The Surveyor Bundle gives you everything you need to get started. The bundle includes our Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification course, plus a place on a live, one-day online Marine Mammal Surveyor course delivered by the ORCA team! Learn more 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/product/mari...

When it comes to ship strikes, it's easy to assume that only the largest vessels pose a threat to whales. In reality, vessels of all sizes can cause serious injury or even death. And even smaller boats can cause significant harm if they collide with a whale!

Some whale species travel thousands of miles each year, moving between feeding and breeding grounds as the seasons change. These incredible migrations take them across vast stretches of ocean, often returning to the same areas year after year! #WhaleConservation #Whales #OceanConservation

Cuvier’s beaked whales are true specialists of the deep. With streamlined bodies and an extraordinary ability to stay underwater for long periods, they’re perfectly adapted to deep-sea life. In fact, they’re capable of making some of the deepest and longest dives ever recorded by a marine mammal!

We were lucky enough to have the most incredible evening out on the water from Reykjavík, with glassy conditions, an unbelievable sunset and minke whales popping up every few minutes!

The ORCA Marine Mammal Surveyor Course is a full-day online course, running from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Delivered live via Zoom, the course combines engaging presentations with interactive workshops led by ORCA's expert team. Find out more here 👉 orca.org.uk/get-involved

Although global humpback whale populations have recovered since commercial whaling ended, they still face significant threats from ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, underwater noise, plastic pollution and climate change, all of which can disrupt their feeding, migration and breeding.

For seals, human disturbance is far more than a brief interruption. And research shows that seals are disturbed in 68% of encounters where people are present, with repeated disturbance also impacting their health, immune system and ability to recover! Read more 👉 orca.org.uk/news-blog/gi...

You don't need to be an expert to make a difference - just a passion for marine conservation and a willingness to get involved. Together, we can build a better future for whales, dolphins and our oceans. Find out how you can join us and make a real difference today. 👉 orca.org.uk/

Seeing whales in the wild is a privilege. And the best encounters happen when we observe without disturbing them. Keeping a respectful distance, reducing noise and following wildlife-watching guidelines helps ensure these animals can continue their natural behaviours without unnecessary stress!

Despite the name, pilot whales aren't actually whales! Their name is thought to come from the belief that each pod is led by a single "pilot" guiding the group. While we now know their social behaviour is more complex, they are famous for their strong family bonds and coordinated movements.

Perfect for anyone planning a cruise, this course will teach you how to confidently identify the incredible whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and fur seals found in the Southern Ocean, with practical tips on spotting and recognising different species. See more 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/sout...

OceanWatchers is perfect if you want to contribute whenever you're by the sea. But if you're looking to get more involved, the Marine Mammal Surveyors receive additional training and join dedicated survey teams on UK and European ferry routes, collecting vital scientific data for ORCA.

The dusky dolphin is known for its incredible agility, regularly performing spectacular leaps, flips and spins above the water's surface. Typically found in the cool temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere, these social dolphins live and hunt in pods, working together to catch fish and squid.

As an OceanWatcher, you can play a real part by collecting valuable sightings data wherever you can see the sea. After completing our online training course, you'll use the OceanWatchers app to record observations from the coast, ferries, cruise ships, your own boat or even your local beach.

Whether you're just getting started or want to improve your identification skills, our Introduction to Whale & Dolphin Identification course is the perfect place to begin. Get started 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr... #WhalesAndDolphins #ORCACourses #LearnWithORCA

Every ferry journey has the potential to reveal incredible marine wildlife, but some crossings are extra special 🌟

As well as being a key advisor and contributor to the UK Government's Joint Cetacean Data Programme, we also chair the Wildlife and Countryside Link's Marine Mammal Working Group which is a leading forum that helps shape marine mammal policy across the UK.

The striped dolphin is one of the most striking cetaceans found in our waters, easily recognised by the dark stripes that run from its eyes along the sides of its body. They also prefer deeper offshore waters, making every sighting a memorable one. #StripedDolphin #WhalesAndDolphins #ORCA

The Southern North Sea Special Area of Conservation was created to protect harbour porpoises. However, Oceana's latest report found 30,936 hours of apparent bottom trawling took place within the site during 2025 - the equivalent of 1,289 days of trawling in a single year.

With more vessels travelling our oceans than ever before, encounters between ships and whales or dolphins are becoming increasingly common. Many busy shipping routes pass directly through important feeding, breeding and migration areas, increasing the risk of collisions!

Before you begin, you'll complete the training course, giving you the skills and confidence to collect valuable whale, dolphin, and porpoise sightings. Once trained, simply download the app and start surveying wherever and whenever you can see the sea. 👉 orca.org.uk/training/oce...

Why not build your identification skills? Our Introduction to Whale & Dolphin Identification course will teach you how to recognise a wide range of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, giving you the confidence to identify them wherever your adventures take you. 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...

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Our oceans are busier than ever! As shipping traffic increases, so does the risk of ship strikes. That's why we work alongside shipping partners around the world to raise awareness, share expertise, and develop practical ways to reduce the risk of ship strikes and help protect marine wildlife.

Not at all! Lot's of people from all different backgrounds make fantastic OceanWatchers! 🐋 Learn more here 👉 orca.org.uk/training/oce... #OceanWatcher #ORCA

The White-beaked Dolphin is one of the UK's most recognisable dolphin species, often spotted in the cooler waters around Scotland and the North Sea. Known for their distinctive white beak and playful behaviour, they're often seen riding the bow waves of boats or travelling in sociable pods.

You don't need to be a marine scientist to make a difference. Whether you're at sea or on land, there are plenty of ways to get involved with our work and support the conservation of whales and dolphins! Learn more 👉 orca.org.uk/training #ORCA #WhalesandDolphins

Education plays a vital role in protecting marine wildlife. Our tailored ship strike training gives maritime professionals the skills and confidence to identify potential risks and adopt practical measures that can help reduce collisions with large whales! #WhaleConservation #ORCA #OceanProtection

Our Ocean Conservationists do far more than spot whales and dolphins! Working on cruise ships across the globe they inspire thousands of people to connect with marine wildlife while collecting vital scientific data that helps researchers better understand and protect cetaceans!