Undergraduate students from across the South West are being offered the chance to gain practical fieldwork skills whilst exploring the Isles of Scilly this summer.

This rare opportunity for students to explore one of the UK's most unique marine habitats aboard the diving and research vessel, Loyal Watcher, has come about through a collaborative partnership between the boat's owners, Inga Charters, and the project co-ordinators, Both Marine Research & Training.

Mr Pringle, Lecturer at the Centre for Applied Zoology, Newquay: "This is a very exciting opportunity for participants to undertake cetacean observations and acoustic monitoring as part of a long-term population survey".

Adventurous researchers will spend a week gaining valuable insights into marine conservation and ecology under the direction of the expedition's research project coordinator, Colin Pringle. Researchers will have the opportunity to venture beneath the surface, and explore the numerous bays and inlets by kayak.

Mr Pringle, a Lecturer at the Centre for Applied Zoology, Newquay said: "This is a very exciting opportunity for participants to undertake cetacean observations and acoustic monitoring as part of a long-term population survey". The team will also pass on their experience through a range of practical and theoretical workshops, all delivered on board.

"With over 15 years experience at sea in UK and international waters Linda and I have witnessed a huge change in our marine environment. We've worked hard to establish a successful dive charter business and have been able to completely refit the Loyal Watcher to meet very high standards. Since working with the BOTH team we've had the opportunity to successfully record these findings and contribute to our understanding of this unique environment" explains Darren, Skipper of the Loyal Watcher.

Both Marine Research and Training is a non for profit organisation that aims to provide individuals with the skills and understanding necessary to actively participate in marine research and conservation.

"Loyal Watcher is the perfect platform from which students can perform a range of tasks whilst significantly contributing to several long term studies" added Colin Pringle, Project Co-ordinator.

Loyal Watcher sails from Plymouth to Isles of Scilly in June before heading North to the Isle of Man and onto Ireland. Further information regarding the itinerary and availability are available through Both Marine at info@marineresearch.co.uk or 44 (0)7941113815