Clear skies, glassy seas & fascinating minke whale behaviours on our latest research expedition!
Glorious sunshine welcomed our team of citizen scientists aboard Silurian for our latest research expedition, setting the tone for an unforgettable week.
With calm seas and clear skies guiding our way, we had an action packed survey collecting vital data on marine mammals whist soaking up the beauty of Scotland’s west coast. The team helped us cover hundreds of kilometres; from the iconic basalt cliffs of Staffa to the deep offshore waters of Stanton Banks, a rare opportunity made possible by the consistently favourable conditions.
From bow-riding common dolphins and playful seals to close encounters with minke whales and flurries of feeding seabirds, every day brought awe-inspiring moments. Between surveys, we soaked up the west coast’s wild beauty with shore excursions to Gigha, Islay and Tiree, and even enjoyed the full Scottish experience with haggis, neeps, and tatties whilst anchored off the remove Nave Island (an uninhabited isle off the north coast of Islay), surrounded by a stunning sunset and over 15 inquisitive grey seals.
Throughout the expedition, we covered over 700 kilometres of coastal and offshore waters, recording 165 marine mammal sightings across five species: harbour porpoise, common dolphins, minke whales, grey seals and common seals. Our most remarkable encounter came at Stanton Banks, where calm seas rewarded our early start with an unforgettable display of feeding and surfacing minke whales – we recorded lunge feeding, spy hopping and even rolling just below the surface right next to Silurian, showing off their minke mittens and white belly.
During this expedition, we were able to collect valuable photo-ID data of minke whales around Stanton Banks. Photo-identification is a non-intrusive research method which uses images of dorsal fins and unique markings to track individual animals across time and space. These images will be added to our Minke Whale Photo-ID Catalogue, which allows us to study habitat use, movement patterns and population dynamics. In turn, this helps identify key areas critical to the species' survival – evidence that supports marine protection and drives forward effective conservation in Scotland’s seas. We’re excited to see if any of the individuals photographed are already in our catalogue!
Each day on board brought new moments of connection - not just with the incredible wildlife, but with the rhythms of life at sea. Whether scanning the horizon from Silurian’s mast, tuning in to the hydrophone for underwater clicks and whistles, or sharing laughs over tea and chocolate brownies, the spirit of teamwork was ever-present. Even the quieter days reminded us that every hour of effort contributes to a much bigger picture – one where science, adventure, connection and conservation all come together.
