Grantee: Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT)

Duration: April 2023 – April 2024

Background

Marine ecosystems on Scotland are under pressure from poor environmental protection, industrial activities, and human pollution. The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) are acutely aware of the impacts of these pressures, having monitored – for thirty years –  the decline of species such as killer whales, who are heading for unavoidable extinction in Hebridean waters.

Based in Tobemrory, Mull, the HWDT work to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises through a multi-pronged approach to conservation. Through a series of expeditions onboard their sailing vessel Silurian, they monitor the health and distribution of cetaceans throughout the Hebrides and West Coast. This acts as a foundation for research publications, partnerships, and advocacy work striving for improved marine protection – such as the designation of the Sea of the Hebrides MPA for Minke Whales. Simultaneously, outreach and educational activities take place from their visitor centre in Tobermory, extending to incorporate ‘floating classroom’ opportunities for coastal and island schools during research expeditions.

Over two years since the Sea of Hebrides MPA was designated, there are still no management measures in place to protect Minke Whale populations, whose conservation status is ‘unknown’ due to a lack of published data. HWDT, however, have a wealth of photographic data from 30 years of research expeditions, thus presenting a crucial opportunity to contribute to Scottish Government consultation on MPA management.

HIEF part-funded this project with a £14 000 grant in July 2023.

Images courtesy of HWDT.

Project activities

The project will collate, analyse, and publish 30 years of Minke Whale research in the Hebrides. Thousands of Minke Whale sightings are added to ‘identification catalogues’, allowing individual animals to be recognised markings and features on their body. From this, residency patterns, and population dynamics can be estimated, providing a valuable insight into general population health.

These insights, coupled with evidence of entanglement and other conservation threats, will help to inform management measures such as increased protection. In particular, this will contribute to Scottish Government consultation on the Sea of the Hebrides MPA, which is due to happen late 2024.