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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Following a public consultation in 2023, the Scottish Government have announced a ban on industrial sandeel fishing in Scottish waters ahead of the 2024 fishery season in March. The move is especially important for species that rely on sandeels as an important component of their diet, such as harbour porpoise and minke whale.
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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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Over 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.
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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.
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Knobble - 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
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Since 2002, our research vessel, Silurian, has been collecting information of international importance on marine life in the Hebrides. A recognisable and familiar presence off Scotland’s west coast, Silurian and her teams of citizen scientists have worked hard, monitoring and protecting areas of critical habitat for whales and dolphins, but has she always undertaken such vital work?
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To protect our marine environment, we must first understand it. How do we deepen our understanding…data. HWDTs flagship, Silurian, celebrated a milestone in 2022 - marking 20 years of monitoring Hebridean seas. Read all about the 20th field season on board Silurian
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Research published last month shows the extent of whale entanglements in fishing gear around Scotland and has identified potential solutions to reduce entanglements in the future.
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The Scottish Entanglement Alliance have issued a report on the threat of entanglement to marine animals in Scottish waters. This cross-sector partnership has come together to better understand the scale, extent and impact. Only by working together can we tackle the issue effectively.
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Knobble and Kasey return to the Hebrides this month, highlighting how important the region is for minke whales who migrate to feed in the rich waters off Scotland’s west coast during the summer months.
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Well-known killer whale John Coe from the West Coast Community has been spotted of the English coast again, this time seen off Dover, in the English Channel. John Coe was seen with a second individual, likely to be Aquarius.
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The Scottish Government is currently running a public consultation and is seeking your views on a new UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy. The strategy aims to support the conservation of nine of the most commonly seen cetaceans in UK waters, and now includes minke whales.
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Much loved killer whales John Coe and Aquarius from the West Coast Community have returned to the Hebrides 9 days after this famous pair were recorded off the English coast for the first time.
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Today we welcome the Scottish Government announcement on the designation of four new Marine Protected Areas (MPA) for minke whale, basking shark and Risso’s dolphin in Scottish waters, which will protect areas of critical habitat for these species.
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Three of your most-loved minke whales have returned to the Hebrides this month, highlighting how important the region is for these wonderful whales who migrate to feed in the rich waters off Scotland’s west coast during the summer months.
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Join us for our weekly blog as we share experiences from sites along the Hebridean Whale Trail - this week we meet Jenny, the ranger for Wester Ross and hear about some of her recent activities around Gairloch.
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A warm welcome to one of the new members of the team, Hannah, who is part of our 2019 volunteer team. Here Hannah gives an account of her first trip out with Sea Life Surveys to collect Photo ID images
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Today the Scottish Government has opened a public consultation seeking views on proposals for four new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). HWDT will be responding to the consultation and hope that all stakeholders will take the opportunity to voice their views, so that the best possible outcome can be reached for whales, dolphins, sharks and for coastal communities.
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A warm welcome to one of the new members of the team, Hannah, who is part of our 2019 volunteer team. Here Hannah gives an account of some of the activities she’s been involved with, including her first minke whale sighting!
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