St Andrews University students join us aboard to gain first-hand monitoring experience
Silurian off the coast of Hyskier Lighthouse
Every year, we welcome aboard teams of students from St Andrew’s University Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) to discover how we collect data on board our research vessel, Silurian. Over the course of 10 days, three teams spent time travelling to different areas of the west coast, collecting vital visual and acoustic data on marine mammals. Each of the teams share their experiences below…
Team 1: ANJALI, Rebecca, Celia, Wilma, Katie, Thomas
DAY 1
"Hear ye, hear ye, What a day!", exclaimed Thomas at the end of an amazing day.
From an early start in Tobermory ,all the way through to setting anchor on the coast North of Tiree, the sun was beaming and skies were blue. The day was very busy and filled with 64 sightings, of 130 animals from 5 different species - including an amazing 25 minke whales!
Incredible views, calm seas and delicious soup (thanks Charly) were enjoyed by all, but especially Laia, Katie and Thomas who made the most of the calm conditions to scramble up the mast. Sadly for Laia she had no sightings from the crows nest, but Thomas and Katie were both squealing when common dolphins and minkes abounded!
Everyone got their share of screaming "SIGHTING" and ate a lot of biscuits. After a long day surveying, the evening was spent enjoying a swim and some dinner.
©Rebecca Roberts
DAY 2
We woke up to the ocean waves crashing against the boat and the sweet sweet sound of the Lion King soundtrack. The sea was a little bit rougher than yesterday, with the swell reaching up to 1.5 metres. A few of us weren’t feeling too well, but braved the strong winds. Celia and Wilma were on the second set of mast observers, using clips so as not to loose balance and fall off. Wilma, not used to sail boats was singing hymns to get through.
After 3 hours of intensive surveying we finally came across 2 minkes and some harbour porpoises. In total we had 21 sightings of 41 animals. Wilma wasn't the only one who braved something, Rebecca also faced her fears of heights and climbed up to the crows nest to watch a beautiful sighting of 3-5 groups of common dolphins travelling towards Silurian from all directions, a few grey seals and two minke whales! By noon, the waters calmed to beautiful glassy seas with some cool sightings of cute grey seals, puffins and fulmars. We finally anchored at Lunga and enjoyed the beautiful sunset.
DAY 3
I expect that no day on the Silurian is quite like any other. We woke up to grey skies and rocking seas (a Scottish classic), and finally got to bust out our "oilies" (waterproof suits) in case of some predicted nasty weather. We raced to Tobermory from the Isle of Lunga, keeping up good time to beat the squall home. On the way we encountered several porpoise who popped up to the surface to say ‘hi’, and some of us had the strange feeling we were being watched... It wasn't long before we apprehended our culprits- some grey and common seals were sticking their noses into our line of sight, bobbing like bottles among the whitecaps.
On our return to the harbour, we were lucky enough to spot the local white-tailed eagle nesting upon the stacks, apparently a Tobermory favourite. Our photographers on board were thrilled, and could be heard happily snapping away up on deck.
As we write this we're dropping anchor, and we'll soon be gone from Silurian. But don't worry, we're swapping with some of our wonderful classmates who will keep you well informed of this lovely boat. So not goodbye, but until tomorrow!
Team 1 travelled a total of 254 km around Coll, Tiree and the Treshnish Isles collecting almost 17 hours of visual and acoustic data.
Team 1 Survey Tracklines
Team 2: Maddie, Katie K, Sarah, Katie r, thomas
DAY 1
Today was my group's first full day on Silurian! We left Tobermory in the morning after our safety brief and set off to circumnavigate the Isle of Mull. The weather has not been favourable so far, but we still managed to see marine mammals and the wind was perfect to turn off the engine and sail down the Sound. We sighted a few bottling seals and a lone harbour porpoise. The weather picked up in the afternoon and we got drenched by the sea while on survey - it was great fun!
Haiku
This trip has been great
I hope the weather improves
So we can see more
DAY 2
We headed west with some success, recording 4 minke whales. With the calmer conditions all the team managed up the mast! As we headed towards Loch na Keal, we spied some splashing in the distance, unsure whether they were bottlenose or common dolphins, we went ‘with whale’ (coming off effort-based watching) to confirm the ID and get some images for Photo ID. As we got closer, we saw the creamy side and longer beak, indicative of common dolphins, so we returned to our track line and headed into Loch na Keal. After a creel-tastic lap around Eorsa, we set anchor off the south coast of Ulva and went to explore another new island.
DAY 3
Good start to our final day today with the first sighting in under 20 mins! We made our way back around from Ulva and headed towards Tobermory in what some might call "fair" conditions. As we made our way back, we saw bottling seals and lots of creels. We were also very fortunate to see a sea eagle sitting on their nest! Our group had a fantastic time and we are so grateful for the opportunity to sail on Silurian. We hope the next group has great weather and lots off sightings!
Team 2 travelled a total of 232 km circumnavigating Mull and collecting over 17 hours of visual and acoustic data.
Team 2 Survey Tracklines
Team 3: Amanda, Sonja, Brad, Natasha, Cecilia
DAY 1
Overall today was a very successful day. While we battled some rain showers we started off strong, with a handful of sightings of common dolphins and harbour porpoises. The calm seas even allowed us to make an unscheduled stop ashore to see Hyskeir Lighthouse for a short adventure to get a closer look. While we were there we got close looks at a gathering of seals who seemed surprised to see us! The rain eventually turned to sun, which allowed us to enjoy the rest of a successful survey and the stunning scenery of the Small Isles.
DAY 2
The day started out strong with over 100 puffin sightings, and an Arctic skua!
Throughout the day, in traditional Scottish fashion, several seasons were endured. Sea state ranged from 0 to 4, visibility periodically oscillating between 1 and 10 nautical miles. The sightings included: 3 grey seals and 6 harbour porpoises. Also, we believe the dorsal fin of a basking shark was spotted between the swells, but the sighting was fleeting. Although the afternoon was full of low clouds, rain, and wind, the clouds parted just in time for a stunning arrival at the Isle of Muck. With the evening bringing nice blue skies, a sunset swim and delicious meal was enjoyed.
Team 3 travelled a total of 218 km, around the Small Isles collecting almost 17 hours of visual and acoustic data.
Team 3 Survey Tracklines
In total the amazing teams from the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) travelled almost 707 km and collected almost 51 hours of visual and acoustic data.