Dolphins and Whales of Moray Firth

  Scotland

Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 1-2 weeks
Dates: 2008: Jun 16 - Jun 26, Jun 30 - Jul 10, Jul 14 - Jul 24, Jul 28 - Aug 7, Aug 11 - Aug 21, Aug 25 - Sep 4, Sep 8 - Sep 18, Sep 22 - Oct 2

Description: Research Mission
Spotting threatened whales and dolphins on Scotland's scenic northeastern coast.

Situation Report
Outer Moray Firth, northeast Scotland--This 5,000-square-kilometer embayment, surrounded by majestic cliffs, rolling farmland, and heritage fishing villages, is fed by both warm and cold waters from the Atlantic and Arctic Oceans. Its productive waters attract an abundance of fish, providing rich feeding grounds for marine mammals and seabirds. As many as 22 species of whales and dolphins have been sighted here, and the firth is a key habitat for harbor porpoises, bottlenose dol-phins, and minke whales, all of which have suffered from declines in European waters in recent decades. The only population of bottlenose dolphins in the North Sea can be found here, and minke whales using these rich inshore waters in the late summer months are still subject to whaling in nearby seas. You can help Dr. Kevin Robinson and his dedicated team collect crucial population data on these populations to improve their conservation.

Meals and Accommodations
Your team will share a rented cottage in the heart of a traditional fishing village, rich in local history and colorful characters. You will share a bedroom with one or two of your teammates, sleeping on beds in your own sleeping bag. The cottage has modern bathroom facilities, and a full kitchen. Cooking and cleaning duties will be shared on a rotational basis, using ingredients locally available. After dinner, the local pub is pleased to serve a very good range of ales in a friendly atmosphere.

Highlights: Working with Robinson and his colleagues from the Cetacean Research & Rescue Unit (CRRU), you will take to the Moray Firth in 5.4-meter rigid-hulled inflatable boats to conduct systematic surveys of the southern coastline. You will be trained to spot and identify whales and dolphins, and to record data such as the composition and structure of groups, their behavior, and geographic position. You will also take photographs for individual identification. Back at the lab, especially during inclement weather, you will help identify individuals from photographs, catalogue images, and enter data. Your team may also be called upon to help with live-stranding incidents, as the need arises. In your spare time, there are rare seabird colonies, coastal wildflowers, castles, and Pictish ruins to experience.

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. There is no upper age limit, yet all volunteers must be at least 18 years old.            

Cost in US$: 2,346

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Fellowships may be available, mainly for high-school students and educators. Visit our website for more information.

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 4-8

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

Application Process Involves:

• 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