I want to join surveys

We are delighted to have been awarded funding from the Viking Community Fund (Shetland Community Benefit Fund) to deliver an exciting two-year whale and dolphin monitoring programme around Shetland between 2026 and 2028. We will undertake two dedicated marine mammal photo-identification surveys every month, gathering valuable information on the whales and dolphins that visit Shetland’s internationally important waters. The surveys will help improve understanding of the distribution, movements, and long-term population trends of local cetacean species, providing essential evidence to support future conservation and management efforts.

We are pleased to invite local volunteers and community groups to join boat-based survey trips, where volunteers can work alongside experienced researchers to learn how marine mammal surveys are conducted and how photo-identification techniques are used to recognise individual animals from natural markings on their fins and bodies. Participants will gain hands-on experience spotting, identifying, and recording whales and dolphins at sea, while directly contributing to ongoing scientific research. We hope the initiative will inspire and upskill those that get involved, strengthening connections between Shetland’s communities and the rich marine environment on their doorstep.

We would encourage involvement from local community groups, schools, or interested individuals. Please do not hestiate to get in touch!

ESSENTIAL

• A desire and interest to learn marine mammal photo-ID survey methodology

• Comfortable being on a boat at sea for up to 6 hrs

• No medical conditions that may affect you for a day at sea (inc. low likelihood of seasickness)

• Ability to work well in a small team

• Interest in contributing with no expectations (this is not a wildlife watching trip, we cannot guarantee sightings, there may be many surveys without sightings)

• Flexibility – surveys will be organised fairly last minute (based on weather conditions) and may also be cancelled at very short notice

DESIRABLE

• Experience spotting marine mammals and/or with survey data collection

• Experience taking photographs of wildlife 

• Experience on vessels at sea, including sea survival qualifications

Outdoor wet weather gear can be provided - please let us know in advance if you would like to borrow kit.