National Whale and Dolphin Watch: 28th July - 5th August 2018

Members of the public are invited to take part in dolphin, whale and porpoise surveys around the UK as part of National Whale and Dolphin Watch, from the 28th July to the 5th August. The data collected during the event will help develop a snapshot of the distribution of dolphins, whales and porpoises around the UK and help us better understand our marine environment, inform policy and protect these magnificent creatures.

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Survey Summary: HWDT 7

During the survey we recorded five different species of marine mammals, which included an incredible sighting of Risso’s dolphins with new calves in tow, as well as some very close encounters with some minke whales. We also had the opportunity to visit the island of Lunga, spending time with thousands of nesting puffins!

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Celebrating a Year of Whale Track!

A year on from its launch, Whale Track, HWDT’s community sightings app and website, is going from strength to strength. With 651 users, who have recorded over 3,550 sightings and 24,055 animals, Whale Track is creating a growing community of citizen scientists monitoring whales and dolphins on the west coast of Scotland.

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Survey Summary: HWDT 6

During the survey, the team covered an impressive 475 miles of Hebridean seas looking and listening for marine wildlife. It was a truly fantastic survey with an incredible 234 sightings of seven species of marine mammals and basking sharks. The highlight was a minke whale encounter that was so special it bought tears to our eyes!

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Teenage marine research expeditions in Hebrides to boost whale and dolphin conservation

To celebrate Scotland's Year of Young People, the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust are running three Teen Team research surveys this year, for the first time ever! These unique research expeditions place teenagers at the heart of the action, conducting pioneering research into whales and dolphins off Scotland’s west coast – helping collect valuable data to conserve marine mammals.

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*PRESS RELEASE* Vote for Whale Track in the National Lottery Awards 2018

We are delighted to announce Whale Track has been named as a finalist in the 2018 National Lottery Awards – the annual search for people’s favourite National Lottery-funded projects. You can help us win by voting now!

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HWDT Welcomes New Gaelic Development Intern

HWDT welcomes new Gaelic Development Intern to develop our education programme for Gaelic-medium schools for the first time ever, thanks to funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig.

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Survey Summary: HWDT 4

During the survey we recorded seven different species of marine mammals, including ten different pods of white-beaked dolphins! Amazing weather conditions meant that we were able to travel to the Outer Hebrides, visiting white sandy beaches and the Callanish stones.

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*PRESS RELEASE* Unique Trail to Promote Scotland as Top Whale-Watching Destination

Individuals, communities and businesses are being asked to contribute ideas for top sites for spotting whales, dolphins and porpoises from land on Scotland’s west coast, to help create a Hebridean Whale Trail that will be the first of its kind in the UK.

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Survey Summary: HWDT 3

During the survey we covered 205 nautical miles, spending over 27 hours looking for marine megafauna. We recorded four different species including an incredible encounter with the Inner Hebridean population of bottlenose dolphins, who are resident to our survey area.

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Floating Classroom visits Island Primary Schools for the first time in 10 years!

Tomorrow, the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust’s research yacht, Silurian, will set sail on an ambitious tour of Hebridean islands, making special visits to six local primary schools visiting some for the first time in a decade.

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UHI Marine and Coastal Tourism Work Placement at HWDT HQ

HWDT were lucky enough to host two highly enthusiastic students on work placements from the Marine and Coastal Tourism degree course that is run from UHI West Highland College in Fort William. The students helped deliver our community engagement and citizen science programmes, and gained valuable workplace experience for their future careers.

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