Whales and Dolphins of the Hebrides

  Scotland

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 2008: Apr 29 - May 10, May 19 - May 30, Jun 2 - Jun 13, Jun 16 - Jun 27, Jun 30 - Jul 11, Aug 17 - Aug 26, Sep 14 - Sep 25

Description: Research Mission
Surveying the rich waters off the west coast of Scotland for whales, dolphins, porpoises and other sea life.

Situation Report
Argyll Island Atlantic Area, Hebrides, Scotland -- This cluster of 550 scenic islands, covering an area of more than 40,000 square kilometers, is one of the most important habitats for whales, dolphins, and porpoises in Europe. Here the warm Gulf Stream mixes with colder seas to make highly productive waters, supporting around 24 species of cetaceans as well as countless seals, seabirds, and other ocean life. Many of the cetacean species found here, including harbor porpoises, bottlenose dolphins, and beaked whales, are national and international conservation priorities. Dr. Peter Stevick and colleagues at the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust are investigating the distribution and relative abundance of cetaceans throughout the waters of western Scotland to identify particular areas of importance or "hotspots" for conservation.

Meals and Accommodations
Volunteers will share accommodations on board the Silurian, which has four snug cabins with eight berths and shower and toilet facilities. The showers are hot but with limited water, so you may want to take advantage of longer showers for a fee at onshore facilities, when available. All of the cooking will be done on board, and shared between crew and volunteers on a rotating basis, using your communal ingenuity and a variety of ingredients available at local grocery stores on shore.

Highlights: On the Expedition
You will be exposed to the truly spectacular scenery of the west coast of Scotland, from the sheer cliffs of Scarba to the sandy beaches of Tiree, as you sail the waters of the Hebrides surveying for cetaceans and other sea life. Working from on board the Silurian, a 21-meter ketch, with researchers Juliet Shrimpton and Clare Embling, you will record cetacean abundance along transects and record acoustic behaviors of encountered cetaceans using the latest technology. You'll photograph dolphins and whales for individual identification, and collect environmental information. You can also work as a member of the crew, gaining valuable sailing experience. The Silurian will pass sealochs, towering mountains, and medieval cliff-top castles and visit a variety of island ports, each with its own unique character and steeped in Highland traditions and culture.

Qualifications: Earthwatch volunteers are enthusiastic to learn about the research topic and are willing to contribute their time and energy to support leading scientists in conducting field research. Volunteers will be trained upon arrival at the research site. Teams have a minimum age of 18, unless accompanied by parent or legal guardian, in which case the minimum age is 16.

Cost in US$: 2,346 - 2,546

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Earthwatch expeditions appeal to a variety of people: educators gain new knowledge and develop exciting lesson plans; students explore career options and build research skills; writers, photographers and artists contribute their skills and share their experiences through a variety of media; businessmen and women, doctors and nurses, engineers, homemakers, retirees . . . people from all walks of life choose to volunteer on research expeditions each year. Volunteers are actively engaged on a daily basis with the research project, develop global perspectives, and explore new cultures and environments.

Age Range: 18 - 90

This Program is open to World Wide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Scotland Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 4 - 12

Scholarships are Available. - Fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

Application Process Involves:

• Phone Interview
• Physical Exam/Health Records

Post Services Include:

• Alumni Network

Earthwatch Institute's Mission Statement: Earthwatch Institute engages people worldwide in scientific field research and education to promote the understanding and action necessary for a sustainable environment. Through a unique method of funding, the volunteers Share of Cost contributes directly to the support of the research projects. Earthwatch enables scientists to pursue research goals and members of the public to gain hands-on experience with science. Each year, over 4,000 people from 46 countries directly contribute to scientific research by working alongside scientists, local community members and other volunteers. Earthwatch volunteers can track sea turtles; join archaeological digs; observe animal behavior; collect rare plants, study dolphin behavior and more. Hundreds of expedition teams can use your help in 48 countries and 16 U.S. states this year.

Year Founded: 1971