SNH have just published “SNH Research Report 974 – Basking shark and minke whale pilot aerial survey report” for which HiDef were the main contractor. The report presents the results of a pilot study to trial the suitability of digital aerial surveys for collecting data on basking sharks and minke whales for the purposes of assessing distribution and abundance in the Sea of the Hebrides Marine Protected Area proposal. Three surveys were carried out which showed the method was applicable for collecting data. Full details can be read by downloading the report from here.
HiDef Managing Director Andy Webb said, ”It is pleasing to see that SNH agree with HiDef and deem digital video aerial surveys are as applicable for surveying sharks and cetaceans as they are for birds. We hope to expand on this work going forward and work with regulators to help monitor sites for conservation purposes”
