field, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, wildlife watching on mull, minke, minke whales, how can I get involved in whale research, how can I help whales, save the whales, porpoises, acoustic data, research expedition
Record high for minke whale sightings but record low for basking sharks, research in Hebrides finds
Record high for minke whale sightings but record low for basking sharks, research in Hebrides finds

2023 saw the highest sighting rates and numbers of minke whales yet recorded in the Hebrides, but the lowest known for basking sharks.

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In the News, Science & Research, Silurian, SightingsMorven Summersminke whale, minke whales, basking sharks, basking shark scotland, whale conservation, whale watching with a difference, whale research in Scotland, marine mammals, marine protected areas, holiday with a difference, wildlife experiences in Scotland, what marine wildlife can you see, wildlife holi, whale watching in Scotland, scottish wildlife, Nature Scot, what is being done to protect whales, scotland, west coast of scotland, marine mammal monitoring, make a difference, expedition, expedition holiday, research expedition
The conservation impact of joining a HWDT Research Expedition
The conservation impact of joining a HWDT Research Expedition

Our expedition surveys on board our research vessel, Silurian, have been monitoring Scotland’s seas for over two decades. This long-term monitoring is critical, driving protections to restore marine biodiversity and championing healthy seas for nature and communities.

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Silurian, Science & Research, Climate ChangeMorven Summersscience tourism, ecotourism, volunteer now, volunteer holiday, expedition, marine expedition, whale watching with a difference, whale watching, experience in the field, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, wildlife watching on mull, minke, minke whales, how can I get involved in whale research, how can I help whales, save the whales, porpoises, acoustic data, research expedition
Harbour porpoises respond to chronic and repeated seal scarer noise from aquaculture
Harbour porpoises respond to chronic and repeated seal scarer noise from aquaculture

Data gathered during research expeditions on our research vessel, Silurian, has shown that harbour porpoise are negatively impacted by Acoustic Deterrent Devices, which are used to deter seals at aquaculture sites. Here, Dr Charlotte Findlay, details the research she led to better understand the impact on this species.

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Science & Research, Silurian, Guest ArticlesLauren Hartny-Millsacoustic, acoustic recordings, porpoise, what is harming whales and dolphins, scotland, hebrides, ADD, fish farms, Scotland, aquaculture, impacts of fish farming, harbour porpoise, underwater noise, noise pollution, west coast of scotland
Telling the tale of the west coast killer whale
Telling the tale of the west coast killer whale

Killer whales hold a special wonder for many people and in recent years, John Coe and Aquarius of the West Coast Community have become local celebrities. Morven, our Communications Manager, has followed the story of the plight of these killer whales for many years. Here she shares what has been uncovered about the group since she began working at the Trust…

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Science & Research, SightingsMorven Summerscitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us, killer whales, killer whale, john coe, John Coe, where has John Coe been spotted, John Coe killer whale, West Coast Community, scottish seas, Scottish killer, studying scottish killer whales, aquarius, Lulu killer whale, Lulu, PCBs, why are the killer whales dying
Scotland’s seas recognised as important for marine mammals
Scotland’s seas recognised as important for marine mammals

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Marine Mammal Protected Areas Task Force announced 33 new Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) within the Northeast Atlantic and Baltic Sea. 

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Science & ResearchMorven SummersPro, protecting Scotlands seas, protect whales, protect the ocean, marine conservation, marine protected areas, ocean protection, IMMA, ICUN, IUCN, what is being done to protect whales, UK dolphin and porpoise conservation strategy, who is studying Scottish whales, who is working with whales
Sandeel fisheries to be banned in Scottish waters
Sandeel fisheries to be banned in Scottish waters

Following a public consultation in 2023, the Scottish Government have announced a ban on industrial sandeel fishing in Scottish waters ahead of the 2024 fishery season in March. The move is especially important for species that rely on sandeels as an important component of their diet, such as harbour porpoise and minke whale.

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Science & ResearchAlison Lomaxmarine conservation, marine mammals, minke whale, porpoise, sandeel, sandeel fisheries ban Scotland
For the love of long-term monitoring
For the love of long-term monitoring

Long-term monitoring is the foundation of effective conservation. At HWDT we talk about long-term monitoring a lot but what is it and why is it such an important part of wildlife conservation?  

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Silurian, Science & Research, Sightings, Survey SummariesAlison Lomaxmarine biology, marine conservation, marine mammals, whats been spotted, minke whale, bottlenose dolphins, killer whale, porpoise, silurian, expedition, research vessel, protect the ocean, marine mammal monitoring, monitoring expedition, data, data collection
The wonders of winter watching
The wonders of winter watching

For many, summer is the time to get out and watch for the abundance of marine wildlife that migrate into our seas each year, but winter is still an exciting and important time to have your eyes on the sea.

Our Education and Sightings Officer, Sadie, dives deeper into why winter watching is so important, encouraging everyone to don their raincoats and woolly hats and #EmbraceYourWhaledSide, dedicating some time to watch from land.

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Science & Research, SightingsSadie Gorvettsightings, winter sightings, land based whale watching
Minke whales visiting Scotland’s west coast set European record
Minke whales visiting Scotland’s west coast set European record

Scotland’s west coast seas are a vitally important area for minke whales – with some of these spectacular but vulnerable marine mammals notching up Europe’s longest sighting histories of almost 30 years, research by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust shows.

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In the News, Science & ResearchMorven Summersminke, minke whale, Knobble, Knobble the minke whale, scottish whales, who is studying whales, who is studying Scottish whales, what do we know about Scottish whales, photo ID, how do people study whales, whale, Whale Track, citizen science, how can I help whales, how can I get involved in whale research, how can I help, photography, Photo Identification, Snowy
The Better Biodiversity Data project on tour: learning about marine mammal recording
The Better Biodiversity Data project on tour: learning about marine mammal recording

Christine Tansey, the Better Biodiversity Data (BBD) project Partnership Officer from the National Biodiversity Network Trust recently joined Silurian on a trip from Ullapool back home to Tobermory. With a background in terrestrial conservation and recording, this opportunity gave Christine an insight into the protocols used and challenges faced when collecting and processing cetacean sightings and acoustic data.

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Science & Research, SilurianJenny Hampsondata collection, visual monitoring, visual data, data, acoustic, acoustic data, protecting Scotlands seas, efforts to better understand, whale research in Scotland, how can I get involved in whale research, how people are helping, wildlife experiences in Scotland, eco tourism, eco friendly, protect the ocean, protect the whales