*Call for Volunteers for 2016 Field Season* Dear All, The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) conducts cetacean surveys throughout our field season (April Oct) from aboard our fully-equipped research yacht, Silurian. Survey length ranges between 7 12 days, living aboard Silurian for the duration. Every year we welcome aboard enthusiastic volunteers who are willing to contribute directly to our research work. Volunteers, in effect, become marine mammal scientists for the duration of the survey; living and working aboard Silurian, assisting with day-to-day running, as well as working together as a team to carry out visual and acoustic surveys. To find out more about the research on board please follow this link <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-on-silurian.asp> . We have produced a short a short video about joining us aboard, please CLICK HERE to watch it. Volunteers will assist fully in the collection of data, with mega-fauna and sea bird identification training provided. Acoustic and visual methods are combined to produce comprehensive data sets. During encounters photographs are taken of dorsal fins to try and identify the individual, gaining a better understanding of species movements and interactions with each other. The data collected, and subsequent information produced is essential when monitoring the distribution, relative abundance and habitat preference of cetacean species in the Hebrides. Only with coherent data can effective conservation and management strategies be designed to enable long-term protection of the amazing species found in Hebridean waters. As a volunteer on board Silurian, you will have the opportunity to see first-hand the amazing variety of marine wildlife the UK has to offer including whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sharks and seabirds. You will explore some of the remotest, wildest parts of the British Isles - anchoring each night in a different secluded bay off one of the many Hebridean islands, venturing ashore to explore if you wish. The opportunity to gain sailing experience is also available, although no certificates are issued. Come and do this if you feel it is something that stirs within you, and if you want to contribute in a small but lasting way to something that is real, concrete and tangible: something that advances our understanding of an ecosystem that, while barely understood, remains crucial to the survival and prosperity of everyone. Rob Clother, Silurian volunteer 2015 Rendezvous location is either Tobermory (on the Isle of Mull, where HWDT is based), Kyle of Lochalsh or Ullapool. More information on specific surveys will be provided on request. There is a monetary value attached to participating which includes accommodation (aboard) and food throughout the expedition. The income generated allows HWDT to continue this well established monitoring programme, you can be assured that without your contribution our research couldn't be undertaken. 2016 Standard Survey dates, rendezvous and cost: * 1st - 7th May; Tobermory Rendezvous; £895 * 11th - 19th May; Tobermory Rendezvous; £1,075 (Limited Availability) * 7th - 15th June; Kyle of Lochalsh Rendezvous; £1,175 * 16th - 27th June; Kyle of Lochalsh Rendezvous; £1,395 * 11th - 22nd July; Tobermory Rendezvous; £1,395 * 5th - 13th August; Tobermory Rendezvous; £1,175 * 17th - 28th August; Tobermory Rendezvous; £1,395 * 2nd - 10th Sept; Ullapool Rendezvous; £1,075 * 18th - 29th Sept; Ullapool Rendezvous; £1,295 Joint Warrior Surveys (monitoring the massive military exercise that occurs bi-annually in the Hebrides): <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/news_article.asp?news_id=446> * 3rd - 11th April; £895 * 4th - 12th October; £895 For further information about our surveys please go online to: http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/get-involved-join-us-onboard.asp For Further information about HWDT please go online to: www.hwdt.org Or contact HWDTs volunteer coordinator Morven Russell Email: volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org <https://lists.uvic.ca/mailman/listinfo/marmam> Telephone: 01688 302620 Thank you, and hope to see you aboard next season! Morven Russell Volunteer Coordinator Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust 28 Main Street Tobermory Isle of Mull PA75 6NU Tel: 01688 302620 <mailto:volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org> volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org <http://www.hwdt.org/> www.hwdt.org Please note my standard working days are Monday, Wednesday and Friday The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust is dedicated to enhancing knowledge and understanding of Scotlands whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) and the Hebridean marine environment through education, research and working within Hebridean communities as a basis for the lasting conservation of local species and habitats.