Posts tagged scotland
Stormy seas and sailing with celebrities
Stormy seas and sailing with celebrities

From stormy seas to BBQ’s on the beach, our teams of students from St Andrew’s University Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) embraced the elements to have a truly memorable time aboard our research vessel, Silurian.

Read More
Silurian, Survey SummariesSadie Gorvettcitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us
Well-known west coast whales return to our waters
Well-known west coast whales return to our waters

In recent weeks, well known minke whales – Knobble and Kasey – have been spotted in the Hebrides.  Their sightings are a powerful reminder of how vital these waters are for minke whales, and how long-term monitoring is key to understanding them.

Read More
Sightings, Science & Research, SilurianMorven SummersKnobble the minke whale, Knobble, whale conservation, whale track, what whales can I see, scotland, Scottish whales, who is studying Scottish whales, who is studying whales, whale watching in scotland, whale watching with a difference
Clear skies, glassy seas & fascinating minke whale behaviours on our latest research expedition!
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.

Read More
Silurian, Survey SummariesEmma Steelcitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us
AIS data underrepresents vessel traffic around coastal Scotland
AIS data underrepresents vessel traffic around coastal Scotland

Data gathered during expeditions on our research vessel, Silurian, have contributed to a new study investigating how accurate Automatic Identification System (AIS) data is in quantifying vessel traffic in coastal waters around Scotland.

Read More
Silurian, Science & ResearchLauren Hartny-Millscitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us, killer whales, killer whale, john coe, John Coe, where has John Coe been spotted, John Coe killer whale, West Coast Community, scottish seas, Scottish killer, studying scottish killer whales, aquarius, Lulu killer whale, Lulu, PCBs, why are the killer whales dying
Sunshine, still seas and so many epic wildlife encounters!
Sunshine, still seas and so many epic wildlife encounters!

Fantastic weather allowed for far-flung surveying as our latest group of citizen scientists ventured to the Outer Hebrides aboard Silurian, HWDT’s dedicated research vessel. Over five days, the team onboard encountered six species of marine mammal and surveyed over 300km collecting vital visual and acoustic data. Read all about their experiences here…

Read More
Silurian, Survey SummariesHannah Lightleycitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us
Sail into Science: Free Teen Expedition Opportunity
Sail into Science: Free Teen Expedition Opportunity

Thanks to generous sponsorship, HWDT are delighted to offer two free spaces to young adults living on the west coast of Scotland. If you are aged 16 or 17 and have an interest in the marine environment, apply today to join us for free on an expedition running 03 - 09 August 2025.

Read More
In the News, SilurianMorven Summersgreat opportunity, free expedition, west coast of scotland, join us on board, opportunities for young people, marine conservation, gain experience, young people, how can young people get experience in marine conservation, research trip, research expedition, teen research expedition, teenager, teenage, skills development, amainzing opportunity, Hebrides, scotland, sponsored place
Silurian Sets Sail: The 2025 Field Season Begins!
Silurian Sets Sail: The 2025 Field Season Begins!

The 2025 season has officially begun! Our first team of citizen scientists joined Silurian for eight days of survey from Tobermory. From bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoise to puffins, seals, and even otters — the team recorded six marine mammal species and collected crucial acoustic and visual data to support conservation efforts. Read all about their experiences here…

Read More
Silurian, Survey SummariesHannah Lightleycitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us
Whale Track Stories: Tracking Skye’s Humpbacks and Responding to Entanglement
Whale Track Stories: Tracking Skye’s Humpbacks and Responding to Entanglement

This winter, a number of Humpback whales were sighted off the coast of Skye, bringing joy to many. However, this joy turned to despair when two of the individuals became entangled. Luckily, both were freed but not without stress and injury to the animals. Anthony Rigell, a dedicated whale watcher from Skye, was on the ground assisting with the response.

©Anthony Rigell

Read More
Sightings, Guest ArticlesSadie Gorvettmarine mammals, what can you see, scotland, what can i see in Scotland, hebrides, Hebrides, wildlife, wildlife watching, minke whales, whale track stories, whale track, sightings, coastguard, helicopter
A Science Sea Trial Success!
A Science Sea Trial Success!

Following an extensive period of winter maintenance, our research vessel, Silurian, set sail on Hebridean seas once again to test some new equipment on board. The data gathered during expeditions is used to better understand our seas and protect the species found off Scotland’s west coast.

Read More
Silurian, Survey SummariesEmma Steelcitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us
Mapping Marine Life: The Power of Expedition Data
Mapping Marine Life: The Power of Expedition Data

In modern times, the importance and application of data is well understood; the digital world we live in has been driven by it.  Data is vital to understanding trends and it’s no different when investigating environmental changes.

