Ciarán Dolan Email & Phone Number

I am an intuitive and experienced cetologist primarily working in UK waters. In 2017, I participated in a research survey onboard the Hebridean Whale and Dolphin Trust's (HWDT) survey vessel, Silurian. In 2018 I began working for the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit (CRRU) in the capacity of a research scientist. This consists of leading cetacean surveys on a twin engine RHIB and collecting behavioural data, photo identifications and biopsy samples of larger species that are within the licence held. Through these experiences, and those gained during my three years of undergraduate study, I am fully competent in conducting marine mammal surveys using a range of different methods, as well as writing scientific papers: “Ecological habitat partitioning and feeding specialisations of coastal minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) using a designated MPA in northeast Scotland” - Kevin P. Robinson et al. (In progress) From September 2021, I will be completing a MRes at the University of Exeter with the Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit (CRRU). My project title is “The distribution and feeding ecology of coastal minke whales (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) in the Moray Firth in north east Scotland”. Simultaneously, I work as a freelance Marine Mammal Observer (MMO) to the oil and gas industry as well as to the renewables sector. I have experience in advising JNCC guidelines on geophysical surveys, EOD campaigns,pile driving projects and seismic surveys to mitigate acoustic disturbance to marine mammals.