This week the Royal National Mòd is underway; a wonderful celebration of the Gaelic culture here in Scotland. Below, Coinneach MacFhraing explores the connection between the Gaels and the sea creatures which inhabit our waters, by sharing his knowledge of the place names associated with whales and dolphins.
Ronnie Mackie and his band ‘Quarrel Brae’ have released a lovely tune - ‘The Whale Song’ - to help raise funds for a number of charities, HWDT included! The song was inspired by a conversation that Ronnie had with a whale while sailing across the Atlantic. Read Ronnie’s story of how he came to write the song
Our fifteenth research expedition of 2022 left Tobermory for a week long survey to monitor the waters off the west coast of Scotland. A changeable week of weather created some challenges for those on board Silurian - our research vessel - but the team was rewarded with some memorable encounters. Here Craig Mackie, Science Officer on board, recalls the expedition
In October 2018, Rachel Horsburgh joined a research expedition, this inspired her to write ‘Whale Song’. ‘Whale Song’ has recently been showcased as part of The Nature Library exhibition of writings at the Ullapool Ferry Terminal last weekend, curated by Christina Riley, as part of the Climate Fringe Festival.
Dr Conor Ryan - HWDT alumni now Science Committee member - has published an incredibly interesting paper on the historical occurrence of whales in Scottish waters. By utilising old whaling records, Conor and his colleagues begin to shed some light on the species which used to inhabit our waters and what we might expect to see if our seas recover from past exploitation.
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.
Our fourteenth research expedition of 2022 left Tobermory for a seven-day survey monitoring Hebridean waters onboard Silurian - our research vessel. Treated to great weather and fantastic sightings, citizen scientists onboard encountered seven different species of marine megafauna. Hannah Lightley, Science Officer onboard, talks about the expedition…
For the first time since pre-pandemic, we welcomed aboard five schools in and around Tobermory, Salen and Strontian to learn first-hand about the amazing whales, dolphins and porpoises that can be seen locally.
Our thirteenth research expedition of 2022 left for twelve days at sea, gathering vital visual and acoustic data off Scotland’s west coast. Calm weather and fair seas resulted in some fantastic encounters, with common dolphins heralding in the day almost daily! Craig Mackie, Science Officer onboard, recalls the expedition
Our twelfth research expedition of 2022 left Tobermory for a seven-day survey monitoring the marine environment onboard Silurian - our research vessel. Wild weather returned but our team of citizen scientists powered through with a lot of laughs and continued to collect vital acoustic and visual data coupled with some fantastic sightings. Here Hannah Lightley, Science Officer onboard, recalls the expedition…
In modern times, everyone appreciates the importance and application of data. The digital revolution over the past couple of decades has been driven by it. However, documenting and recording information about the natural world is a well known concept that has been happening for centuries, if not millennia. In this blog find out how HWDT utilise the data gathered by you - our fantastic citizen scientists
Have you ever come across someone cutting up a dead whale or dolphin and wondered 'what on earth are they doing?' We discuss the importance of learning from the dead and who you should report any dead whales or dolphins to if you come across them.
When art and science join forces interesting things can happen; disseminating science through the arts can raise awareness of issues, reach new audiences and create a space for compelling, thought provoking discussion. When local artist Mhairi Killin approached us and shared her idea for a project, we were excited to be part of her vision.
Our second Teen Trip of the year circumnavigated Mull, calling in overnight at Colonsay and Coll. Here the teens recount their experience of their time spent on board Silurian surveying Hebridean Seas.
Every year, we offer dedicated teen research expeditions, providing young people with the skills, and experience of being a marine scientist on board a working research yacht. In this blog the teens recount their experience surveying Hebridean Seas.
The ninth research expedition of the 2022 summer field season proved exceptional. Summer conditions finally arrived and a number of different species were recorded. Although minke whales stole the show - with a fantastic encounter with a breaching whale. Read Science Officer, Craig Mackie’s account of the expedition
Jess Mather shares her experience of moving to Tobermory to volunteer with HWDT, joining the team as Outreach Assistant for the summer. Jess shares her thoughts on adjusting to island life after graduating from her Marine Conservation degree.
Marking the middle of the summer 2022 research expeditions, Silurian - our research vessel - set sail from Tobermory monitoring Hebridean seas. Tricky weather conditions continued but our team of volunteer citizen scientists powered through to help gather vital visual and acoustic data and were rewarded with some incredible encounters. Here Hannah Lightley, science officer onboard, describes the expedition.
