We have allowed for three days of practical based basking shark research and over the 6 days we'll pick the best conditons to conduct this. This gives us the best chande to hedge our bets around the weather, gives us backup options along with reducing the cost by not being remote from our base.

In previous years we have based ourself nearer the research area which meant during poor days we were a little stuck with fun things to do! So this time we'll have the best of both worlds!

Our days will begin in Oban and then drive to Tarbert from where we'll start our reasearch from. Returning to Oban in the afternoon/evening depending on the situation, conditions and success. 

Research aims;

• Study the abundance basking shark population on the southerly migration 
• Record location, time, size, sex and behaviour of basking sharks along with environmental factors (e.g. sea temperature, visibility, tides, weather)
• Record images and videos of sharks for entry into shark ID catalogue
• Analyse zooplankton samples from feeding and non-feeding areas
• Analyse zooplankton samples for plastic to assess ingestion risk
• Collect genetic samples 
• Record and analyse basking shark behavoir 
• Record cetacean sightings data (e.g porpoises/dolphin/whales)

Like any research we have the ying and yang of practical data gathering and then having to work up what we have collected. We'll plan our work ups around when we do our research days as getting the best conditons is very important for success! 

We'll gather at our base in Oban to work up the data and this will range from plankton counts & sample work, to processing images and photo ID matching, maps and sightings and writing up of field notes. 

At these times we'll also do presentations on basking shark history, biology and conservation, along with survey techniques and wildlife. 

We'll spend a day around the Oban area on a day where the weather wouldn't be ideal for basking shark surveys but will still allow us to have some fun around the Oban area instead. 

We've got the whole coastline as a playground and we'll choose the locations depending on the weather and what the group would prefer to do. This can range from boat based wildlife watching (seals, seabirds,eagles, porpoises, dolphins), landing and exploring neighbouring islands, snorkelling adventures, seal snorkelling.

If the weather and shark sightings are exceptional then we may look to have a further basking shark day too. However this will depend on the situation at the time.