Read More
Silurian, Science & ResearchMorven Summerscitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us, killer whales, killer whale, john coe, John Coe, where has John Coe been spotted, John Coe killer whale, West Coast Community, scottish seas, Scottish killer, studying scottish killer whales, aquarius, Lulu killer whale, Lulu, PCBs, why are the killer whales dying
Big Love for the Ocean's Giants
Big Love for the Ocean's Giants

Our passion for whales runs deep, and there’s so much to admire about these incredible creatures.  On Valentine’s Day, we highlight some of the reasons why we loves whales and why you should too.

Read More
Climate ChangeMorven Summerscitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us, killer whales, killer whale, john coe, John Coe, where has John Coe been spotted, John Coe killer whale, West Coast Community, scottish seas, Scottish killer, studying scottish killer whales, aquarius, Lulu killer whale, Lulu, PCBs, why are the killer whales dying
Whales, porpoises and seabirds galore…
Whales, porpoises and seabirds galore…

The team on our seventeenth survey encountered foraging minke whales, porpoises and sea birds on their seven-day survey out of Mallaig. Read all about their experiences here…

Read More
Silurian, Survey SummariesJenny Hampsoncitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us
Seabirds, fin whales and Northern Lights delivered magic during the penultimate expedition of 2024
Seabirds, fin whales and Northern Lights delivered magic during the penultimate expedition of 2024

As reports of the wettest summer on record spread, the team aboard the 13th expedition this field season battled through to survey around the west of Mull, rewarded with dolphins and porpoises.

Read More
Silurian, Survey SummariesJenny Hampsoncitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us
Deep divers inshore drive
Deep divers inshore drive

Inshore movement of deep diving whales in Scottish coastal waters documented by community sightings volunteers.

Read More
SightingsAlison LomaxWhale Track, community, citizenscience, citizen science projects, how can I help whales, how can i get involved, report, reporting what I've spotted, I spotted a whale, scotland, scotland wildlife, who studies whales UK, who is studying Scottish whales, who is working with whales, get involved, northern bottlenose whales, inshore movements, migration, deep diving whales
Dolphins, seals, stars and bioluminesence on fifteenth survey of the year!
Dolphins, seals, stars and bioluminesence on fifteenth survey of the year!

The team on our fifthteenth survey encountered foraging common dolphins, bow-riding harbour porpoises and numerous common seals on their seven-day survey out of Mallaig. They enjoyed the first of our autumnul expeditions with starry skies and bioluminescense. Read all about their experiences here…

Read More
Silurian, Survey SummariesJenny Hampsoncitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us
Record high for minke whale sightings but record low for basking sharks, research in Hebrides finds
Record high for minke whale sightings but record low for basking sharks, research in Hebrides finds

2023 saw the highest sighting rates and numbers of minke whales yet recorded in the Hebrides, but the lowest known for basking sharks.

Read More
In the News, Science & Research, Silurian, SightingsMorven Summersminke whale, minke whales, basking sharks, basking shark scotland, whale conservation, whale watching with a difference, whale research in Scotland, marine mammals, marine protected areas, holiday with a difference, wildlife experiences in Scotland, what marine wildlife can you see, wildlife holi, whale watching in Scotland, scottish wildlife, Nature Scot, what is being done to protect whales, scotland, west coast of scotland, marine mammal monitoring, make a difference, expedition, expedition holiday, research expedition
Dolphins and seals dominated fourteenth research survey…
Dolphins and seals dominated fourteenth research survey…

The team on our fourteenth survey encountered minke whales, common dolphins, white-beaked dolphins and Atlantic blue-fin tuna on their nine day expedition out of Tobermory. Read all about their experiences here…

Read More
Silurian, Survey SummariesJenny Hampsoncitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us
Go west! Survey team 13 find their sense of adventure aboard Silurian
Go west! Survey team 13 find their sense of adventure aboard Silurian

As reports of the wettest summer on record spread, the team aboard the 13th expedition this field season battled through to survey around the west of Mull, rewarded with dolphins and porpoises.

Read More
Silurian, Survey SummariesEmma Longdoncitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us
Porpoise, seals and seabirds outshone the high seas on our latest survey
Porpoise, seals and seabirds outshone the high seas on our latest survey

Wow - we’ve completed out twelfth survey of the season! Although the challenging weather keeps on coming, our latest bunch of intrepid sailors found an abundance of porpoise, seals and seabirds.

Read More
Silurian, Survey SummariesEmma Longdoncitizenscience, science tourism, citizen science projects, join us on board, amainzing opportunity, whale watching, whale watching with a difference, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, monitoring vessel, research trip, research expedition, expedition, experience in the field, marine mammals, marine mammal monitoring, scotland, hebrides, science at sea, wildlife holiday, wildlife experiences in Scotland, sailing experience, sail with us