Raasay, Islay, Hoy, Great Cumbrae and Barra could reduce their carbon emissions to zero by 2040.
The Turkish-built MV Isle of Islay has been unable to use its bow doors since mid-May.
The research will look at rare species of bumblebee in the machair grasslands of the Hebrides.
MV Isle of Islay is the first of four large new ferries ordered from a shipyard in Turkey.
The bath toy was among 150,000 ducks released into the River Liffey in 2006, with the intention of travelling one mile.
MV Isle of Islay has been placed on standby after MV Glen Sannox was taken out of service due to an engine fault.
MV Isle of Islay is currently making its way to Scotland after being built in a Turkish shipyard.
Some rural distilleries have closed visitor centres while others have cutr opening hours due to less footfall and difficulties finding staff.
MV Isle of Islay will soon make the two-week journey to Scotland and is expected to enter service in early spring.
