Why Whales and Dolphins?

HWDT concentrates its efforts on the study of these marine mammals because such species are usually predators at the top of their respective food chains, so their well-being, or lack of it, provides an excellent indication of the health of the entire ecosystem on which they, and ultimately we, depend. However, surprisingly little is known about many of these species because they live highly mobile, aquatic lives and so are difficult to study.

Large, charismatic mammals, from elephants and gorillas to whales and dolphins, also command tremendous public interest and are consequently an excellent way of generating public awareness of, and concern about, wider environmental issues. Whales and dolphins around the world are under threat. Marine pollution, oil exploration & drilling, over-fishing, drowning in nets, whaling and uncontrolled tourism are just some of the dangers.

In the Hebrides, many species are lucky enough to find a

safe haven. But for how long? New threats such as offshore oil exploration, super-quarries and the increasing use of

gill-nets are already with us. By increasing our knowledge about whales, dolphins and porpoises and their

environment and passing that on to others, HWDT will be

in a strong position to protect the animals from these and other threats which have proved so devastating elsewhere.

Only with the public's support, we will continue to do our upmost to ensure the survival of this area's unique ecosystem for future generations.

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