ORCA
@orcaweb.bsky.social
ORCA is dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises and their habitats worldwide.
Thanks to the dedication of our incredible network of citizen scientists, an amazing 51,514 individual animals were recorded in 2024!
Every sighting adds to our understanding of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, helping us protect these species and the oceans they depend on!
Every sighting adds to our understanding of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, helping us protect these species and the oceans they depend on!
November 27, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Thanks to the dedication of our incredible network of citizen scientists, an amazing 51,514 individual animals were recorded in 2024!
Every sighting adds to our understanding of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, helping us protect these species and the oceans they depend on!
Every sighting adds to our understanding of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, helping us protect these species and the oceans they depend on!
Leaving a gift to ORCA is simple - but its impact can be truly profound.
Below, we’ve highlighted the key details you may need!
Simply include:
• Our charity number: 1141728
• Our name: ORCA in your Will.
Below, we’ve highlighted the key details you may need!
Simply include:
• Our charity number: 1141728
• Our name: ORCA in your Will.
November 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Leaving a gift to ORCA is simple - but its impact can be truly profound.
Below, we’ve highlighted the key details you may need!
Simply include:
• Our charity number: 1141728
• Our name: ORCA in your Will.
Below, we’ve highlighted the key details you may need!
Simply include:
• Our charity number: 1141728
• Our name: ORCA in your Will.
These dolphins are large, powerful and known for their energetic swimming and distinctive markings.
They have a short beak (not always fully white), a pale grey 'saddle patch' that sweeps from behind the tall, curved dorsal fin towards the tail, and a pale blaze that stretches from the tail!
They have a short beak (not always fully white), a pale grey 'saddle patch' that sweeps from behind the tall, curved dorsal fin towards the tail, and a pale blaze that stretches from the tail!
November 24, 2025 at 4:00 PM
These dolphins are large, powerful and known for their energetic swimming and distinctive markings.
They have a short beak (not always fully white), a pale grey 'saddle patch' that sweeps from behind the tall, curved dorsal fin towards the tail, and a pale blaze that stretches from the tail!
They have a short beak (not always fully white), a pale grey 'saddle patch' that sweeps from behind the tall, curved dorsal fin towards the tail, and a pale blaze that stretches from the tail!
Today’s the last survey of the 2025 ORCA ferry season! @dfdsukire
Our amazing team of Marine Mammal Surveyors are sailing from Newhaven to Dieppe with DFDS, gathering important data on whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the English Channel.
Then let's get ready for 2026!
#MarineMammalSurveyor
Our amazing team of Marine Mammal Surveyors are sailing from Newhaven to Dieppe with DFDS, gathering important data on whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the English Channel.
Then let's get ready for 2026!
#MarineMammalSurveyor
November 21, 2025 at 9:30 AM
Today’s the last survey of the 2025 ORCA ferry season! @dfdsukire
Our amazing team of Marine Mammal Surveyors are sailing from Newhaven to Dieppe with DFDS, gathering important data on whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the English Channel.
Then let's get ready for 2026!
#MarineMammalSurveyor
Our amazing team of Marine Mammal Surveyors are sailing from Newhaven to Dieppe with DFDS, gathering important data on whales, dolphins, and porpoises in the English Channel.
Then let's get ready for 2026!
#MarineMammalSurveyor
The data we collect isn’t just numbers; it’s evidence.
For over 30 years, ORCA’s survey work has helped secure better protection for whales and dolphins in ocean hotspots and our experts use that knowledge on the global stage to influence policy and protect marine life for the future!
For over 30 years, ORCA’s survey work has helped secure better protection for whales and dolphins in ocean hotspots and our experts use that knowledge on the global stage to influence policy and protect marine life for the future!
November 20, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The data we collect isn’t just numbers; it’s evidence.
For over 30 years, ORCA’s survey work has helped secure better protection for whales and dolphins in ocean hotspots and our experts use that knowledge on the global stage to influence policy and protect marine life for the future!
For over 30 years, ORCA’s survey work has helped secure better protection for whales and dolphins in ocean hotspots and our experts use that knowledge on the global stage to influence policy and protect marine life for the future!
The latest report in our State of Cetaceans series offers fascinating insights!
