Background Information about HWDT

The Hebrides includes some 550 islands and covers a sea area of over 40,000km. An area of outstanding natural beauty, it has diverse land and seascapes and abundant wildlife. Due to complex tidal streams, varied topography and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream, Hebridean waters are the most productive coastal area in the UK and contain a rich diversity of marine life. Nearly a third of the worlds species of whales, dolphins and porpoises (collectively known as cetaceans) have been

reported fromthese waters from the occasional mighty

blue whaleto the tiny resident harbour porpoise – making

the Hebrides one of the most important habitats for cetaceans in Europe.

Prior to 1990, there was very little known about the cetaceans of the Hebrides. To address this The Mull Cetacean Project was set up in 1990. Over the years the project grew to encompass a wider area and more diverse range of issues and in 1994 the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) was established.

HWDT is based in Tobermory on the Hebridean Isle of Mull.

Most of HWDTs research and education work currently

takes place in the Argyll Islands with additional work further north throughout the Hebrides and with some educational and awareness-raising work taking place throughout Scotland.

Using study techniques that neither harm nor seriously disturb the animals, HWDT conducts long-term studies into the distribution, behaviour and ecology of the cetaceans in our waters, as well as collecting detailed information about their environment. The aim of the research work HWDT

undertakes is to provide those who manage Scotland's

wildlife and habitats with information they need to achieve effective conservation. The research also provides the materials for our work in environmental education, helping to raise public awareness around the UK and educate visitors to this outstanding area about the wildlife which exists right on our doorstep.

Why Whales & Dolphins – Why do we focus our work on whales and dolphins?