HWDT Research Expeditions Shortlisted for a Nature of Scotland Award
Silurian - HWDTs research vessel and home to everyone who joins an expedition
Real science, powered by passionate people
We are thrilled to share that the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust’s (HWDT) pioneering research expeditions have been shortlisted for the Nature Tourism Award at the prestigious RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards 2025.
Over the past two decades, over a 1,000 people have joined an expedition and the data collected is having a significant impact on our marine environment; deepening the understanding of species in our seas and protecting them for future generations.
“Scotland’s west coast is one of Europe’s most important habitats for whales, dolphins and porpoises. For over 20 years, HWDTs research vessel, Silurian, has explored these waters, powered by a pioneering model of conservation tourism. This is tourism with a purpose - transformative for both people and nature. ”
Launched in 2002, Silurian has become an icon of marine conservation in Scotland. Her mission is to gather scientifically robust data across vast and remote areas of Scotland’s west coast; an undertaking that would be impossible without the power of nature-based tourism.
Through live-aboard research expeditions, people are trained and empowered to become marine mammal field biologists. Every expedition contributes to the UK’s largest continuous visual and acoustic dataset on cetaceans and basking sharks, deepening the understanding of these creatures and generating the knowledge needed to protect them.
Since 2002, expedition volunteers have collectively surveyed over 130,000 km of Hebridean seas - the equivalent of sailing more than three times around the world - recorded over 9,000 hours of underwater acoustic data and nearly 18,000 cetacean encounters, encompassing 16 species, totaling 47,000 individual animals. Hebridean waters are globally significant yet face mounting pressures; from climate change to marine noise, entanglement and pollution.
Visual surveying is undertaken at the mast, with each expedition following a set protocol, the data collected is comparable year-on-year
Marine Protect Areas
Research expeditions provided evidence for the designation of Marine Protected Areas for minke whales, Risso’s dolphins, harbour porpoises, and basking sharks – a national and global first for some species. The data collected during expeditions continues to be important to monitor these protected sites.
This map illustrates the Sea of the Hebrides MPA, designated to protect minke whales - the first in the UK - and basking sharks - the first in the world!
Quieter seas for cetaceans
Data from acoustic survey work collected during research expeditions revealed the negative impact Acoustic Deterrent Devices had on porpoises in Hebridean waters. A licensing system has since been implemented and the use of these has effectively ceased off the west coast, creating quieter seas for all cetaceans.
This map illustrates the acoustic monitoring effort undertaken by citizen scientists on board Silurian between 2006 - 2022 (in blue). The orange areas donate where ADDs were detected during listening stations. The shaded area of the map shows the boundary of the Special Area of Conservation (SAC) for porpoises.
What sets this experience apart is the double impact: delivering robust, long-term scientific monitoring while engaging and inspiring individuals through immersive nature tourism. Participants leave not just with memories of great encounters but knowing they have made a measurable contribution to marine conservation.
A minke whale surfaces alongside Silurian, providing an awesome experience for all on deck
Our project: Protecting Whales, Powered by People was announced as a finalist at the Nature of Scotland Awards Shortlist Reception held at the Scottish Parliament, hosted by Karen Adam MSP and sponsored by Suntory Global Spirits.
The winners of all 10 categories will be revealed at a celebratory event held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre (EICC) on Thursday 20 November, where the 53 finalists will gather. RSPB Scotland has been running the awards for over a decade, and is grateful for the support of our many supporters and sponsors including our 2025 headline sponsor NatureScot. This year’s ceremony will be hosted by BBC Springwatch presenter Iolo Williams and BBC Scotland Landward presenter Arlene Stuart.
The Nature of Scotland Awards recognise individuals and organisations making a difference across local communities, schools, and businesses to support Scotland’s wildlife and natural environment.
“Every year the Nature of Scotland Awards celebrate people and projects going that extra mile to make a difference for nature in their local communities. We can’t tackle the nature and climate crisis alone and it is heartening to hear the inspiring stories of people coming together to protect species and improve spaces for nature.
A huge thank you to all of this year’s applicants for sharing their tremendous work with us. I am looking forward to seeing everyone at the awards ceremony in November at what looks to be another night.”
Being shortlisted for this award is testament to the efforts of everyone who has joined an expedition to date and the contribution that these citizen scientists have made to the conservation of Scottish cetaceans. The 54 finalists of the RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards will all gather in Edinburgh on the 22 November to enjoy a night of celebration, where the winners of all 10 categories will be announced.