Thanks to our long-running datasets, we’ve been able to produce population estimates for five commonly seen species: harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin, white-beaked dolphin, and minke whale.
Thanks to our long-running datasets, we’ve been able to produce population estimates for five commonly seen species: harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin, white-beaked dolphin, and minke whale.
November 19, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The latest report in our State of Cetaceans series offers fascinating insights!
Thanks to our long-running datasets, we’ve been able to produce population estimates for five commonly seen species: harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin, white-beaked dolphin, and minke whale.
Thanks to our long-running datasets, we’ve been able to produce population estimates for five commonly seen species: harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphin, common dolphin, white-beaked dolphin, and minke whale.
Did you know the Narwhal’s famous tusk is actually a modified canine tooth that can grow up to 3 metres long?
Narwhals also change colour as they age - from blotchy grey or brown at birth, to dark grey-black, and finally to a lighter, mottled white!
#Narwhals #OrcaFacts #ORCA
Narwhals also change colour as they age - from blotchy grey or brown at birth, to dark grey-black, and finally to a lighter, mottled white!
#Narwhals #OrcaFacts #ORCA
November 18, 2025 at 4:31 PM
Did you know the Narwhal’s famous tusk is actually a modified canine tooth that can grow up to 3 metres long?
Narwhals also change colour as they age - from blotchy grey or brown at birth, to dark grey-black, and finally to a lighter, mottled white!
#Narwhals #OrcaFacts #ORCA
Narwhals also change colour as they age - from blotchy grey or brown at birth, to dark grey-black, and finally to a lighter, mottled white!
#Narwhals #OrcaFacts #ORCA
Membership starts at just £5 per month, with higher tier memberships going up to £10 per month.
Whatever is in your budget, your donation goes towards vital research - and help to to oversee change globally.
Learn more here 👉 orca.org.uk/support-orca...
#ORCA #WildlifeCharity #SupportGoodCauses
Whatever is in your budget, your donation goes towards vital research - and help to to oversee change globally.
Learn more here 👉 orca.org.uk/support-orca...
#ORCA #WildlifeCharity #SupportGoodCauses
November 17, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Membership starts at just £5 per month, with higher tier memberships going up to £10 per month.
Whatever is in your budget, your donation goes towards vital research - and help to to oversee change globally.
Learn more here 👉 orca.org.uk/support-orca...
#ORCA #WildlifeCharity #SupportGoodCauses
Whatever is in your budget, your donation goes towards vital research - and help to to oversee change globally.
Learn more here 👉 orca.org.uk/support-orca...
#ORCA #WildlifeCharity #SupportGoodCauses
Our volunteer surveyors are the backbone of ORCA’s research - passionate individuals who give their time to help us monitor and protect vital marine habitats.
By boarding ferries across the UK and Europe, they record whales, dolphins, and porpoises, noting where they are and what they’re doing!
By boarding ferries across the UK and Europe, they record whales, dolphins, and porpoises, noting where they are and what they’re doing!
November 14, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Our volunteer surveyors are the backbone of ORCA’s research - passionate individuals who give their time to help us monitor and protect vital marine habitats.
By boarding ferries across the UK and Europe, they record whales, dolphins, and porpoises, noting where they are and what they’re doing!
By boarding ferries across the UK and Europe, they record whales, dolphins, and porpoises, noting where they are and what they’re doing!
Looking for an easy and affordable way to learn more and whales and dolphins?
The Introduction to Whales and Dolphin Identification could be the perfect option!
Take a look here 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...
#ORCA #WhalesandDolphins #OnlineCourses
The Introduction to Whales and Dolphin Identification could be the perfect option!
Take a look here 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...
#ORCA #WhalesandDolphins #OnlineCourses
November 13, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Looking for an easy and affordable way to learn more and whales and dolphins?
The Introduction to Whales and Dolphin Identification could be the perfect option!
Take a look here 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...
#ORCA #WhalesandDolphins #OnlineCourses
The Introduction to Whales and Dolphin Identification could be the perfect option!
Take a look here 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...
#ORCA #WhalesandDolphins #OnlineCourses
Thank you Mark for leaving us this great feedback - we're proud to have you onboard!
