On our second survey of the season, six participants and four crew prepared themselves for an experience they would cherish forever. With wild weather forecast, we initially set off down the Sound of Mull and over the course of 9 days, managed an adventurous, thrilling and often hilarious circumnavigation around the Isle of Mull.
On our second research expedition of the season, six participants and four crew prepared themselves for an experience they would cherish forever. With wild weather forecast, we initially set off down the Sound of Mull and over the course of 9 days, managed an adventurous, thrilling and often hilarious circumnavigation around the Isle of Mull.
It wasn’t long before our first sighting of the trip, with a pod of bottlenose dolphins spotted on our starboard side. Our First Mate Sharyn slowed our vessel and as we matched the dolphins pace, they surfaced repeatedly around 200 metres away. With waves crashing over our bow, it was challenging to get photographs, however the pod made their way over to us, breaching only a few metres from our feet and showing off their tiny baby calf. Distinctive dorsal fins were captured on camera, and initial checks reveal at least one individual we already know. We’re currently updating our Bottlenose Dolphin Photo-ID catalogue which will be published next month.
There is something peaceful about the roughness of the sea. When the wind is picking up, the sails are set and the boat starts to dance with the waves. When the land disappears behind us and it’s time to start surveying. Mid way through the trip, routine has truly set in, everyone knows the roles, knows the rotations and how to move around the boat safely – no matter what the condition are. Drinking tea or eating while the boat crashes up and down? No problem. Moving up the side of Silurian’s deck to the mast while she is almost lying on her side? Like a pro. Distance estimation? Room for improvement (this is hard!). Dolphin and whale species identification? We haven’t had much practice so far, but can definitely confidently spot harbour porpoises and seals!
One would maybe say: “what, the third day in a row you’ve only seen porpoises and seals, how disappointing?”
Introducing our enthusiastic crew… Science Officer, Emma, big smile in the morning, calling “on effort” at the beginning of the survey day, followed by cheers from all on board. Dedicated fourth crew, Emily, passing tea through the hatch of the galley, always there, always taking care of everyone. Ferghal and Sharyn singing at the helm, keeping everyone’s spirits high.
How can you explain the experience of standing one hour in wind and rain, soaking wet, sea water smacking your face until the point you are afraid that you missed a fin in the water because the salt is burning in your eyes and Emma calls for a swap of roles and it’s time for your “rest” hour. Your first response is: “What, already?” Coming back inside: “That was so much fun!” And what follows is nodding and knowing smiles all around with a shared understanding that one can only truly know when you have been on a trip like this.
Wild anchorages were a true highlight, often sheltering from the weather, feeling secure in secluded and magical bays. Spotting a white tailed sea eagle in a nearby tree, a majestic creature we watched for hours. Other encounters brief, as they flew past at pace out of sight. On reaching our final anchorage of the trip, we spotted our first whale of the year, a juvenile (or “dinky”) minke, surfacing a few times allowing us all to have a glimpse.
Through the challenging weather and days with few fins, it is a credit to everyone on board for creating such a memorable trip with copious amounts of laughter, camaraderie, good food, questionable desserts – thank you!
We surveyed 470 km of sea, recording 26 marine mammal sightings including bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin, harbour porpoise, common seal, grey seal and minke whale! We also recorded over 40 hours of acoustic recordings, detecting harbour porpoise clicks and dolphin whistles.
A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR TEAM OF CITIZEN SCIENTISTS WHO JOINED THIS EXPEDITION: LOUIS, LISA, LIZ, AIDAN, SARAH AND MERRIN.
You Can Be Part of the Adventure!
For over 20 years, more than 1,000 citizen scientists have helped us collect an incredible amount of visual and acoustic data. This data gathered on board Silurian plays a key role in understanding cetaceans across the west coast aiding protection of the marine environment. This vital work wouldn’t be possible without people like you.
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