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.
Read MoreWe take a look at what you were reporting during this years National Whale and Dolphin Watch.
Image: John Coe & Aquarius ©Peggy Messeiller-Henery
Read MoreKnobble - the famous minke whale - returns to the Hebrides, highlighting how important the region is for these animals, who migrate each year to feed in the rich waters off Scotland’s west coast
Read MoreVaughan, our Volunteer Outreach Assistant, reflects on his experiences during the twelve day monitoring expedition he joined on board our research vessel, Silurian.
Read MoreNational Whale and Dolphin Watch is an exciting annual marine mammal monitoring event, run by the Seawatch Foundation, that aims to get as many people as possible looking out to sea all around the UK, providing a snapshot of what is being seen in UK waters. Find out more about the event and how to get involved.
Read MoreIt’s been an exciting year for sightings across the west coast of Scotland. It’s been a particularly busy year for sightings of the West Coast Community members, John Coe and Aquarius. Between February and October 2022, the famous pair have been Photo ID’d across a total of 33 days, with their location ranging from the Hebrides, Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Photo credit: EmmaJane-HebridesCruises
Read MoreAlthough rare, humpback whales are now being sighted with increasing regularity in Scottish waters - with the 100th whale documented this year. They are known to migrate through Scottish waters between their feeding and breeding grounds. Find out how citizen scientists are deepening the understanding of these awesome creatures
Read MoreExplore the amazing sightings reported during this years National Whale and Dolphin Watch event.
Image: Harbour porpoise ©Graeme-brown
Read MoreNational Whale and Dolphin Watch is an exciting annual marine mammal monitoring event, run by the Seawatch Foundation, that aims to get as many people as possible looking out to sea all around the UK, providing a snapshot of what is being seen in UK waters. Find out more about the event and how to get involved.
Read MoreWe’re well underway with our monitoring Hebridean seas this year, with Silurian, our research vessel, completing her fourth expedition of the 2023 summer field season. Some challenging conditions didn't dampen the spirits of the fantastic citizen scientists who joined us on board…the encounters with whales, dolphins and porpoises helped too!
Read MoreOur second research expedition of the summer field season was exceptional - recording a total of seven marine mammal species, including killer whales, John Coe and Aquarius of the West Coast Community! Hannah, our Science Officer on board who leads the data collection programme shares her experience
Read MoreSpring is a vital time to monitor whales, dolphins, and porpoises, collectively known as cetaceans, in the waters of western Scotland. Our seas begin to warm and whales migrate into our productive waters to feed. We explore some of the species you may encounter this spring.
Read MoreThe Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) are calling on members of the public to get involved with efforts to protect Scottish whales and dolphins by reporting what they’ve spotted and carrying out surveys from both land and sea. The appeal comes as the conservation charity launches its new and improved Whale Track community sightings app and website.
Read MoreCheck out what’s been reported over the winter by our wonderful Whale Track community. Recording whale, dolphin and porpoise movements over winter months is crucial to building a year-round understanding of how these creatures use our waters and document any changes over time. A huge thank you to all our Whale Track reporters for helping undertake this vital work!
Read MoreCOP26 started this week in Glasgow, where world leaders are meeting to discuss how best to tackle climate issues. Our Science Officer Becky explores what climate change means for our oceans, and what impacts in could be having to the whales, dolphins, and porpoises in our waters….
Read MoreSilurian battled through strong winds and heavy showers on our latest acoustic expedition. In total, we surveyed over 330 nautical miles, collecting over 60 hours of acoustic recordings.
Read MoreOn our latest expedition onboard our research vessel Silurian, we went went, surveying the waters around the Outer Hebrides and reaching some of the most remote areas of the Scottish west coast.
Read MoreAfter volunteering three years ago, Bruce joined us on board Silurian as First Mate for our latest acoustic expedition. Bruce talks to our Science Officer Becky about that three year journey and why that first survey made such an impact…
Read MoreOur latest expedition on board our research vessel Silurian was action packed! Not only did we have some incredible wildlife encounters, but we even managed to join James Armour for some of his incredible Selkie race.
Read MoreExplore the amazing sightings reported during this years National Whale and Dolphin Watch event.
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