Posts in Sightings
Guess who's back...Knobble the minke whale!

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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Telling the Tale of the West Coast Killer Whale

The tale of the West Coast Community of killer whales will be told in a new film by Director, George Hoagy Morris.  Over the coming weeks, George will take to the water, attempting to capture footage of the elusive West Coast Community.  Inspired by the story of this unique population of killer whales, the film will share their tragic story with new audiences.

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National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2023

National 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.

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Silurian: from smuggling to science

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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Monitoring the Hebrides for 20 Years!

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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Not spotting a whale makes for meaningful whale watching

It’s official, we’re now in Spring!  The longer days and (hopefully) fairer weather are welcome and thoughts may be turning to outdoor adventures.  When you’re out on a headland, gazing out over the big blue in the hopes of seeing a fin break the surface, can spotting nothing be just as rewarding? 

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Killer Whale Mums Mean Business

On Mother’s Day, we’re taking a dive into the maternal instincts of whales, exploring how dedicated killer whale Mums are when it comes to raising young

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Dolphin Detective Work Identifies Individual

A lone bottlenose dolphin was reported off the coast of Appin, sparking investigation into who the individual may be. Thanks to the efforts of all involved, the dolphin was identified, deepening the understanding of this individual’s life story and shedding light on the movements of bottlenose dolphins around our coasts.

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Bumper year for John Coe and Aquarius

It’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

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Autumn antics from some of our favourite species

Thanks to everyone still watching for whales and dolphins over autumn and winter and reporting what they’ve spotted - it’s fantastic to see the awesome encounters coming through Whale Track. From our favourite killer whale celebrities, John Coe and Aquarius, to the 100th humpback whale being added to the Scottish Humpback Whale ID Catalogue, it’s been an exciting couple of months for marine life in Scottish seas

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100th Humpback Recorded in Scottish Waters

Although 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

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Europe’s largest military exercise returns to Scottish waters

Joint 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.

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National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2022

National 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.

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