Research Expedition | Scottish Marine Wildlife

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

Oceans and Seas
History of Scientific Discovery

There is so much to learn about the oceans; the creatures that inhabit our waters and the challenges they face. HWDTs live-aboard research expeditions are not just about fantastic wildlife encounters, the data collected advances our understanding of Hebridean marine wildlife. Join an expedition and help protect these amazing animals.

The waters off the west coast of Scotland are important for many species of whale, dolphin and porpoise (collectively known as cetaceans). Twenty-four species of cetacean– a quarter of the global total- have been recorded in Hebridean waters. Some species live here year-round, some migrate into our waters annually, and others are rare visitors. It isn’t just an important area for cetaceans, but for basking sharks and other marine megafauna too.

For 20 years, HWDT have been monitoring Hebridean seas. Providing the evidence needed to develop effective conservation measures to protect the remarkable marine wildlife found here for future generations. Each year, HWDTs research vessel, Silurian, and her team on-board, travel thousands of nautical miles gathering data on cetaceans and basking sharks in the Hebrides. This pioneering research eco-tourism initiative has generated one of the largest databases of its kind for UK waters. Each expedition itinerary is different, and the area covered will depend on rendezvous location, weather forecast and data coverage. Every night the anchor will be dropped in a different location, allowing you to experience fantastic, off-the-beaten track places.

Participants are fully trained to identify different species and collect visual and acoustic data. Our crew also collect images for Photo-Identification analysis of individual whales and dolphins. This data provides a powerful body of knowledge- contributing to the identification and designation of Marine Protected Areas and detecting trends and changes in the marine environment. Anthropogenic parameters, such as underwater noise and marine litter, are monitored to identify emerging threats and understand the conservation implications.

Join a research expedition and add to the advancement of our knowledge of Scottish marine wildlife whilst exploring the beautiful Hebrides.

Learning Format

Guided experience, Field school, Citizen science
Time of year

Spring, Summer, Autumn
Environment

Oceans and Seas, History of Scientific Discovery
Accessibility

High impact
Average Price Per Person

1200 GBP
Subject Knowledge Required?

No

About Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is a marine conservation charity that takes action through a unique programme of community based research and education. This two pronged approach ignites strong local stewardship and supports meaningful change for the conservation of Hebridean cetaceans and marine life.

We are change agents; conducting the research that underpins the future safeguarding of whales, dolphins and porpoises. Training up volunteers to become citizen scientists on our research boat trips as well through our sighting networks.

We also provide educational experiences in our dedicated Discovery Centre, on our boat Silurian and by visiting schools around the whole of the Hebrides.

Visit Website Book now