JOIN A CETACEAN RESEARCH SURVEY IN THE SCOTTISH HEBRIDES

 

The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust (HWDT) are recruiting participants to join boat based research expeditions off the west coast of Scotland, between May and September 2012.  Costs of participating range from £850 - £1,100.

 

Itinerary
Rendezvous location is either Tobermory on the Isle of Mull or Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.  You will spend up to 10 days onboard, with 8 full days at sea on survey effort.  Full training in survey methods will be provided before and during the survey.  The area surveyed will depend largely on weather, recent sightings, and at the Science Officer and Skippers discretion but will range between the Mull of Kintyre in the south, the Butt of Lewis in the north and St Kilda in the west.  Departure from the vessel will be at the respective rendezvous location.  

 

Research Aims

The data collected by HWDT is vital for the effective monitoring of marine life within the survey area.   Research methodology involves systematic line-transect surveys and passive acoustic monitoring using a towed hydrophone.  The data that HWDT gathers is used to estimate relative abundance, describe fine-scale spatial and temporal distribution, identify high-use habitats and monitor anthropogenic impacts. The visual and acoustic data collected during the research survey contributes to HWDT’s extensive dataset.  HWDT works closely with conservation and management agencies to identify species and their habitats that are suitable for protection.

 

Research Area

A combination of complex water mixing and varied seabed topography, as well as the influence of the Gulf Stream, has resulted in the Hebrides being one of the most productive areas in Europe.  However, despite the diversity of cetacean species in the region, management strategies allowing for the conservation of priority species have yet to be implemented.  There are resident populations of bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and a small, unique population of killer whale which frequent the area.  Commonly sighted species are harbour porpoise, minke whales, common dolphins, white-beaked dolphins and basking sharks. Other wildlife regularly encountered includes grey and common seals, otters and numerous sea bird species.  White-sided dolphin, Risso's dolphin and humpback whale have also been sighted from onboard Silurian. 
  
The Vessel

Silurian, HWDT’s research vessel, has been owned and operated by HWDT since 2001, and was previously used in the filming of The Blue Planet.  Large and sturdy, this is the perfect vessel for conducting scientific surveys in the Hebrides.  She is 16 metres long and can sleep 10 people comfortably.  There are three participant cabins in the forward section of the vessel.  Each of these contains two berths and a small amount of storage space for personal belongings.  There are two bathrooms onboard, crew quarters, a galley and a saloon.  

 

Participant Requirements and Duties

This is an excellent opportunity for those who wish to gain experience in the field; invaluable if you wish to pursue a career studying cetaceans.  Past experience isn’t a prerequisite, although would be favourable.  Good eyesight and hearing is required to run an efficient survey, as is a good pair of sea legs.  Participants will gain experience in marine mammal and seabird identification, visual and acoustic data collection including software use (Logger, PAMGUARD and Rainbow Click), photo identification training and the skills acquired from living and working aboard a yacht. 

The research expedition will involve early starts and late finishes, optimising the daylight hours available.  Participant tasks are rotated on an hourly basis.   All participants are required to help out with the day to day running of the vessel, sharing cooking and cleaning duties.   Evenings will be spent anchored in a remote bay, where you may have the opportunity to venture ashore.  In the event of foul weather, contingency activities will be provided.

 

Dates and costs

·         7^th -13^th May, rendezvous in Tobermory, cost is £850

·         16^th -22^nd May, rendezvous in Tobermory, cost is £850

·         27^th May – 5^th June, rendezvous in Tobermory, cost is £1,000

·         10^th – 18^th June, rendezvous in Stornoway, cost is £1,100

·         31^st Aug – 8^th Sept, rendezvous in Tobermory, cost is £1,000

 

Unfortunately the budget of this project is very limited, the costs outlined strictly cover boat expenses and allow HWDT to continue the boat based programme.  Costs include accommodation (onboard Silurian), insurance while onboard the vessel and food. 

 

For more information, please contact Morven Summers: volunteercoordinator@hwdt.org or 01688 302620