Posts in Survey Summaries
Epic 'day of dolphins' marked the sixth research expedition
Epic 'day of dolphins' marked the sixth research expedition

As we move into ‘Summer’ off Scotland’s west coast, thanks to the team of volunteer citizen scientists we continue to monitor Hebridean seas, gathering vital visual and acoustic data. Despite some challenging weather conditions, our stoic team on board were rewarded with some interesting encounters. Here, Hannah Lightley, Science Officer on board summarises the expedition.

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Silurian, Survey SummariesMorven 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
Remote parts of the Hebrides surveyed during fifth research expedition
Remote parts of the Hebrides surveyed during fifth research expedition

Monitoring Hebridean seas is well underway, with Silurian - our research vessell - completing her fifth expedition of the 2022 Summer field season. Some great conditions allowed us to gather data from some of the more remote and exposed parts of our study area. Here, Craig Mackie, Science Officer on board, recalls details of the expedition

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Silurian, Survey SummariesCaroline Williswhale conservation, wildlife watching, wildlife experiences in Scotland, volunteers, volunteer holidays, volunteer holiday, citizenscience, citizen science projects, science tourism, scientific tourism, join us on board, low impact whale watching, helping save whales, helping save dolphins, eco break, eco tourism, holiday with a difference, conservation holidays, experience in the field, marine biology, marine conservation
Silurian welcomes aboard students from St Andrew's University
Silurian welcomes aboard students from St Andrew's University

Every year, we welcome aboard teams of students from St Andrew’s University Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) to discover how we collect data on board our research vessel, Silurian. Over the course of 10 days, each team spent time travelling to different areas of the west coast, collecting vital visual and acoustic data on marine mammals. Each of the teams share their experiences here

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Survey Summaries, SilurianSadie GorvettSt Andrews University, Marine Mammal Masters Fieldtrip, University Field Trip, training course, training, silurian, acoustic survey, visual monitoring, whale, dolphin, porpoise, who is studying Scottish dolphins, who studies whales UK, Scottish wildlife, rese, students, student training, marine biology, SMRU, Sea Mammal Research Unit
Wild weather and cetaceans marked the fourth expedition of 2022
Wild weather and cetaceans marked the fourth expedition of 2022

We’re well underway with our monitoring Hebridean seas this year, with Silurian, our research vessel, completing her fourth expedition of the 2023 summer field season. Some challenging conditions didn't dampen the spirits of the fantastic citizen scientists who joined us on board…the encounters with whales, dolphins and porpoises helped too!

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Survey Summaries, SilurianMorven Summersmo, monitoring vessel, monitoring, common, po, acou, acoustic survey, acoustic recordings, whale, whale conservation, what whales can I see, research, research expedition, whale research in Scotland, whale and dolphin research, dolphin research, dolphin sounds, ci, citizen science, research programme, join, how can I get involved in whale research, get involved, scotland, who studies whales UK, see whales in the wild UK
Second Research Expedition Records 7 Species!
Second Research Expedition Records 7 Species!

Our second research expedition of the summer field season was exceptional - recording a total of seven marine mammal species, including killer whales, John Coe and Aquarius of the West Coast Community! Hannah, our Science Officer on board who leads the data collection programme shares her experience

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Silurian, Survey SummariesMorven Summerskiller, killer whale, west coa, joh, john coe, Aqua, Hebrides, orca, orcas, bottlenose dolphins, minke, data, data collection, what can you see, whats been see, whats been spotted, expedition, explore, research trip, research vessel, marineconservation, marine conservation, marine mammals, scotland, NatureScot, citizenscience, citizen science, how can i help, how can I get involved in whale research, how can I help, get involved, whale, dolphin, porpoise, acoustics, acoustic monitoring, science
First Research Expedition of 2022 Kicks Off!
First Research Expedition of 2022 Kicks Off!

