Developing skills in marine science: Kathryn’s work experience with HWDT
Kathryn joined our team in Tobermory to gain work experience in marine conservation. Over that time, she has contributed to a range of activities that support our research and outreach work. In this blog, Kathryn reflects on her experience and the skills she has developed.
I have grown up on mull and always had an interest in marine life from living so close to the sea. When I was young, I spent lots of my free time in the Mull Aquarium learning all about the animals, before volunteering for a couple of years there. After turning 16, I started working on Tobermory Bay Tours over the weekends which I love - I really enjoy getting to go out on the water and teach people what is in and around our sea here in Tobermory. I started doing work experience with HWDT last year and I enjoy getting to help and see how they collect marine mammal data and learn more about each species.
As part of my work experience I have been doing lots of verification on Whale Track sightings reports. This process involves looking at all the reports on Whale Track and verifying if the animal reported was the correct species, and saving any photos attached. The photos are good for confirming species and they show exactly what was seen. Photos that are very clear then get used for photo ID to try and identify the individual whale or dolphin reported. I will look at the different photographs and try to find any nicks or scratched on the animal or its fin, and if possible then try and identify the individual.
During this summer I got to go aboard Silurian – HWDTs research vessel - for one of the teen teams, it was so much fun being able to meet new people who are a similar age and interested in marine science as this wasn’t something that I had ever done before. We went out to the Outer Hebrides and it was great getting to learn how they survey on board and what life living on a boat can look like. Also on this trip I saw white beaked dolphins for the first time which is always very exciting getting to add another species to the list! I was definitely quite nervous to begin with but once we were all on the boat and started chatting and getting to know each other the nerves went away as I realised that we were all quite similar and wanted to be there for the same reason.
The young team aboard the research expedition in July 2025
After I finish school I plan to go on and study marine biology at university; I hope to be able to continue to learn and teach others about the importance of the marine life we have here and what we can do to help it.