@orcaweb.bsky.social
ORCA is dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises and their habitats worldwide.
@orcaweb.bsky.socialReady to learn something new?
Learn about whale and dolphin biology, behaviour and ecology, discover more about our conservation work, and build your species identification skills; all through flexible self-study materials that you can complete at your own pace.
@orcaweb.bsky.socialOur work isn’t limited to the UK. The data collected by our surveyors contributes to a wider understanding of whales and dolphins across our oceans, across the globe!
@orcaweb.bsky.socialLarge whales are particularly vulnerable to vessel strikes, especially when their feeding grounds or migration routes overlap with busy shipping areas. North Atlantic right whales are also among the most at risk, with their coastal habitat often overlapping with major ports and shipping lanes!
@orcaweb.bsky.socialWhen surveying, simply counting the animals we see isn’t enough. Distance sampling helps us account for how likely animals are to be detected at different distances from the survey vessel. This allows scientists to use sightings data to estimate how many animals may actually be present in an area.
@orcaweb.bsky.socialAt first glance, Atlantic spotted dolphins can look a little like bottlenose dolphins, but there are a few features that give them away. They have a long, chunky beak, often with a white tip, a curved dorsal fin and a distinctive blaze running from the eye towards the fin!
@orcaweb.bsky.socialOur Introduction to Whale & Dolphin Identification Course teaches you how to recognise species across the northeast Atlantic, while exploring their biology, behaviour and ecology.
It’s also the starting point for becoming an ORCA OceanWatcher or Marine Mammal Surveyor!
@orcaweb.bsky.socialVessel strikes can often go unnoticed or unreported. Understanding why these collisions happen and finding ways to reduce them is a key part of our conservation work and we've made some significant progress so far.
@orcaweb.bsky.socialBelugas are known for their distinctive white colour, but there’s much more to these fascinating Arctic whales.
From their incredible vocal abilities to their flexible necks and seasonal movements, they have some seriously unique adaptations!
Did you know this about them? 👀
@orcaweb.bsky.socialWe believe everyone can play a part in protecting whales and dolphins.
That’s why we’ve teamed up with 4ocean to create the ORCA x 4ocean Bracelet - giving you a simple way to support ocean conservation and take action for our seas.
Get yours orca.org.uk/shop/4ocean
@orcaweb.bsky.socialDifferent populations may adapt by following seasonal prey, changing their hunting strategies and adjusting where they travel to make the most of changing conditions.
From shifting food sources to seasonal movements, orcas are remarkably well adapted to life in a changing ocean.
@orcaweb.bsky.socialHave you read Orca: The Whale Called Killer by Erich Hoyt is a classic for anyone fascinated by these incredible animals?
It's fascinating read for anyone who wants to understand more about the intelligence, behaviour and social lives of orcas.
Buy your copy 👉 orca.org.uk/shop/orca-th...
@orcaweb.bsky.socialTypically travel between colder feeding grounds and warmer tropical waters where they breed and raise their calves. From the North Atlantic to the Southern Ocean, humpbacks are found across a huge range of marine habitats.
@orcaweb.bsky.socialOrcas don’t all behave in the same way. Different pods can have their own vocalisations, hunting techniques, diets and social behaviours. It’s one of the many reasons orcas are considered among the most socially and culturally complex animals in the ocean!
@orcaweb.bsky.socialOur OceanWatchers programme gives citizen scientists the opportunity to collect valuable wildlife data, both on land and at sea. These observations help us monitor important marine habitats, support conservation research and inform efforts to protect UK and European waters!
@orcaweb.bsky.socialYou don’t have to travel far to experience incredible marine wildlife.
Our Ocean Conservation programmes take place across the North Sea, English Channel and Bay of Biscay, where Ocean Conservationists combine wildlife watches with education and outreach.
@orcaweb.bsky.socialMarine conservation isn’t just about protecting whales and dolphins - it’s about giving people the opportunity to be part of that work too.
And we believe citizen science helps people from all backgrounds contribute observations.
To see how you can get involved, visit our website!
👉 orca.org.uk/
@orcaweb.bsky.socialAs shipping activity continues to grow, understanding how cetaceans respond to vessels is becoming increasingly important. And our behavioural research in the Bay of Biscay and Alaska is helping uncover what happens when whales and vessels share the same waters!
@orcaweb.bsky.socialMarine ecosystems respond to short-term oceanographic fluctuations, while longer-term pressures such as climate change can reshape them over time. By collecting observations regularly from ferries, cruise ships and other platforms of opportunity, we are helping fill important gaps in marine data.
@orcaweb.bsky.socialThis course teaches you how to carry out scientific distance-sampling surveys from a ferry, record whales, dolphins and porpoises, and follow our survey protocols.
You'll also learn what to expect from offshore surveys and how to prepare for your time on board.
@orcaweb.bsky.socialA vessel strike is when a whale or other cetacean is hit by a boat or ship.
And as vessel traffic increases, collisions are becoming an increasingly important threat to large whales!
But we're determined to minimise the the threat posed.