We’re off!! The summer field season (April - October) on board our research vessel, Silurian, has started. Despite battling challenging conditions, the team on board remained steadfast. Hannah, our scientist who led the data collection on board, shares the expedition update

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Survey Summaries, SilurianMorven Summersresearch trip, research, marine conservation, marine wildlife, what do we know about Scottish whales, winter sightings, winter survey, scotland, Hebridean wildlife, hebrides, west cost, data collection, data, acoustics, acoustic survey, acoustic monitoring, visual data, visual monitoring, efforts to better understand, whale, dolphin, dolphins, ocean protection
Last Survey of the Winter Field Season
Last Survey of the Winter Field Season

Our winter survey programme on board Silurian has been running since 2019, learning more about the year-round presence of marine mammals and basking sharks in Hebridean seas. These surveys are important given that prior to the start of the programme, little winter data existed for the region. Science Officer, Jenny, gives an update on the last winter survey of this year…

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Survey Summaries, SilurianGuest Userresearch trip, research, marine conservation, marine wildlife, what do we know about Scottish whales, winter sightings, winter survey, scotland, Hebridean wildlife, hebrides, west cost, data collection, data, acoustics, acoustic survey, acoustic monitoring, visual data, visual monitoring, efforts to better understand, whale, dolphin, dolphins, ocean protection
'Seasonal Visitors' Encountered on the First Winter Expedition of the Season
'Seasonal Visitors' Encountered on the First Winter Expedition of the Season

Craig Mackie gives us an update on the first winter expedition of 2021, where a couple of ‘summer visitors’ were recorded. The winter survey programme, funded by Nature Scot, is helping us improve our year-round understanding of Hebridean marine environment

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Survey Summaries, SilurianGuest Userresearch trip, research, whales, whale research in Scotland, hebridean whales, Hebrides, Hebridean wildlife, Whales, whales in the wild, see whales in the wild UK, dolphin, dolphins in the wild, what dolphins can I see, scottish dolphins, common dolphin, acoustics, acoustic monitoring, dolphin sounds, dolphin whistles, research vessel, research expedition, data collection, data, scotland, Scotland wildlife, what do we know about Scottish whales, who is studying Scottish dolphins, who studies whales UK
Silurian battles through storms on our latest acoustic expedition
Silurian battles through storms on our latest acoustic expedition

Silurian battled through strong winds and heavy showers on our latest acoustic expedition. In total, we surveyed over 330 nautical miles, collecting over 60 hours of acoustic recordings.

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Silurian, Survey SummariesGuest Usercitizenscience, citizen science, silurian, Silurian, Siluiran, monitoring, monitoring expedition, common dolphin, killer whale, UKs killer whale population, UK orca populations, orca, busta the killer whale, razor the killer whale, hebrides, outer hebrides, western isles, marineconservation, marine conservation, marine tourism, marine wildlife, sustainability, sustainable marine tourism, sustainable tourism, ecotourism, eco tourism, biological recording, data collection, scottish orca, scottish whales, scottish dolphins, volunteering, volunteer, volunteer now, volunteer holidays, get involved, volunteernow, volunteers, gain experience, bottlenose dolphins, underwaternoise, whale, dolphin
Circumnavigating the Outer Hebrides on our latest expedition
Circumnavigating the Outer Hebrides on our latest expedition

On our latest expedition onboard our research vessel Silurian, we went went, surveying the waters around the Outer Hebrides and reaching some of the most remote areas of the Scottish west coast.

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Silurian, Survey SummariesGuest Usercitizenscience, citizen science, silurian, Silurian, Siluiran, monitoring, monitoring expedition, common dolphin, killer whale, UKs killer whale population, UK orca populations, orca, busta the killer whale, razor the killer whale, hebrides, outer hebrides, western isles, marineconservation, marine conservation, marine tourism, marine wildlife, sustainability, sustainable marine tourism, sustainable tourism, ecotourism, eco tourism, biological recording, data collection, scottish orca, scottish whales, scottish dolphins, volunteering, volunteer, volunteer now, volunteer holidays, get involved, volunteernow, volunteers, gain experience, bottlenose dolphins, underwaternoise, whale, dolphin
From volunteer to First Mate: Bruce’s journey
From volunteer to First Mate: Bruce’s journey

After volunteering three years ago, Bruce joined us on board Silurian as First Mate for our latest acoustic expedition. Bruce talks to our Science Officer Becky about that three year journey and why that first survey made such an impact…

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Silurian, Survey SummariesGuest Usercitizenscience, citizen science, silurian, Silurian, Siluiran, monitoring, monitoring expedition, common dolphin, killer whale, UKs killer whale population, UK orca populations, orca, busta the killer whale, razor the killer whale, hebrides, outer hebrides, western isles, marineconservation, marine conservation, marine tourism, marine wildlife, sustainability, sustainable marine tourism, sustainable tourism, ecotourism, eco tourism, biological recording, data collection, scottish orca, scottish whales, scottish dolphins, volunteering, volunteer, volunteer now, volunteer holidays, get involved, volunteernow, volunteers, gain experience, bottlenose dolphins, underwaternoise, whale, dolphin
Bow riding bottlenose, Lunge feeding minkes, and a selkie
Bow riding bottlenose, Lunge feeding minkes, and a selkie

Our latest expedition on board our research vessel Silurian was action packed! Not only did we have some incredible wildlife encounters, but we even managed to join James Armour for some of his incredible Selkie race.

