Posts in Science & Research
Exploring the new Whale Track app and website

Just in time for Spring, as spotting conditions improve and the wildlife begins to arrive in larger numbers around local shores, we have released a new and improved Whale Track app. Here we explore five new features of Whale Track.

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Seen a fin? send it in! – Scottish charity urges public to report whale and dolphin sightings in Hebrides

The 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.

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Exciting Upgrades Boost Conservation

Adventure beckons as the summer field season on board our research vessel, Silurian, kicks off this weekend. But before we raise the anchor and set sail, we’d love to share some of the exciting developments we’ve made over the winter with support from the NatureScot Nature Restoration Fund.

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*PRESS RELEASE* Ground-breaking Scottish project to reduce marine animal entanglement in creel fishing gear

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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Europe’s largest military exercise underway in Scotland

Joint 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.

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*PRESS RELEASE* Famous fins make a welcome return to Hebridean seas

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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*PRESS RELEASE* First killer whale match made between Scotland and Norway

What is believed to be the first match of killer whales between Scotland and Norway has been made after experts identified three individuals photographed in southern Norway this month as part of a ‘mystery pod’ seen off Scotland’s west coast in 2018.

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Killer whale update: John Coe and pal are spotted in the English Channel again

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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Public consultation on UK Dolphin and Porpoise Conservation Strategy

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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Famous killer whales ‘John Coe’ and ‘Aquarius’ back in Hebridean seas after being spotted off the English coast for the first time!

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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Europe’s largest military exercise begins today in the Hebrides

Today 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.

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Protected areas for whales, dolphins and sharks designated in Scottish waters

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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Concern as Joint Warrior begins

Tomorrow 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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Famous fins return to Hebridean seas!

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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Top Tips for Great Wildlife Encounters

We are amazed by all the incredible sightings you folks have been having recently. See our 10 top tips for how to have the best marine wildlife encounters, whilst keeping the welfare of these amazing animals at the forefront of our minds.

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*PRESS RELEASE* Public urged to report whale and dolphin sightings in Hebrides

We are calling on members of the public to record their at-sea excursions and sightings of whales, dolphins, porpoises and endangered basking sharks off Scotland’s west coast to boost monitoring efforts and strengthen understanding of the coronavirus lockdown’s impact on these animals.

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