Responsible Marine Tourism in Scotland with Caroline Willis

Episode 57: Responsible Marine Tourism in Scotland with Caroline Willis

Let’s talk about responsible marine tourism in Scotland and discuss ways in which we as visitors can enjoy the sea while lowering our impact on the environment.

Join me for a conversation with Caroline Willis from the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust (HWDT). We discuss the impact marine tourism has on coastal environments and marine species like whales and dolphins, and what we as visitors can do to minimise our impact.

Caroline also tells us about the work the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust has been doing since the 1990s, their citizen science projects and initiatives to encourage responsible marine tourism in Scotland.

In this chat with Caroline, we cover…

A deep dive into the marine mammals of the Scottish west coast, including some fun and some gory facts about dolphins, whales and porpoises
The negative impacts of marine tourism, especially power boats
How to know whether a boat operator behaves responsibly around wildlife
Low-impact wildlife activities to try in the water and on land
Land-based whale watching along the Hebridean Whale Trail
Becoming a citizen scientist with the Whale Track app or aboard the Silurian

After our conversation, hear from some of our favourite water activity providers who can take you out to admire Scottish marine wildlife with minimal impact. You’ll hear from Seatrek Scotland, Adventure Carrick and Kayak Summer Isles.

Connect with the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust on Instagram: @hwdt_org

Thank you to the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust for giving us access to their hydrophone recordings and allowing us to share a few clips with you.

TRANSCRIPT

Resources

Tips for sustainable travel in Scotland, including a section on responsible marine tourism

Explore the Hebridean Whale Trail

Download the free Whale Track app and report your sightings

Read Natalie Sander’s book about the west coast community of Scottish killer whales, The Last Sunset in the West

What’s the Blue Planet Effect?

Read about Kylie the dolphin in the Firth of Clyde who learnt to “speak with” harbour porpoises

Here are some photos of the foetal folds of dolphins and their subsequent “zebra stripes”

Disclaimer: All information provided in this podcast is based on personal travel experiences. Companies mentioned in the story or tips were active at the time of release. If you listen to episodes at a later point, note that this information may have changed in the meantime.