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Silurian, Survey SummariesGuest Usercitizenscience, citizen science, silurian, Silurian, Siluiran, monitoring, monitoring expedition, common dolphin, killer whale, UKs killer whale population, UK orca populations, orca, busta the killer whale, razor the killer whale, hebrides, outer hebrides, western isles, marineconservation, marine conservation, marine tourism, marine wildlife, sustainability, sustainable marine tourism, sustainable tourism, ecotourism, eco tourism, biological recording, data collection, scottish orca, scottish whales, scottish dolphins, volunteering, volunteer, volunteer now, volunteer holidays, get involved, volunteernow, volunteers, gain experience, bottlenose dolphins, underwaternoise, whale, dolphin
It was minke magic on our latest expedition
It was minke magic on our latest expedition

Thanks to contributions from members of the public Silurian continues to monitor Hebridean waters, in the company of some very friendly minkes whales.

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Silurian, Survey SummariesGuest Usercitizenscience, citizen science, silurian, Silurian, Siluiran, monitoring, monitoring expedition, common dolphin, killer whale, UKs killer whale population, UK orca populations, orca, busta the killer whale, razor the killer whale, hebrides, outer hebrides, western isles, marineconservation, marine conservation, marine tourism, marine wildlife, sustainability, sustainable marine tourism, sustainable tourism, ecotourism, eco tourism, biological recording, data collection, scottish orca, scottish whales, scottish dolphins, volunteering, volunteer, volunteer now, volunteer holidays, get involved, volunteernow, volunteers, gain experience, bottlenose dolphins, underwaternoise, whale, dolphin
Silurian monitors Joint Warrior, Europe’s largest military exercise
Silurian monitors Joint Warrior, Europe’s largest military exercise

Due to the amazing generosity of our supporters in our recent Big Give Green Match Fund campaign, our research vessel set out to monitor Joint Warrior, Europe’s largest military exercise, to help us understand the impact it may have on cetaceans in the Hebrides.

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Silurian, Survey SummariesGuest Usercitizenscience, citizen science, silurian, Silurian, Siluiran, monitoring, monitoring expedition, common dolphin, killer whale, UKs killer whale population, UK orca populations, orca, busta the killer whale, razor the killer whale, hebrides, outer hebrides, western isles, marineconservation, marine conservation, marine tourism, marine wildlife, sustainability, sustainable marine tourism, sustainable tourism, ecotourism, eco tourism, biological recording, data collection, scottish orca, scottish whales, scottish dolphins, volunteering, volunteer, volunteer now, volunteer holidays, get involved, volunteernow, volunteers, gain experience, bottlenose dolphins, underwaternoise, whale, dolphin
Longer days bring whales to our waters
Longer days bring whales to our waters

It is a vital time for marine life in Scotland as the sun begins to shine with increasing ferocity and our seas begin to warm. Seabirds have returned to breed after a long winter at sea, wildflowers have begun to bloom and whales have been spotted back in our waters!

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Silurian, Survey SummariesGuest Usercitizenscience, citizen science, silurian, Silurian, Siluiran, monitoring, monitoring expedition, common dolphin, killer whale, UKs killer whale population, UK orca populations, orca, busta the killer whale, razor the killer whale, hebrides, outer hebrides, western isles, marineconservation, marine conservation, marine tourism, marine wildlife, sustainability, sustainable marine tourism, sustainable tourism, ecotourism, eco tourism, biological recording, data collection, scottish orca, scottish whales, scottish dolphins, volunteering, volunteer, volunteer now, volunteer holidays, get involved, volunteernow, volunteers, gain experience, bottlenose dolphins, underwaternoise, whale, dolphin
Protecting cetaceans in a pandemic
Protecting cetaceans in a pandemic

Last year with the help of contributions from members of the public, we were able to survey OVER 4,100 km of Hebridean seas, helping us to continue to protect cetaceans in the Hebrides in the midst of a global pandemic.

