FINAL CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS Dear All, The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) conducts cetacean surveys throughout our field season (May - October) from aboard our research yacht Silurian. < <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-Silurian.asp> http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-Silurian.asp> 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 onboard please click here < <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-on-silurian.asp> http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/research-on-silurian.asp> . ***HWDT are issuing a final call for volunteers in a bid to fill the remaining berth for the survey running 3rd 11th May. HWDT are unable to run these surveys without a minimum of 5 volunteers and are therefore heavily discounting this first survey, offering you the chance to join us aboard for only £250 for a 9 day survey. HWDT have also massively reduced the cost of participating in the 2nd survey, now only £575 for a 9 day survey! *** 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 our waters. As a volunteer onboard 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. The opportunity to gain sailing experience is also available, although no certificates are issued. If you are interested in joining the May survey please contact Morven Russell on <mailto:volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org> volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org or call 01688 302620. For further information about our surveys please go online to: <http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/get-involved-join-us-onboard.asp> http://www.whaledolphintrust.co.uk/get-involved-join-us-onboard.asp For Further information about HWDT please go online to: <http://www.hwdt.org> www.hwdt.org