Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust

MARINE MAMMAL COURSES 2006

Tobermory, Isle of Mull, Scotland



ACTIVITIES:

Boat Based Survey Techniques

A day out on 65ft yacht Silurian to learn about marine life survey
techniques from our science team, and a chance to see a number of
marine animals. Survey Techniques include:
Identifying different marine mammals (whales, dolphins, porpoises,
grey and common seals)
Estimating distance of animals from the boat
Photo identification - how to identify individual animals
Acoustic surveys - the use of a hydrophone to identify different
marine mammal species

Land Based Survey Techniques

Spend an afternoon finding out what signs to look for when spotting
cetaceans from shore; how to identify what you see; how land based
surveys differ from boat based surveys and why they are important in
cetacean monitoring; how to use survey equipment to monitor boat and
cetacean movements.



Marine life biology

Learn first hand about the local marine life with a make-shift
aquarium containing a variety of different marine animals - different
varieties of crabs, lobster, starfish etc.



Plankton Identification

Plankton are at the source of the whole marine ecosystem, collect
plankton samples and identify your catch under microscopes. Learn
about the rich biodiversity of the area and why the Hebrides has such
productive waters.



Presentations:

Different cetacean species present in UK waters and how to identify each of them

Marine mammal behaviour, biology, ecology and acoustics

The research carried out through the Trust and how you can get involved



Discussions on topics of interest (dependent on participants) e.g.

Marine pollution and other marine conservation topics

Threats to local cetaceans

Marine national parks

Fisheries

Etc.



Practicalities



DATES: (3 nights)

March: Friday 24 - Sunday 26

April: Wednesday 12 - Friday 14

July: Sunday 9 - Tuesday 11 1/3 discount on last minute spaces for
members of marmam

September: Saturday 2 - Monday 4



GROUP SIZE:

6-9 persons

Course not suitable for children, all persons should be over 18



SUITABILITY:

The course is aimed at all who have an interest in marine life and
wish to know more. Past participants have ranged from wildlife
enthusiasts to those with PhD experience - all of whom have enjoyed
and benefited from the course.



This particular course is not suitable for children. All persons
should be aged over 18.

Please note that the boat is not equipped for wheelchairs, and is not
suitable for those with poor balance or those who require assistance
to stand.



ACCOMMODATION:

Bunk house accommodation can be provided at a cost of £12 per night:
One room with 6 beds, one with 4 beds, en-suite showers in each room,
self-catering kitchen facilities, small TV room, local pub within a
minute's walk.

A list of B&B's can be provided for those who wish to find their own
accommodation



FOOD:

We provide the bunkhouse with basic foods such as bread, margarine,
spreads, milk, cereals, teas, coffee, sugar, flour, seasonings etc …
We will not be providing full meals. There is a fully equipped kitchen
in the bunkhouse and a pub that serves meals is located around the
corner.



COST:

The 2 day, 3 night course is:

£150 per person – excluding accommodation (The last minute spaces in
July are £100 per person)

Accommodation is £12 per night extra.



To book please contact Fiona Quarmby the course co-ordinator
at:volunteercoordinator@... phone us on 01688 302620 Weekdays
between 10am-6pm.


Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust
28 Main Street
Tobermory
Isle of Mull
Argyll
PA75 6NU
Tel: 01688 302620
Fax: 01688 302728
Web: www.hwdt.org
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