Vessel strikes often go unnoticed and unreported, meaning the true scale is likely underestimated. Understanding this threat and finding ways to prevent it is a key focus for ORCA. #MarineConservation #ORCA #VesselStrike

Discover the incredible sight of whales and dolphins in their natural habitats, both close to home and further afield. With experiences designed for everyone, from complete beginners to passionate wildlife enthusiasts, there’s something for every level of adventure on a @brittanyferries safari!

A powerful and informative look at the efforts to protect whales around the world, this book explores real rescue stories alongside the science and conservation work behind them. Get your copy 👉 orca.org.uk/shop/whale-r...

Sperm whale are the largest toothed predators on Earth, known for their deep dives, complex social structures, and powerful communication! Despite their size, they remain vulnerable to threats such as ship strikes, noise pollution, and changes in their ocean environment!

Our ongoing evidence collection across the Bay of Biscay, North Sea, English Channel, Hebrides, and Celtic Seas has helped deliver a major step forward. The data gathered has played an important role in informing the creation of Important Marine Mammal Areas (IMMAs) in the Northeast Atlantic.

Iceland and Norway prepare to hunt again which is a reminder of why this work is still very much needed. It is a stark reminder that, even when momentum appears to be moving away from whaling, the legal framework can still allow it to continue.

Named for the striking hourglass-shaped markings along its body, the hourglass dolphin is one of the most distinctive dolphins in the world. Found in the cold waters of the Southern Ocean, this fast-moving and elusive species is often spotted riding waves near ships in remote Antarctic seas!

Not signed up yet? You're missing out! Sign up here 👉 orca.org.uk/newsletter #ORCA

Learn how to carry out structured scientific surveys, collect data on whales, dolphins, and porpoises, and understand what it takes to volunteer as part of an offshore survey team! Our next course 👇 📅 Saturday 7th November 2026 💻 Online via Zoom 🕤 9:30am – 4:30pm 👉 orca.org.uk/training/mar...

We help identify and protect key hotspot areas where whales and dolphins are found in high numbers. Many of these important habitats are remote offshore locations, where human activity such as fishing, military operations, and deep-sea mining is increasing.

Our Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification course is the perfect place to begin! You’ll learn about whale, dolphin, and porpoise behaviour, biology, and how to confidently identify common species found in the northeast Atlantic. Take a look 👉 orca.org.uk/training/mar...

Minke whales are the smallest of the great baleen whales found in many oceans around the world, but they’re still powerful and impressive animals. Known for their sleek bodies and curious nature, they often travel alone or in small groups.

In short, it’s one of the ocean’s key life-support systems, and its stability matters to us all! But the system is weakening. Rising temperatures and increased freshwater from melting Greenland ice are disrupting the balance of temperature and salinity that keeps it moving!

Orca: The Whale Called Killer – by Erich Hoyt🐋 A true classic, now updated with 20% new content. Featuring over 100 new photos, maps, and illustrations, this beautifully revised edition offers a deeper look into one of the ocean’s most iconic species. Order now 👉 orca.org.uk/shop/orca-th...

Our data = real change. The sightings data we collect doesn’t sit on a shelf. It’s used to drive real action, helping push for stronger protections for whales and dolphins. Every record matters, and every contribution helps turn evidence into impact! #ORCA #MakingAChange

White-beaked dolphins are large, powerful dolphins with a distinctive, contrasting appearance! Key features include: • Short beak (often white, but not always) • Tall, black, curved dorsal fin • White blaze along the body with a darker “cape” from head to dorsal fin

A major step forward for marine conservation has been marked with the introduction of the Marine Mammals (Protection) Bill in UK Parliament! With strong cross-party support, it reflects growing recognition of the need for better protection!

Commerson's Dolphins 🐋 With their bold black and white colouring, they really stand out in the water. You’ll often spot them darting through the water or riding waves close to shore. Small in size, but big in personality… and easily one of the most recognisable dolphins out there!

Commercial whaling is driven by a mix of factors. That’s why awareness matters. Educating travellers about the impact of their choices can help reduce demand, which in turn removes one of the key drivers keeping commercial whaling active! #ORCA #Whaling

The answer is D! Who guessed correctly 👀 #ORCA #CommonDolphins

Surveys are carried out as part of a team. Each Marine Mammal Surveyor team usually includes three to four members, depending on the route and duration of the crossing. #MarineMammalSurveyor #ORCA

A beautifully written and insightful guide to the world of whales and dolphins, combining scientific knowledge with a strong focus on conservation and habitat protection. Get your copy here 👉 orca.org.uk/shop/encyclo...

Want to get involved as an ORCA citizen scientist? You’ll first need to complete the training courses. Start with the Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification, where you’ll learn about species, behaviour, and how to confidently recognise marine life in the northeast Atlantic.

Humpback whales are one of the most recognisable species out there. They’re baleen whales, part of the rorqual family, with a distinctive flat head covered in small, rounded bumps called tubercles. Have you ever seen one? #HumpbackWhale #ORCA

That's right! You can attend and partake in ORCA’s Marine Mammal Surveyor Course from 16 years of age, although you will need to be 18 to take part in the ferry surveys! Learn more 👉 orca.org.uk/training/mar... #ORCA #MarineMammalSurveyor

Not got your place booked yet? Here's the link! 👉 orca.org.uk/training/mar... #MarineMammalSurveyor #ORCA

Fancy a special adventure? Join us on a Brittany Ferries cruise! Sailing from Plymouth through the Bay of Biscay, one of the world’s top hotspots for marine wildlife, you’ll our expert guides on hand to help you make the most of every sighting. 👉 www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/offers/ferry...

