Whale & dolphin conservation in Scotland
| country: | Scotland |
| location: | Inner Hebrides |
| departures: | 2010: 7 Jun, 13 Jul, 10 Aug, 7 Sep |
| price: | From £880 (9 days) - £1150 (11 days) excluding flights |
| more info: | Price includes food and accommodation on the yacht plus all scientific and yachting training |
| vouchers: | Gift vouchers can be used with this holiday |
read 3 travellers reviews
the amazing things you'll be doing
Involve yourself directly with whale and dolphin research; visit some of the remotest islands in the Hebrides, witness some of the most breath-taking scenery, gain sailing skills and contribute to the protection the marine environment - all in one trip!
Twenty-four cetacean species have been recorded in the waters off the west coast of Scotland, one third of the global total, making it one of the most abundant areas in Europe. However little directed research had been carried out until we started scientifically monitoring populations using coherent data collection methods. Our regular visitors include minke whales, common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins plus the occasional ‘rare species’ while our resident populations of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises are sure to delight. As part of the field team onboard our research vessel, Silurian, you will be helping us to produce the data sets that our science department will use in logistical analysis in the winter months.
Ultimately we endeavor to better understand the distribution, relative abundance and habitat preferences of cetaceans in the survey area. As well as noting any changing trends in the data, the information collected plays an integral role in the construction of marine conservation strategies. We use a combination of visual and acoustic methods to monitor cetaceans. We take photographs of the dorsal fin and can identify individuals using recognisable marks and features. A number of bottlenose dolphins and minke whales have been re-photographed by us over several seasons (some since we began operations), enabling us to build up a picture of their movements, range and interactions.
Although our main focus is cetaceans, there are many other marine species in these waters that you will have the opportunity to observe. There’s a very high possibility we’ll encounter basking sharks, the second largest known fish in the world, common and grey seals, otters, sunfish and many thousands of nesting and breeding seabirds. The areas surveyed are some of the most spectacular in the British Isles and the landscapes certainly won’t disappoint. Each night we will moor in a secluded bay and venture onto land to explore some of these, often uninhabited, islands.
No specific skills are required for this project however you should have basic computing skills and be proficient in the English language. A pair of good eyes, healthy ears and stable sea legs will also help. Participants must be over the age of 18.
Twenty-four cetacean species have been recorded in the waters off the west coast of Scotland, one third of the global total, making it one of the most abundant areas in Europe. However little directed research had been carried out until we started scientifically monitoring populations using coherent data collection methods. Our regular visitors include minke whales, common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins plus the occasional ‘rare species’ while our resident populations of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises are sure to delight. As part of the field team onboard our research vessel, Silurian, you will be helping us to produce the data sets that our science department will use in logistical analysis in the winter months.
Ultimately we endeavor to better understand the distribution, relative abundance and habitat preferences of cetaceans in the survey area. As well as noting any changing trends in the data, the information collected plays an integral role in the construction of marine conservation strategies. We use a combination of visual and acoustic methods to monitor cetaceans. We take photographs of the dorsal fin and can identify individuals using recognisable marks and features. A number of bottlenose dolphins and minke whales have been re-photographed by us over several seasons (some since we began operations), enabling us to build up a picture of their movements, range and interactions.
Although our main focus is cetaceans, there are many other marine species in these waters that you will have the opportunity to observe. There’s a very high possibility we’ll encounter basking sharks, the second largest known fish in the world, common and grey seals, otters, sunfish and many thousands of nesting and breeding seabirds. The areas surveyed are some of the most spectacular in the British Isles and the landscapes certainly won’t disappoint. Each night we will moor in a secluded bay and venture onto land to explore some of these, often uninhabited, islands.
No specific skills are required for this project however you should have basic computing skills and be proficient in the English language. A pair of good eyes, healthy ears and stable sea legs will also help. Participants must be over the age of 18.
travellers' tales
One of the best travelling experiences I have ever had. Thanks to the competence of the staff, the kindness of the other participants and the wonderful beauty of the Hebrides isles. (more)
volunteer travel - what's it all about?
Are you looking for an adventurous trip with a purpose, or on a gap year or career break? If you want to make a difference in some of the world’s most important conservation areas - and in community projects - then volunteer trips are for you! Volunteers tend to have a sense of adventure, and come from a range of different backgrounds and from all over the world. Edward Abbey said 'sentiment without action is the ruin of the soul'.
how this holiday makes a difference
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The income generated from the participants allow the research and education programmes to continue. Without your support we wouldn’t be able to conduct our valuable endeavors.
We undertake a wide range of research activities focusing largely on the common species such as harbour porpoise, minke whale, bottlenose dolphin and basking sharks. Our ultimate aim is to ensure that cetacean populations off the west coast of Scotland are conserved for future generations. By increasing our knowledge about whales, dolphins and porpoises and their environment and passing that on to others, we will be in a strong position to protect the animals from these and other threats which have proved so devastating elsewhere. Another sector of our work is the promotion of the sustainable use of the marine environment; we are involved in the Scottish Marine Bill consultations. In the past man has exploited marine resources, whaling and more recently overfishing have had devastating affects on the marine environment. However we are now seeing a growing interest in wildlife tourism globally and the diverse range of Scottish habitats and species here make Scotland one of the prime nature destinations in Europe. However, this in itself can be detrimental to the vulnerable populations and more reason why consistent monitoring is needed. We aim to generate a wider understanding of the ecology of the marine and coastal environments of the Hebrides, particularly those of the Argyll islands. By raising public awareness through education we hope to help safeguard these marine environments and maintain their biodiversity. This should also ensure that this area is preserved for future generations of Hebridean residents and visitors. When Silurian is not surveying she travels to schools and groups in the islands and we encourage school children to come on board to experience life on a research vessel and participate in various activities. We also provide on shore workshops and talks. We organise excursions outside the classroom along the shore or into the woods where we can cover a range of related topics. In Tobermory we have our Marine Discovery Centre where anyone is welcome to come in at any time to find out more about the marine environment and the cetaceans which live around the Hebrides. We also help arrange and participate in beach cleans around the coast of Mull. This enables the community to get together and highlight the problem of marine litter. |
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