Whale Track is a citizen science project developed by the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust. Anyone can participate, whether you are new to watching whales, or an expert surveyor. Whale Track allows you to easily report sightings and carry out surveys from both land and sea. And its free to sign up.
Twenty-four species of whale, dolphin and porpoise have been recorded in Scottish waters, accounting for almost a quarter of all species found worldwide. It is one of the most important and biodiverse areas in Europe for cetaceans. But our seas are under huge pressure; increasingly busy, noisy and polluted. Scotland’s whales and dolphins exist in a fragile state, threatened by a range of environmental, climatic and human pressures. Evidence is the foundation of effective conservation, and that’s where you can help.
With eyes out on the water all the time, sightings data from the community is helping to track the movements of resident coastal species such as bottlenose dolphins and uncover the mysteries of rarer visitors including humpback and killer whales.
Join our community of citizen scientists monitoring whales and dolphins. Get involved to help improve our understanding of local species and contribute data to inform conservation policies to safeguard our amazing marine wildlife for future generations.
Your sightings really do help make a difference. Download Whale Track today to learn about the species found in Scottish waters and report your sightings and survey data to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust.