JOIN A RESEARCH SURVEY IN THE SCOTTISH HEBRIDES
***************************Exclusive early season
opportunity***************************
The Hebridean Whale & Dolphin Trust (HWDT) are recruiting 6 participants to
join a boat based research expedition off the west coast of Scotland, between
the 11th and 20th April @ just £695pp
Itinerary
Rendezvous location is Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. You will spend 10 days
onboard, with 8 full days at sea on survey effort. Full training in survey
methods will be provided before and during the research survey. The area
surveyed will depend largely on recent sightings, weather and at the Skippers
discretion. Departure from the vessel will also be from Tobermory.
Research Aims
The data collected by HWDT is vital for the effective monitoring of marine life
within the survey area. Research methodology involves systematic
line-transect surveys and passive acoustic monitoring using a towed hydrophone.
The data that HWDT gathers is used to estimate relative abundance, describe
fine-scale spatial and temporal distribution, identify high-use habitats and
monitor anthropogenic impacts. The visual and acoustic data collected during
the research survey contributes to HWDT’s extensive dataset. HWDT works
closely with conservation and management agencies to identify species and their
habitats that are suitable for protection.
Research Area
A combination of complex water mixing and varied seabed topography, as well as
the influence of the Gulf Stream, has resulted in the Hebrides being one of the
most productive areas in Europe. However, despite the diversity of cetacean
species in the region, management strategies allowing for the conservation of
priority species have yet to be implemented. There are resident populations
of bottlenose dolphin, harbour porpoise and a small, unique pod of orca which
frequent the area. Commonly sighted species are minke whales, common dolphins
and basking sharks. Other wildlife regularly encountered includes grey and
common seals, otters and numerous sea bird species. White-sided and
white-beaked dolphins, Risso's dolphins and humpback whales have also been
sighted from onboard Silurian.
The Vessel
Silurian, HWDT’s research vessel, has been owned and operated by HWDT since
2001, and was previously used in the filming of The Blue Planet. Large and
sturdy, this is the perfect vessel for conducting scientific surveys in the
Hebrides. She is 16 metres long and can sleep 10 people comfortably. There
are three participant cabins in the forward section of the vessel. Each of
these contains two berths and a small amount of storage space for personal
belongings. There are two bathrooms onboard, crew quarters, a galley and a
saloon.
Participant Requirements and Duties
This is an excellent opportunity for those who wish to gain experience in the
field; invaluable if you wish to pursue a career studying cetaceans. Past
experience isn’t a prerequisite, although would be favourable. Good eyesight
and hearing is required to run an efficient survey, as is a good pair of sea
legs. Participants will gain experience in marine mammal and seabird
identification, visual and acoustic data collection including software use
(Logger, PAMGUARD and Rainbow Click), photo identification training and the
skills acquired from living and working aboard a yacht.
The research expedition will involve early starts and late finishes, optimising
the daylight hours available. Participant tasks are rotated on an hourly
basis. All participants are required to help out with the day to day running
of the vessel, sharing cooking and cleaning duties. Evenings will be spent
anchored in a remote bay, where you may have the opportunity to venture ashore.
In the event of foul weather, contingency activities will be provided.
Date
The survey will run from Monday 11th April – Wednesday 20th April 2011.
Cost
Unfortunately the budget of this project is very limited so there is a fee of
£695 to participate, strictly to cover boat expenses. This is a very exclusive
offer, with the cost of participating usually a minimum of £1,000. Costs
include accommodation (onboard Silurian), insurance while onboard the vessel
and food.
For more information, please contact Morven Summers:
[email protected]
For more information about HWDT and the research programme we conduct please
visit:
www.hwdt.org
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