Vaughan, our Volunteer Outreach Assistant, reflects on his experiences during the twelve day monitoring expedition he joined on board our research vessel, Silurian.
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The team on our sixth research expedition circumnavigated the Isles of Harris and Lewis, recording 9 species of marine animal in the western part of our research area. They were treated to beautiful weather and the animals definitely turned out for them. Read all about their time on board here…
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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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Basking sharks, humpbacks, and Risso's that look like belugas, it's been a busy spring for sightings. Check out what's been reported in our spring sightings summary blog.
Image credit: Jimmy Hall
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Our fifth research expedition of 2023 left Ullapool to monitor the waters off the west coast of Scotland on board our research vessel - Silurian. Five species of marine mammal were recorded and the team was treated to glorious sunshine. The volunteer team recount their expedition
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Join Community Engagement Officer, Caroline, as she journeys round the Hebridean Whale Trail in the Tales from the Trail blog series. Read about Caroline’s visit to the Isle of Rum and what she got up to on her first trip to the Small Isles. Feel inspired where the land meets the sea and plan your next adventure on the Hebridean Whale Trail.
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The great whales are important green allies in the fight against climate change; from storing carbon in the ocean depths, to encouraging phytoplankton blooms at the surface, the denizens of the deep are a natural, effective solution to removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
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Every year, we welcome aboard teams of students from St Andrew’s University Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) to discover how we collect data on board our research vessel, Silurian. Over the course of 10 days, each team spent time travelling to different areas of the west coast, collecting vital visual and acoustic data on marine mammals.
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Our fourth research expedition of 2023 left Tobermory for a twelve-day survey monitoring the waters off the west coast of Scotland on board Silurian, our research vessel. The team crossed the Minch twice, encountering five species of marine mammal and basking sharks! The volunteer team on board recount the expedition…
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There are only two known recordings of the vocalisations – or ‘voices’ - of the West Coast Community killer whales. Last week, these rare recordings were shared with the British Library to be placed in their archives and preserved for future generations alongside the sounds of extinct species and lost human languages.
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Casting your eye over a calm sea, you’d be forgiven for thinking life beneath the waves is peaceful and serene…it’s anything but! HWDT provide acoustic data to artists and musicians who raise awareness of the soundscape beneath the waves and the importance of noise to marine life. Here we share two recent collaborations with artists who have utilised the sounds we’ve recorded during monitoring expeditions to create beautiful songs of the sea.
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Killer whales, also known as orcas, are one of the most easily recognised species in Scottish waters. We dive into why this apex predator is so many people’s favourite dolphin.
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From 24 - 28 April, our education team jumped aboard Silurian, our research vessel, to transform her into our popular floating classroom. Our Education and Sightings Officer, Sadie, shares the fun everyone had - not least the pupils visiting but the HWDT team on board Silurian.
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Our third research expedition of 2023 left Tobermory for a seven-day survey monitoring the waters off the west coast of Scotland on board Silurian, our research vessel. The team circumnavigated the Isle of Skye, encountering five species of marine mammal. The volunteer team on board recount the expedition…
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Our second research expedition of 2023 left Tobermory for a seven-day survey monitoring the Hebridean marine environment on board Silurian - our research vessel. Things got off to a rolly start but calm seas prevailed allowing the group to collect vital visual and acoustic data. The volunteer team on board recall their expedition…
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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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HWDT’s education team are inviting local communities to join them aboard our research vessel, Silurian.
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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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HWDT supports the Scottish Government proposals for Highly Protected Marine Areas (HPMAs). However, we recognise that these measures need to be carefully designed and include communities at the heart of the decision-making process
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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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