Marine explorers head for Hebridean islands

FRESH back from the Easter break, local primary schools on the Isle of Skye will be taking learning outdoors next week, with pupils joining the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT) on board its specialised research yacht, Silurian.

Throughout the week, Silurian will become a floating classroom, hosting primary schools from across Skye, Raasay and Kyle of Lochalsh.

Pupils will have the chance to actively explore the yacht, learn about marine mammals and discover what life is like on board as a marine scientist.

Sessions have been designed to inspire students, spark interest in the marine environment and help inform the decision-makers of the future.

Following their visit to Skye, Silurian will return to sail the Hebrides, undertaking visual and acoustic research on whales, dolphins and porpoises.

This is part of HWDT’s unique long-term citizen science project, with data collected on board informing local and national conservation efforts.

These annual surveys depend on paying volunteers, trained by the team to monitor and become marine mammal scientists for the duration on their trip.

For more information about Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust , Silurian and the floating classroom, please visit www.hwdt.org.