You can help us to get back on the water and conduct research which helps to protect the marine life in our oceans for years to come!
by Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust in Tobermory, Scotland, United Kingdom
Extra funds will allow us to cover more of the Hebrides and gather even more crucial data on the whales, dolphins, and porpoise in our waters! It will also allow us to do vital maintenance on our research vessel, Silurian, which is usually funded through our summer surveys.
The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) is a marine conservation charity conserving whales, dolphins and porpoise in the seas off western Scotland. We have been running expedition surveys from onboard our research vessel, Silurian, for almost 20 years, collecting data that helps us to understand the marine life in our waters.
We need your help today to get Silurian back on the water!
For the first time since 2003, the waters around the Hebrides are unmonitored by volunteers onboard our research yacht Silurian. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the difficult decision was made to cancel all research expeditions in 2020. While this is incredibly disappointing, the health and well-being of our volunteers, crew, and the wider communities in which we operate is paramount.
You can help to protect the marine life in our oceans for years to come!
Your donation will allow our experienced crew to sail throughout the west coast of Scotland towing an underwater microphone (hydrophone) to detect marine mammals and monitor and record underwater sound.
Why is this important?
Life in our oceans live in a world of sound. Whales, dolphins and porpoises – collectively known as cetaceans – have a highly developed auditory sense and sound is vital for all aspects of their life. They use sound to explore their world, communicate with one another, find prey, and navigate across oceans. Recording underwater sound plays a key role in our research and is an accurate and consistent way of recording cetaceans. Silurian recorded our first cetacean sound back in 2002 and since then, we have compiled over 6,000 hours of underwater recordings! By supporting us, you will make sure we can continue recording cetaceans in the future.
The oceans are becoming increasingly noisier, and that is because of us!
Human activity has a significant impact on the underwater soundscape; from the hum of a boat’s engine to the intense blasts of sound produced by oil and gas exploration. This can have a number of negative impacts on cetaceans, masking their ability to hear normal sounds, and displacing them from important feeding or breeding areas. In extreme cases, it can even lead to hearing loss and if loud enough can be fatal. Evidence over the last few months from around the world has revealed a drop in underwater noise due to a decrease in ship traffic. The impact of this on cetaceans is still to be determined. Only with long term monitoring, can you look at these trends and understand the effect lockdown has had on Scottish whales and dolphins.
With more than a quarter of the world’s whale, dolphin and porpoise species recorded in Hebridean seas, this area is of global significance.
Now is the busiest time of the year for cetacean sightings in Scotland. Many animals migrate to Scotland to feed and breed. Our hydrophone can detect cetaceans, even if they can't be seen above the waves. By donating today you will increase the number of animals recorded in 2020 and provide essential evidence needed to determine if there have been any changes on the west coast of Scotland this year. Every pound you gift will make a difference and help protect whales, dolphins and porpoises in our waters.
Meet the team who will be on board
Our Skipper and Boat Manager Emma will be in charge of running the vessel. Becky, our Marine Biodiversity Officer is responsible for the data collection, and supporting them both and always with a smile, is Charlie our experienced First Mate.
Generous Rewards for you
There are several ways to get involved in our campaign and help to support our surveys. You can simply donate or you can...
Take part in our raffle!
Purchase raffle tickets for your chance to win some incredible prizes! The prizes range from an exclusive trip for two onboard our research vessel, Silurian to an original painting of John Coe, Scotland's most famous killer whale. See the full list below:
We will welcome you on board our research vessel, Silurian, on a springtime delivery trip next year from Tobermory to Mallaig. Join the crew as we sail the vessel around Ardnamurchan, the most westerly point of the British mainland. We will also have the opportunity to explore the seas around the Small Isles. The exact route will be weather dependent but we aim to spend the night in one of the west coasts beautiful remote anchorages. Terms and conditions apply (see below).
Ryan Chadwick’s artistic ability to capture the beauty of wildlife is mesmerizing. John Coe is a member of the West Coast Community, a population of killer whales at risk of extinction. The minimalistic background of Ryan's work allows him to focus on every minute detail of his subject; from John Coe's unique and highly recognisable fin to his intricate saddle patch.
These binoculars offer terrific quality and are suitable for all types of general and wildlife observation, the models deliver bright, clear images with full field of view for spectacle wearers. Nitrogen waterproof and finished in quality textured rubber armour, the binoculars are well balanced in the hand and incorporate BAK4 roof prisms and fully multi-coated lenses.
Departing from Gairloch on the west coast of Scotland their tour will take you out to the open waters of the North Minch, where they will try to bring you closer to the whales and dolphins that roam these waters. Their 2.5 hour tour will get you to some of the most productive areas in the Hebrides! Read more about their amazing cruises here
Every year 640,000 tonnes of fishing nets are lost or discarded in the ocean. Each pair of Waterhaul’s eyewear range directly contributes to the removal of ghost gear and other marine plastics. They are produced from 100% recycled fishing nets and paired with recyclable mineral glass optics.
Katie Elizabeth O'Neil specialises in stunning jewellery that is nature and ocean-themed. She's hand-picked these pieces based on species that can be sighted in the beautiful waters of the Scottish Hebrides.
A passion for the ocean led Amy Gosney to to undertake beach cleans wherever her travels took her, and in amongst all the rubbish, she kept finding occasional gems of beautiful sea glass. She creates her jewellery using recycled materials and each piece of glass was collected alongside removing plastics off the beaches.
Receive a welcome letter from Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, Wave magazine, a Hebridean whale and dolphin ID guide, dolphin pin badge, as well as early access to research expedition bookings and exclusive reduced price offers!
Receive a welcome letter from Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust, Wave magazine, a Hebridean whale and dolphin ID guide, 2 x dolphin pin badges reusable HWDT shopping bag, as well as early access to research expedition bookings and exclusive reduced price offers!
Keep up to date with our local killer whale community with annual updates. You will also get a species factsheet and photograph, copy of Wave magazine, Hebridean whale and dolphin ID guide, whale pin badge, as well as early access to research expedition bookings and exclusive reduced price offers!
Keep up to date with your choice of three of the most well-known minke whales with annual updates. You will also get a species factsheet and photograph, copy of Wave magazine, Hebridean whale and dolphin ID guide, Whale pin badge, as well as early access to research expedition bookings and exclusive reduced price offers!
And also...
Purchase an oil painting by the famous Scottish artist Ross Ryan!!
Ross Ryan has generously donated this stunning painting to HWDT. His painting beautifully depicts the North Shore of Iona, a small island in the Inner Hebrides. Ross studied at Grays School of Art in Aberdeen and has spent the last 3 years predominantly painting in the elements, often on the deck of his 1947 wooden fishing boat The Sgrabh. His work can be found in collections worldwide, most recently featuring in the Scottish Gallery of Contemporary Art. The painting measures 46 x 50 cm.
***TERMS & CONDITIONS
This project offers rewards in return for your donation. Please select a reward below.