In 1994, a small charity was established on the Isle of Mull in Scotland to monitor the movements, habitats and behaviour of cetaceans – whales, dolphins and porpoises – and to build an understanding of these creatures, about which very little was previously known.

More than two decades later, the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust remains the only offshore, long-term cetacean-monitoring scheme of its kind in the UK. The charity's findings now form the most comprehensive data available, supporting effective conservation and providing researchers and policy-makers with crucial data on cetacean distribution patterns.

Research surveys – carried out on board the charity's unique research yacht, Silurian – have revealed a remarkable range of marine biodiversity in the waters of western Scotland. Each year the trust records hundreds of encounters with cetaceans and basking sharks, including underwater detections of cetaceans using specialist listening equipment.

Involving local people and communities, and enthusing and educating people of all ages, are also key to the trust's work. The charity works with schools, using Silurian as a floating classroom where students can explore the boat and learn about the region's marine life. The boat regularly anchors near participating schools, often in remote island communities.

The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust Visitor Centre and shop is situated in the centre of the colourful harbour town of Tobermory and is another fantastic source of education and information. Currently being refurbished, the centre will reopen in spring 2016 to offer interactive games and displays and information about recent cetacean sightings.

The west Scotland coast already has massive appeal as a destination for wildlife tourism. The Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust's work provides further opportunities for learning, training and volunteering, as well as creating sustainable eco-tourism employment.

These actions are ensuring the lasting conservation of this world-class marine environment – and the creatures that live here.    

Species identified include harbour porpoise, minke whale, and white-beaked dolphin. A resident population of 55 bottlenose dolphins has been identified, and two feeding and breeding hotspots of basking sharks – the second largest fish in the world, after the whale shark – discovered.

One of the most outanding encounters in recent years was a rare sighting of three members of a group of killer whales known as the 'West Coast Community'. This small group is thought to be the UK's only known resident population of orcas.

Animals such as these are under threat – or even at risk of extinction – due to human activity. Climate change, pollution, underwater noise and habitat degradation are causing increasing stress to our fragile marine ecosystems.  

“The range of species of cetaceans and basking sharks that we have documented is impressive. This highlights both the wealth of marine life in Scotland's west coast ocean environment – and the importance of ensuring the continued survival of these spectacular animals and maintaining the healthy seas that support them,” says Dr Conor Ryan, the trust's Science Officer.

The Silurian crew relies on onboard volunteers to help gather vital information. Volunteering gives people an opportunity to develop new skills, work alongside marine scientists and visit some of the most remote and wild parts of the British Isles.

"My trips on Silurian have been inspirational,” says Jane Storie, regular Silurian Volunteer. “It's a privilege to encounter wildlife in such a beautiful marine environment but to feel that you, as a team member, are contributing to the understanding of the cetaceans in these waters is very special indeed. It's something that will stay with you forever. Every day is different and every encounter significant."

During surveys, volunteers live, work and sleep on Silurian for up to 12 days, receiving training and working with scientists – conducting visual surveys, acoustic monitoring using specialist equipment, and cetacean identification through dorsal fin photography. They also help run Silurian – giving them a chance to develop other skills such as sailing and navigation.

Areas covered depend on the weather but range from Mull of Kintyre in the south, Cape Wrath in the north and St Kilda in the west. These seas are one of Europe's most important cetacean habitats.

Way to go

The surveys depart from Tobermory on the Isle of Mull or Kyle of Lochalsh. Participation costs cover boat expenses, accommodation, training, food and insurance, and support the trust's research. For details call 01688 302620 or visit Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust's website at www.hwdt.org.

Sailing with whales