Skip to content

Conservation

Orcas' Hebridean overture

by Penny Bunting 07 May 2014
Orcas' Hebridean overture

The 'West Coast Community' of killer whales is at risk of extinction; West Coast orca pod image; Photo by N. Van Geel/HWDT

An endangered group of marine mammals will be monitored this summer by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT), as the charity celebrates its 20th anniversary. The UK's only known resident population of killer whales is at risk of imminent extinction, but HWDT hopes that, during its new season of pioneering marine research expeditions, fresh information can be collected about these fascinating creatures that will help secure their future. The conservation status of the killer whales - five males and four females known as the 'West Coast Community' - is believed to be critical, as no calves have been seen within the group for several years.

HWDT works to protect marine animals such as these by enhancing knowledge and understanding through education, research and engagement with local communities. Its research data is used to inform policy makers and generate recommendations for effective marine management.

The charity is recruiting volunteers to work alongside marine scientists in surveys running from May to October, to gather crucial data on whales, dolphins and porpoises - collectively known as cetaceans - and basking sharks in western Scotland's seas. The expeditions will be carried out from HWDT's specialised research yacht Silurian, previously used in the filming of the BBC's acclaimed series, The Blue Planet.

"Our 2014 surveys offer an excellent volunteering opportunity to help ensure the long-term survival of Scotland's remarkable cetaceans and basking sharks, while learning new skills and exploring some of the most wild and remote corners of Britain," said Eva Varga, HWDT Operations Manager.

With cetaceans facing increasing stress from human activities such as climate change, entanglement in fishing gear, pollution, underwater noise and habitat degradation, the findings will strengthen knowledge of species' distribution, habitats and behaviour, and will be used to strengthen future conservation action.

Volunteers will live and work onboard Silurian for up to 12 days, receiving training and working with scientists - conducting visual surveys, acoustic monitoring using hydrophones and specialist software, and identification of individual cetaceans through photography of their dorsal fins. They will also assist with the day-to-day running of Silurian.

Over the past 10 years, Silurian has travelled more than 61,000km from Islay to Cape Wrath and west of the Western Isles. This area is one of Europe's most important habitats for cetaceans, with the long and complex coastline, interaction of currents and wide variety of habitats combining to provide a rich and diverse environment for marine life.

The range of species regularly sighted is astonishing: minke whales, orcas, basking sharks, dolphins and porpoises are just a few of the animals known to inhabit these waters. In fact, 24 different species of cetacean have been recorded in the region, including several national and international conservation priorities.

HWDT's research has revealed, along with the killer whales, a resident population of 55 bottlenose dolphins and Europe's highest density of harbour porpoises. Two feeding and breeding hotspots of basking sharks have also been discovered. Sightings of this amazing creature - the second largest fish in the world, after the whale shark - are increasing.


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping