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Join Us Onboard
HWDT conducts cetacean surveys throughout the summer season from on board our research yacht Silurian.
Every year we welcome onboard 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 onboard the vessel, assisting with day-to-day running, as well as working together as a team to carry out cetacean surveys. To find out more about the research onboard please click here.
"The team was very knowledgeable and committed to conservation in the Hebrides and left us with the conviction that the data that we gathered was contributing to establishing an important base-line picture.” Graham Dock, Earthwatch volunteer 2009
Volunteers will assist in the collection of data with full cetacean and sea bird identification training provided. Acoustic and visual methods are combined to produce comprehensive data sets. Photographs will be taken of bottlenose dolphin, minke whale and orca dorsal fins to try and identify the individual, gaining a better understanding of its movements and interactions with other individuals. 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 species found in our waters.
"Those 12 days sailing around the Hebrides changed my life. And I do not regret anything about this trip. If I could, I would dedicate my whole life to the aid of nature." Lars Rumpel, May 2011
As a volunteer onboard Silurian, you will have the opportunity to see at first hand the amazing variety of marine wildlife Britain has to offer including whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sharks and seabirds. You will explore some of the remotest, wildest parts of the British Isles, usually anchoring for the night in a secluded bay off one of the many islands and venturing ashore to explore. The opportunity to gain sailing experience is also available, although no certificates are issued.
Rendezvous location varies between Tobermory, on the Isle of Mull, and Kyle of Lochalsh, next to the Skye Bridge. More information on specific surveys will be provided on request. There is a monetary value attached to participating, costs vary between £850 - £1,100 - this includes accommodation (onboard) and food throughout the duration. The income generated allows HWDT to continue its well established research programme, you can be assured that without your contribution the research couldn't be undertaken.
Several additional Cetacean Research Surveys are sponsored by the Earthwatch Institute throughout the season, please check out the dates available through the Earthwatch Institute.
2012 Survey Dates:
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7th - 13th May
- 16th - 22nd May
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27th May - 5th June
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10th - 18th June*
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8th - 14th July
- 31st Aug - 8th Sept
All research surveys rendezvous in Tobermory on the Isle of Mull apart from the June Survey* with rendezvous in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis.
The Earthwatch Institute supports the research of HWDT through the running of several teams a year in conjunction with the Trust, please check out the dates available through the Earthwatch Institute.
Please contact the volunteer coordinator if you have any questions about the survey. Moreover, if you would like to join an HWDT run team please fill out an online form, or for more information about the teams supported by Earthwatch please click here.