A CITIZEN science project has drawn in a record number of volunteers in an expedition to monitor and protect marine wildlife off Scotland’s west coast.
The new year-round project is set to shed light on seas that are globally important habitats for cetaceans, the collective name for whales, dolphins and porpoise mammals.
For the first time, conservation charity Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust carried out marine surveys from its specialised research yacht
Silurian during the winter months, with crucial data collected about the presence and behaviour of some of the country’s most spectacular marine wildlife.
The surveys completed are of vital importance, according to Becky Dudley, the trust’s marine biodiversity officer at the conservation charity. She said: “Our new winter surveys and the contribution of our wonderful volunteers offer us the opportunity to study the year-round presence and distribution of some remarkable species for the first time.
“Our established summer expeditions, when most species are present in Hebridean waters, remain vital. But embarking on year-round surveys will shed new light on marine wildlife, and help us answer questions such as whether minke whales are present in the Hebrides all year, and if distribution of harbour porpoise changes between summer and winter.”
The groundbreaking research also helps to detect trends and changes in the marine environment, including increases in underwater noise pollution and emerging threats like entanglement. All of this scientific evidence can then be used to inform action to protect marine wildlife.
In total, nine marine mammal species were recorded in 2019 – the others being bottlenose dolphin, common seal, grey seal, Risso’s dolphin and white-beaked dolphin.
In 2019, Silurian covered more than 5000 nautical miles during 23 research expeditions that stretched from as far north as Cape Wrath, south to Islay and Jura, and as far west as the Flannan Isles.
Paying volunteers work as citizen scientists alongside researchers and last year saw a 24% increase in the number of these volunteers.
Bruce Crawford, a volunteer who has joined the Trust during both summer and winter surveys, said: “The Trust’s surveys are among my most memorable experiences. It’s an amazing feeling to know this work could help secure the future of these remarkable marine animals.”
Anyone can participate and costs cover boat expenses, accommodation, training, food, and support the charity’s research. Visit hwdt.org/silurian for details, or contact info@hwdt.org or 01688 302620.
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