Posts in Sightings
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
Deep divers inshore drive
Deep divers inshore drive

Inshore movement of deep diving whales in Scottish coastal waters documented by community sightings volunteers.

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SightingsAlison LomaxWhale Track, community, citizenscience, citizen science projects, how can I help whales, how can i get involved, report, reporting what I've spotted, I spotted a whale, scotland, scotland wildlife, who studies whales UK, who is studying Scottish whales, who is working with whales, get involved, northern bottlenose whales, inshore movements, migration, deep diving whales
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
Hundreds of people join ferry watching event in Scotland and contribute to marine conservation
Hundreds of people join ferry watching event in Scotland and contribute to marine conservation

The ferry routes operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) off Scotland’s west coast are fantastic platforms for spotting wildlife, journeying through stretches of water rich in marine life. 

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Events & Outreach, SightingsMorven SummersWild Discovery, Mammal, Mammal Society, events, CalMac, Ferry, Scotland, ferry watching, Things to do Scotland, whale watching, whale watching in Scotland, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Wildlife, wildlife watching
Whale Track Stories: Zoe’s unusual tip off
Whale Track Stories: Zoe’s unusual tip off

Zoe Stevenson, a member of the Whale Track community who reports sightings whilst working with Hebrides Cruises, shares some highlight lunge feeding minke sightings, including one, thanks to a rather unusual tip off

Coastguard exercise © Zoe Stevenson

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Sightings, Guest ArticlesSadie Gorvettmarine mammals, what can you see, scotland, what can i see in Scotland, hebrides, Hebrides, wildlife, wildlife watching, minke whales, whale track stories, whale track, sightings, coastguard, helicopter
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
Celebrating industry contributions to marine science
Celebrating industry contributions to marine science

We welcomed a number of wildlife tour providers and boat operators to our first ever Whale Track Boat Operator Event, sharing good practice and celebrating the contributions these companies make to marine science.

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Sightings, Events & OutreachSadie Gorvettwhale conservation, citizenscience, research, get involved, how can i help, how can I help whales, how can I get involved in whale research, biological recording, people power, conservation, report your sightings, who can I tell about a whale, whale watching, boat oeprators, industry, Whale Track, Sightings, Networking
A milestone for citizen science as over 10,000 sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises are reported to marine conservation charity
A milestone for citizen science as over 10,000 sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises are reported to marine conservation charity

2023 was a record-breaking year for marine conservation charity the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) and their Whale Track community of citizen scientists.  For the first time in the Trusts 30-year history, over 10,000 sightings of whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks were reported by members of the public in one year.

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In the News, SightingsSadie Gorvettwhat can i see in Scotland, what creatures can I see in scotland, whale watching with a difference, whale conservation, where can i spot killer whales, where can i see whales, when can i see whales, citizenscience, citizen science projects, research, get involved, how can i help, how can I help whales, how can I get involved in whale research, biological recording, Whale Track, people power, conservation, report your sightings, who can I tell about a whale, whale watching, whales spotted, killer whale, killer whales spotted, fin whale, where has John Coe been spotted
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