Ferry Surveys

The west coast of Scotland is one of the most important areas for whales, dolphins and porpoises (collectively known as cetaceans) in the North Atlantic, and it is known to the scientific community throughout the world for its high abundance and diversity of cetacean species. Around 21 different species have been recorded in these waters, of which up to eight are seen on a regular basis. These include species such as minke whales, killer whales, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, white beaked dolphins and harbour porpoises. However, there has been little research into whales, dolphins and porpoises on the west coast of Scotland, in comparison to other parts of the world, and many people do not realise that so many species of cetaceans can be seen in this area.

In a number of places around the world, passenger ferries have been successfully used by marine biologists both to study whales, dolphins and porpoises and to help enlighten local people and visitors to the presence of cetaceans and the importance of particular areas for cetacean species.

Since 2001, marine biologists from Aberdeen University and HWDT have used some Caledonian MacBrayne ferry routes to study whales, dolphins and porpoises in summer months. This research has proved very successful and important insights have been gained into the patterns of occurrence and distribution of cetaceans throughout the west coast of Scotland. However, studies have been limited to the summer months with little data from the winter months and with little involvement local communities and visitors.

From August 2004, HWDT, Aberdeen University and the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) at St. Andrews University will build on these small-scale studies and develop a comprehensive, community based, year round ferry sightings network throughout the West Coast. Expanding the network will:

One or two trained cetacean observers travel on a number of individual ferry routes on a regular basis throughout the year. These observers conduct scientific surveys for the presence of cetaceans along the route of each ferry. These observers include locally based volunteers trained to undertake observations whilst on ferry crossings. To facilitate this, workshops and training are provided on the islands and/or on the ferries themselves. This onboard activity is run by trained staff and helps to raise public awareness of cetacean presence and the fact that whales, dolphins and porpoises can be seen from the ferries. In addition, these individuals will aid members of the public in spotting and identifying any cetaceans that are seen during the passage, thereby raising the awareness of the Hebridean marine environment.

If you live in the Hebrides or regularly travel on Hebridean Ferries and would like to be involved in this new project, then please get in touch with our volunteer co-ordinator or call us on 01688302620.