Mapping Marine Life: The Power of Expedition Data
Silurian, our research vessel and home to everyone who joins an expedition
In modern times, the importance and application of data is well understood; the digital world we live in has been driven by it. Data is vital to understanding trends and it’s no different when investigating environmental changes.
From studying ancient ice cores to counting butterflies, gathering data to track environmental patterns helps us understand change and explore how species are faring. Long-term data collection is vital to study long-lived and highly mobile creatures like whales and dolphins. It’s only through long-term data collection that we can reveal population trends, detect threats, and assess conservation efforts.
TWO DECADES OF MONITORING
Since 2002, over 1,000 people have joined an expedition aboard our research vessel, Silurian, collecting visual and acoustic data on whales, dolphins, porpoises, and basking sharks. This consistent, rigorous data collection, has built one of the Scotland's largest marine mammal datasets.
FUELLING INNOVATION THROUGH COLLABORATION
The data gathered during expeditions is made available for research projects and supports many student thesis. A number of students at the Scottish Association of Marine Sciences (SAMS), a fantastic institute based in Oban, are making use of data gathered during Silurian expeditions at present.
Tim Awbery, PhD researcher student Tim Awbrey’s work at the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is using Silurian data to develop Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. Tim is developing tools to detect minke whale vocalisations, collaborating internationally to enhance detection accuracy and deepen understanding of these elusive giants. Despite minke whales arriving in our coastal waters each summer, we know relatively little about these giants and hope that AI might help us gain some insights.
Thomas Webber, another PhD researcher at SAMS, is also using Silurian data and AI to develop a click classifier for Risso’s dolphins. For the model to accurately recognise Risso’s dolphin clicks, Thomas needs to provide it with acoustic data that he knows is produced by a Risso’s dolphin – this is where the sightings data we collect on board comes in.
Another student at SAMS is exploring whether we can track the West Coast Community of killer whales using sound, recordings of this unique group gathered during expeditions will be made available to support this project.
INFORMING POLICY AND PROTECTION
HWDT data is used by Government to support marine policies, contributing directly to the creation of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) for species such as minke whales, harbour porpoises, Risso’s dolphins, and basking sharks in Scotland. Annual reports detailing the results from each field season aboard Silurian are provided to Nature Scot, Scotland’s public body responsible for protecting and enhancing the country’s natural environment.
Data gathered aboard Silurian is also sent to other conservation organisations, such as the Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) and the National Biodiversity Network (NBN).
Be part of the team this field season and have an unforgettable time exploring the Hebrides while protecting the marine life found here
JOIN THE JOURNEY – MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Every expedition contributes to critical marine research. With full training and support from our experienced crew, anyone can take part — no prior experience required. Explore the Hebrides, gather vital data, and be part of the effort to protect our seas.