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.
Read MoreOver 90 people joined an expedition during the 2023 field season. Trained in data collection and survey protocol, these citizen scientists joined a community of people - stretching back over 20 years - helping to improve the understanding of whales, dolphins, porpoises and basking sharks off Scotland’s west coast and safeguard them for future generations.
Read MoreChristine 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.
Read MoreThere are only two known recordings of the vocalisations – or ‘voices’ - of the West Coast Community killer whales. Last week, these rare recordings were shared with the British Library to be placed in their archives and preserved for future generations alongside the sounds of extinct species and lost human languages.
Read MoreJoint Warrior, Europe’s largest military exercise, will begin in Scottish waters today. Please be vigilant and contribute to our long-term monitoring efforts by reporting your excursions and sightings on Whale Track.
Read MoreIona-based visual artist Mhairi Killin will open her major new collaborative multi-media exhibition On Sonorous Seas at An Tobar on Mull from 8 July to 27 August.. The installation - which mixes whale bone sculpture, video, poetry and soundscape alongside a series of podcasts - is inspired by the complex relationship between the militarisation of Scotland’s waters and its existing ecosystem.
Read MoreJoint Warrior, Europe’s largest military exercise, is underway in Scotland. If you are on the west coast of Scotland, please be extra vigilant and contribute to our long-term monitoring efforts by reporting your excursions and sightings on Whale Track.
Read MoreToday Europe’s largest military exercise, Joint Warrior, begins in the Hebrides. HWDT have long-standing concerns about the impact of these activities on whales, dolphins and porpoises. Find out more about our concerns and what we are doing about it here.
Read MoreTomorrow marks the beginning of Joint Warrior, a UK led NATO military exercise. This latest exercise runs 4th - 15th October 2020. Unusual behaviour has been documented historically and this year there are additional concerns due to the presence of five northern bottlenose whales, known to be in the area as Joint Warrior begins.
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