National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2020
You are invited to take part in a national event, to watch the water for our amazing marine life.
We need your help to get a snapshot of the whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks that are across the west coast of Scotland. This is especially important now, with far fewer sightings being reported as a result of lockdown.
Between Saturday 25th July and Sunday 2nd August all sightings you record on Whale Track will contribute to National Whale and Dolphin Watch, an annual event run by Sea Watch Foundation.
With your eyes on the water, you can help document the amazing diversity of species seen along the spectacular Scottish west coast.
Your records will showcase and represent the region, alongside the whole of the UK, generating vital evidence that is needed to better understand and protect these incredible animals.
HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED;
If you’re travelling via boat or ferry please consider using the ‘track your excursion’ mode on your Whale Track app to carry out your own survey using your phone.
Alternatively, take a stroll along the coast and spend time watching the water from land. It’s a great excuse to get some fresh air and visit your local Hebridean Whale Trail site, headland or lighthouse. Download Whale Track before you go to report animals as you spot them, or make a note and add them via the Whale Track website when you get home.
Want to spend a little longer watching? Join in with other wildlife enthusiasts and volunteer to carry out a dedicated survey from land for an hour or more. Sea Watch Foundation have great prizes lined up for running watches this year, visit their website for full details, reporting forms and online training.
Take photos - you can add these to your Whale Track sighting by logging into “My Sightings” on the website or emailing to sightings@hwdt.org. Your photos and videos can help identify individual animals and uncover their movements and life histories.
DID YOU KNOW?
Last year, you (the amazing Whale Track community) contributed 1053 sightings to Sea Watch Foundation’s National Whale and Dolphin Watch survey. We think that’s an incredible public achievement and we are hugely grateful to you all for your passion and dedication to protect our marine life.
So best of luck, we can’t wait to find out more about what you spot over the coming days and see your photos and videos. We are keeping our fingers crossed for settled weather and no midges for you all! Happy spotting!