Posts in Science & Research
Criss-crossing the Minch: an Atlantic white sided surprise
Criss-crossing the Minch: an Atlantic white sided surprise

Our latest research expedition aboard Silurian took us from Ullapool back and forth across the Minch. Over the course of the week, our team of citizen scientists documented five different marine mammal species, including Atlantic white sided dolphins - a rare sighting for Silurian!

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Science & Research, SilurianEmma Steelmarine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, marine expedition, expedition, experience in the field, expedition holiday, holiday with a difference, unique holiday
How do we protect whales and dolphins in Marine Protected Areas?
How do we protect whales and dolphins in Marine Protected Areas?

Scotland’s seas are home to some of Europe’s most incredible wildlife, but understanding highly mobile species like whales and dolphins is challenging and there’s still much to learn. 

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Silurian, Science & ResearchMorven Summerscitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us, killer whales, killer whale, john coe, John Coe, where has John Coe been spotted, John Coe killer whale, West Coast Community, scottish seas, Scottish killer, studying scottish killer whales, aquarius, Lulu killer whale, Lulu, PCBs, why are the killer whales dying
Community scooping whale poop to study the diet of whales in Scotland
Community scooping whale poop to study the diet of whales in Scotland

A project is underway to investigate what whales are eating off Scotland’s west coast by examining the make-up of their poop! We are delighted to be part of the team collecting samples, armed and ready to scoop from the deck of our research vessel, Silurian.

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Science & Research, Sightings, SilurianMorven SummersHumpback whale, humpback whales in Scotland, citizen science projects, citizen science, how do people study whales, who is working with whales, who is studying whales, who studies whales UK, who is studying Scottish whales, scottish, scottish whales, Scotland, wildlife, marine wildlife in scotland, scottish marine life, what do whales eat, why are whales in scotland, whale research in Scotland, whale research
Well-known west coast whales return to our waters
Well-known west coast whales return to our waters

In recent weeks, well known minke whales – Knobble and Kasey – have been spotted in the Hebrides.  Their sightings are a powerful reminder of how vital these waters are for minke whales, and how long-term monitoring is key to understanding them.

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Sightings, Science & Research, SilurianMorven SummersKnobble the minke whale, Knobble, whale conservation, whale track, what whales can I see, scotland, Scottish whales, who is studying Scottish whales, who is studying whales, whale watching in scotland, whale watching with a difference
AIS data underrepresents vessel traffic around coastal Scotland
AIS data underrepresents vessel traffic around coastal Scotland

Data gathered during expeditions on our research vessel, Silurian, have contributed to a new study investigating how accurate Automatic Identification System (AIS) data is in quantifying vessel traffic in coastal waters around Scotland.

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Silurian, Science & ResearchLauren Hartny-Millscitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us, killer whales, killer whale, john coe, John Coe, where has John Coe been spotted, John Coe killer whale, West Coast Community, scottish seas, Scottish killer, studying scottish killer whales, aquarius, Lulu killer whale, Lulu, PCBs, why are the killer whales dying
Mapping Marine Life: The Power of Expedition Data
Mapping Marine Life: The Power of Expedition Data

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.

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Silurian, Science & ResearchMorven Summerscitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us, killer whales, killer whale, john coe, John Coe, where has John Coe been spotted, John Coe killer whale, West Coast Community, scottish seas, Scottish killer, studying scottish killer whales, aquarius, Lulu killer whale, Lulu, PCBs, why are the killer whales dying
Over 10,000 Whale and Dolphin Sightings Recorded in Scotland's Seas
Over 10,000 Whale and Dolphin Sightings Recorded in Scotland's Seas

During 2024, 11,039 sightings of whales, dolphins, porpoises, and other marine life were reported to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) by members of the public, or citizen scientists.  Over 65,000 animals have been sighted in Scottish waters, from 17 different species. 

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Silurian, Science & Research, Climate Change, Sightings, In the NewsMorven Summersscience tourism, ecotourism, volunteer now, volunteer holiday, expedition, marine expedition, whale watching with a difference, whale watching, experience in the field, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, wildlife watching on mull, minke, minke whales, how can I get involved in whale research, how can I help whales, save the whales, porpoises, acoustic data, research expedition, holiday with a difference, whale conservation, whale research in Scotland, how people are helping, citizen science, citizen science projects, get involved, how can I help, how can i get involved
Tides of Change: Monitoring Hebridean Seas
Tides of Change: Monitoring Hebridean Seas

Whales and dolphins are long-lived and well-travelled, with some species crossing oceans on migration.  Understanding these magnificent creatures and safeguarding their futures relies on long-term monitoring, offering us a deeper glimpse into their lives and challenges.

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Silurian, Science & Research, Climate ChangeMorven Summersscience tourism, ecotourism, volunteer now, volunteer holiday, expedition, marine expedition, whale watching with a difference, whale watching, experience in the field, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, wildlife watching on mull, minke, minke whales, how can I get involved in whale research, how can I help whales, save the whales, porpoises, acoustic data, research expedition
Record high for minke whale sightings but record low for basking sharks, research in Hebrides finds
Record high for minke whale sightings but record low for basking sharks, research in Hebrides finds

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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In the News, Science & Research, Silurian, SightingsMorven Summersminke whale, minke whales, basking sharks, basking shark scotland, whale conservation, whale watching with a difference, whale research in Scotland, marine mammals, marine protected areas, holiday with a difference, wildlife experiences in Scotland, what marine wildlife can you see, wildlife holi, whale watching in Scotland, scottish wildlife, Nature Scot, what is being done to protect whales, scotland, west coast of scotland, marine mammal monitoring, make a difference, expedition, expedition holiday, research expedition
The conservation impact of joining a HWDT Research Expedition
The conservation impact of joining a HWDT Research Expedition

Our expedition surveys on board our research vessel, Silurian, have been monitoring Scotland’s seas for over two decades. This long-term monitoring is critical, driving protections to restore marine biodiversity and championing healthy seas for nature and communities.

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Silurian, Science & Research, Climate ChangeMorven Summersscience tourism, ecotourism, volunteer now, volunteer holiday, expedition, marine expedition, whale watching with a difference, whale watching, experience in the field, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, wildlife watching on mull, minke, minke whales, how can I get involved in whale research, how can I help whales, save the whales, porpoises, acoustic data, research expedition