By sending our teams to whaling locations, we help raise awareness of ongoing hunts and bring attention to activity that often goes unseen. It keeps the issue in the public eye and applies continued pressure for change. #ORCA #Whaling

We play a key role in supporting the UK Government’s Joint Cetacean Data Programme, helping compile survey and sightings data that acts as an ongoing health check for the UK’s whale and dolphin populations. 🐋 #ORCA #WhalesAndDolphins #OceanResearch

Trained surveyors who are active ORCA members are invited to join the Surveyor Network. If you are not a surveyor and would like to get involved, you don't need to have scientific background or degree, just lots of enthusiasm and a love for marine wildlife! Find out more 👉 orca.org.uk/training

Experience one of the top places in the world to see whales and dolphins on an ORCA Sea Safari with Brittany Ferries, crossing the Bay of Biscay in search of incredible marine life. 🐋 See more 👉 orca.org.uk/get-involved... @brittanyferries #SeaSafari #ORCA

Our teams typically consist of three to four members. Each team includes an experienced Team Leader, another skilled surveyor, and up to two newer volunteers - ensuring high-quality data collection while also supporting training and a positive experience for everyone involved. 🐋

The Commerson’s dolphin is easy to spot thanks to its striking black and white colouring. They’re small, playful and full of energy, commonly seen near shorelines in Argentina, Chile and the Falkland Islands. They’re one of the most curious and fascinating dolphins to watch in the wild. 🐬

Data collected by our volunteer Marine Mammal Surveyors on UK ferries plays a vital role in helping protect whales and dolphins across the UK and the wider North-East Atlantic! Using a method called distance sampling, we can estimate populations and track changes over time!🐋

After completing the Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification course and the OceanWatchers online training, you can record sightings using the app wherever they can see the sea - from beaches, ferries, boats, offshore platforms or even while on holiday!

The North Atlantic right whale is one of the most endangered whales on the planet, with only around 350 individuals remaining! They were once heavily hunted because they were considered the “right” whale to catch - slow-moving and often close to shore. #ORCA

Tourists visiting whaling nations can play a big role in reducing demand for whale products. By speaking to guests on cruise ships, ORCA teams help people understand how their choices ashore can support whale conservation and help drive the decline of whaling. 🐋 #WhaleConservation #ORCA

Interested in getting involved in marine conservation? 🐋 Our Marine Mammal Surveyor training course on Saturday 18th April still has a handful of places available. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it! 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/product/mari... #ORCA #CitizenScience #WhaleWatching

On an ORCA Sea Safari with @BrittanyFerries, you’ll sail from Plymouth through the English Channel and into the wildlife-rich Bay of Biscay - one of the best places in the world to see marine life. See more 👉 orca.org.uk/get-involved...

For more than 20 years, we’ve worked closely with the shipping industry to better understand its impact on the ocean and identify ways to create safer environments for whales and dolphins. 🐋 So why not get in touch to explore how we can work together?

ORCA patron and wildlife expert @MarkCarwardine1 has spent over 30 years studying and photographing whales, dolphins and porpoises around the world. 🐋 His incredible books are available on the ORCA website! Get your copy 👉 orca.org.uk/shop/mark-ca... #WhaleWatching #WildlifeBooksa

Our programme allows citizen scientists to help collect valuable data both on land and at sea, building on more than two decades of research. By monitoring important habitats, the programme helps support conservation efforts, influence policy, and protect whale and dolphin populations 🌟

The striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) is one of the most energetic and striking dolphins in the ocean, easily recognised by the distinct dark stripes running from its eyes along the sides of its body. These sleek dolphins are fast swimmers and are famous for their acrobatic leaps!

Whale and dolphin conservation is for everyone 💙 We’re proud to create opportunities for people from all walks of life to get involved, get hands-on, and play an active role in protecting marine wildlife. Because conservation is stronger when it’s inclusive - and the ocean belongs to us all. ✨

Fast, playful, and often seen riding waves, these dolphins are usually spotted in small, tight-knit groups close to shore. Small in size but big in personality - proof that some of the ocean’s best moments happen right at the edge of the wild. 🐬 #PealesDolphin #ORCA #OceanWild

Why not sign up to Give as you Live, install the free browser extension, and shop as normal - every purchase can generate a donation for ORCA at no extra cost to you. It really is that simple. 🐋 👉 www.giveasyoulive.com/join/orca #FreeFundraising #SupportORCA #ShopAndGive

Ever wanted to see whales and dolphins in the wild? 🐋 Whether you’re totally new to wildlife watching or already obsessed with marine life, these trips are designed to be unforgettable. Learn more 👉 orca.org.uk/get-involved... #SeaSafari #WhaleWatching #OceanAdventure

Here are some things you may not be aware of... - They’re among the most energetic and acrobatic dolphins in the sea. - They can gather in superpods numbering in the hundreds — sometimes even thousands! - They are one of the species ORCA have spotted the most in the past 25 years.

Through long-term collaborations with key shipping partners, we have been able to study how whales and ships interact during close encounters which is critical in reducing vessel strikes! In-fact, thousands of seafarers have now completed ORCA’s vessel strike mitigation training.

Curious about how to tell your baleen whales from your bottlenose dolphins? Our Introduction to Whale & Dolphin Identification course gives you the practical knowledge to recognise and identify cetaceans with confidence! Learn more 👉 orca.org.uk/training/int... #WhaleWatching #ORCA #ORCACourses