Listening for animals
Behind Silurian we tow a hydrophone (underwater microphone) to detect noise below the waves – both natural, such as porpoise clicks, and man-made or anthropogenic, such as Acoustic Deterrent Devices (ADDs) that are used by many fish farms to scare seals. We are concerned that the increase in the underwater soundscape will have a negative effect on whales, dolphins and porpoises. Specific expeditions are planned to coincide with the massive military exercise which occurs in Hebridean seas, monitoring the noise pollution these activities emit and gathering evidence on any unusual behaviour.
Photo identification
We can identify individual animals from the unique markings on their bodies, particularly on their dorsal fin. When a photo is taken it is catalogued to help with future identification. By collecting photos of the same individual each year we learn about their movements, how long they live , if they produce calves and which other individuals they spend time with. It’s an exciting moment when a familiar animal is sighted!
Volunteers take it in turn to scan the sea for animals from the boat’s mast. When a creature is sighted, lots of information is relayed to whoever is inputting data at the science station below deck.
Along Silurian’s route, we also record the location of things that could affect marine mammals, such as fish farms, creels, floating litter and other boats.