Is the effort worth it? Absolutely!

Gathering effort-based data from the deck of Calmac’s Loch Seaforth ferry as part of the Wild Discovery ferry watching event

Celebrating citizen science and the power of effort-based data collection.

For over 30 years, the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust has been gathering vital information about the incredible marine life found in Scotland’s west coast waters. Thanks to our dedicated citizen scientists - through sightings submitted via our Whale Track app and onboard our research vessel Silurian - we now hold one of the most extensive datasets of cetacean sightings in the UK.

But when it comes to data, not all records are created equal.

WHY EFFORT MATTERS

While every sighting is valuable, how we collect that data is just as important as what we see. That’s where effort-based data comes in.

Effort-based data is recorded through the framework of time, location, and survey conditions - such as weather, visibility, and observer effort.  This method is considered the gold standard because it allows researchers to understand not just where species are found, but how many are likely present in a given area. With this kind of data, we can estimate relative abundance (animals seen per kilometre surveyed) and begin to answer critical questions about species trends, habitat use, and the impacts of human activity.

WHALE TRACK IN ACTION: FERRY-BASED SURVEYS WITH WILD DISCOVERY

This summer, we teamed up with Wild Discovery and the Mammal Society for three days of wildlife surveying aboard the Loch Seaforth ferry, which sails between Ullapool and Stornoway. These waters are rich with marine life, offering incredible opportunities for cetacean spotting, including fin whales, humpbacks, and minke whales.

“The approach into Stornoway on the final day was unbelievable with lunge-feeding minkes everywhere! Being on deck and helping people spot these magnificent animals, especially those for the first time, was a real highlight.”

— Morven Summers, HWDT Communications Manager

Using the Whale Track app, we positioned ourselves on either side of the viewing deck to carry out structured watches, recording sightings, environmental data, and survey effort as we went. In total, we covered 480 kilometres and logged over 18 hours of effort-based data.

Over the course of the crossings, we recorded 6 different species - a testament to the richness of our Hebridean seas.

All the whales, dolphins and porpoises recorded during the 3-day Wild Discovery ferry watching event in 2025

One of the Mammal Society Youth Ambassadors, Mel, joined the team – you can read her account of the event HERE.

Ferry crossings are a great opportunity to collect effort-based data

ANYONE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Whether you’re on a ferry, a wildlife tour, or simply enjoying a coastal walk, you can contribute to meaningful marine research. The free Whale Track app makes it easy, offering an in-built ID guide and multiple options for reporting - from quick sightings to full effort-based watches.

“Sailing with Calmac off Scotland’s west coast provides fantastic opportunities to spot and record marine wildlife. On almost all the routes, there’s a chance you will spot a fin breaking the surface. And if you do, be sure to report it!”

— Sadie Gorvett, HWDTs

With over 7,000 registered users, the Whale Track community is growing fast and so is the impact. Among our contributors are wildlife tour operators who go the extra mile to support conservation. Our Whale Track Scheme recognises these exceptional efforts, and we’d like to give a special shout-out to Shearwater Cruises, who helped us positively identify a distant dolphin species recorded during our ferry survey.

BE PART OF EFFORTS TO SAFEGUARD OUR MARINE LIFE

The more effort-based data we collect, the more accurately we can assess the health of our marine environment…and the better we can protect it for future generations.

By joining the Whale Track community, you’re not just recording sightings; you’re contributing to science, supporting conservation, and helping ensure that we can all continue to experience the magic of whales, dolphins and porpoises in Scottish waters.

Download Whale Track today and become part of a growing network of people making waves for marine life.

We would like to extend a huge thanks to Dan and Rachael at Wild Discovery for inviting us to join their ferry watching event and to CalMac for welcoming us on board and providing such fantastic platforms for wildlife watching in the Hebrides.  We would also like to extend our thanks to the Mammal Society, particularly their Youth Ambassador, Mel, who did a fantastic job engaging with ferry passengers.