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Silurian, Survey SummariesGuest Usercitizenscience, citizen science, silurian, Silurian, Siluiran, monitoring, monitoring expedition, common dolphin, killer whale, UKs killer whale population, UK orca populations, orca, busta the killer whale, razor the killer whale, hebrides, outer hebrides, western isles, marineconservation, marine conservation, marine tourism, marine wildlife, sustainability, sustainable marine tourism, sustainable tourism, ecotourism, eco tourism, biological recording, data collection, scottish orca, scottish whales, scottish dolphins, volunteering, volunteer, volunteer now, volunteer holidays, get involved, volunteernow, volunteers, gain experience, bottlenose dolphins, underwaternoise, whale, dolphin
Silurian monitors Joint Warrior on our latest acoustic survey
Silurian monitors Joint Warrior on our latest acoustic survey

The final acoustic survey of the season monitored Joint warrior, Europe’s largest military exercise, to help us understand the impact these activities have on cetaceans in the Hebrides.

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Silurian, Survey SummariesGuest Usercitizenscience, citizen science, silurian, Silurian, Siluiran, monitoring, monitoring expedition, common dolphin, killer whale, UKs killer whale population, UK orca populations, orca, busta the killer whale, razor the killer whale, hebrides, outer hebrides, western isles, marineconservation, marine conservation, marine tourism, marine wildlife, sustainability, sustainable marine tourism, sustainable tourism, ecotourism, eco tourism, biological recording, data collection, scottish orca, scottish whales, scottish dolphins, volunteering, volunteer, volunteer now, volunteer holidays, get involved, volunteernow, volunteers, gain experience, bottlenose dolphins, underwaternoise, whale, dolphin
Incredible biodiversity showcased on our latest acoustic survey
Incredible biodiversity showcased on our latest acoustic survey

Five different species of cetaceans were recorded on our third acoustic survey in some spectacular encounters!

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Silurian, Survey SummariesGuest Usercitizenscience, citizen science, silurian, Silurian, Siluiran, monitoring, monitoring expedition, common dolphin, killer whale, UKs killer whale population, UK orca populations, orca, busta the killer whale, razor the killer whale, hebrides, outer hebrides, western isles, marineconservation, marine conservation, marine tourism, marine wildlife, sustainability, sustainable marine tourism, sustainable tourism, ecotourism, eco tourism, biological recording, data collection, scottish orca, scottish whales, scottish dolphins, volunteering, volunteer, volunteer now, volunteer holidays, get involved, volunteernow, volunteers, gain experience, bottlenose dolphins, underwaternoise, whale, dolphin
Over 1000 common dolphins recorded on our latest acoustic survey!
Over 1000 common dolphins recorded on our latest acoustic survey!

Common dolphins were out in force as Silurian completed the second acoustic survey, with 1024 individuals recorded over 41 sightings!

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Silurian, Survey SummariesGuest Usercitizenscience, citizen science, silurian, Silurian, Siluiran, monitoring, monitoring expedition, common dolphin, killer whale, UKs killer whale population, UK orca populations, orca, busta the killer whale, razor the killer whale, hebrides, outer hebrides, western isles, marineconservation, marine conservation, marine tourism, marine wildlife, sustainability, sustainable marine tourism, sustainable tourism, ecotourism, eco tourism, biological recording, data collection, scottish orca, scottish whales, scottish dolphins, volunteering, volunteer, volunteer now, volunteer holidays, get involved, volunteernow, volunteers, gain experience, bottlenose dolphins, underwaternoise, whale, dolphin
Silurian surveys the Hebridean seas once more!
Silurian surveys the Hebridean seas once more!

Silurian is back on the water collecting acoustic data on the whales, dolphins, and porpoises in our seas. On the first survey we covered an impressive 637 nautical miles and collected over 105 hours of acoustic recordings!

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Silurian, Survey SummariesGuest Usercitizenscience, citizen science, silurian, Silurian, Siluiran, monitoring, monitoring expedition, common dolphin, killer whale, UKs killer whale population, UK orca populations, orca, busta the killer whale, razor the killer whale, hebrides, outer hebrides, western isles, marineconservation, marine conservation, marine tourism, marine wildlife, sustainability, sustainable marine tourism, sustainable tourism, ecotourism, eco tourism, biological recording, data collection, scottish orca, scottish whales, scottish dolphins, volunteering, volunteer, volunteer now, volunteer holidays, get involved, volunteernow, volunteers, gain experience, bottlenose dolphins, underwaternoise, whale, dolphin