@markcarwardine1
#ORCA #MarineConservation #MarkCarwardine
@markcarwardine1
#ORCA #MarineConservation #MarkCarwardine
November 12, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Thank you Mark for leaving us this great feedback - we're proud to have you onboard!
@markcarwardine1
#ORCA #MarineConservation #MarkCarwardine
@markcarwardine1
#ORCA #MarineConservation #MarkCarwardine
Atlantic white-sided dolphins are sleek, energetic, and instantly recognisable by their yellow-tan flank stripe, dark back, and tall curved dorsal fin.
Known for their acrobatics, they often leap, tail-slap, and ride the bow waves of whales!
Photo credit: HWDT
Known for their acrobatics, they often leap, tail-slap, and ride the bow waves of whales!
Photo credit: HWDT
November 11, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Atlantic white-sided dolphins are sleek, energetic, and instantly recognisable by their yellow-tan flank stripe, dark back, and tall curved dorsal fin.
Known for their acrobatics, they often leap, tail-slap, and ride the bow waves of whales!
Photo credit: HWDT
Known for their acrobatics, they often leap, tail-slap, and ride the bow waves of whales!
Photo credit: HWDT
In 2024, we reached a major milestone - surveying every ocean on the planet!
From the icy Arctic and Southern Oceans to the vast Pacific and Atlantic, ORCA’s network of citizen scientists now monitors all major seas, expanding far beyond the Northeast Atlantic!
From the icy Arctic and Southern Oceans to the vast Pacific and Atlantic, ORCA’s network of citizen scientists now monitors all major seas, expanding far beyond the Northeast Atlantic!
November 10, 2025 at 4:01 PM
In 2024, we reached a major milestone - surveying every ocean on the planet!
From the icy Arctic and Southern Oceans to the vast Pacific and Atlantic, ORCA’s network of citizen scientists now monitors all major seas, expanding far beyond the Northeast Atlantic!
From the icy Arctic and Southern Oceans to the vast Pacific and Atlantic, ORCA’s network of citizen scientists now monitors all major seas, expanding far beyond the Northeast Atlantic!
In 2024 alone, our citizen scientists covered an incredible 377,613km, spending over 13,000 hours searching for whales and dolphins - that’s the equivalent of a year and a half at sea!
Their dedication led to 51,514 individual animals being recorded, representing 46 different cetacean species!
Their dedication led to 51,514 individual animals being recorded, representing 46 different cetacean species!
November 7, 2025 at 4:00 PM
In 2024 alone, our citizen scientists covered an incredible 377,613km, spending over 13,000 hours searching for whales and dolphins - that’s the equivalent of a year and a half at sea!
Their dedication led to 51,514 individual animals being recorded, representing 46 different cetacean species!
Their dedication led to 51,514 individual animals being recorded, representing 46 different cetacean species!
Discover the incredible world of whales, dolphins, and porpoises with our Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification course!
Learn more today 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...
Learn more today 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...
November 6, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Discover the incredible world of whales, dolphins, and porpoises with our Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification course!
Learn more today 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...
Learn more today 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...
Vessel strike risks are rising.
Speed is the key factor - but high-speed ferries pose a new challenge - their quieter engines give whales less warning!
Recent incidents highlight why slow-downs and vigilant watchkeeping are vital to keeping our oceans safe.
Speed is the key factor - but high-speed ferries pose a new challenge - their quieter engines give whales less warning!
Recent incidents highlight why slow-downs and vigilant watchkeeping are vital to keeping our oceans safe.
November 5, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Vessel strike risks are rising.
Speed is the key factor - but high-speed ferries pose a new challenge - their quieter engines give whales less warning!
Recent incidents highlight why slow-downs and vigilant watchkeeping are vital to keeping our oceans safe.
Speed is the key factor - but high-speed ferries pose a new challenge - their quieter engines give whales less warning!
Recent incidents highlight why slow-downs and vigilant watchkeeping are vital to keeping our oceans safe.
Humpback whales are the ocean’s great performers.
With 5m-long white fins and unique tail markings, each whale is one of a kind. Known for their dramatic breaches and haunting songs, they’re as expressive as they are intelligent!
With 5m-long white fins and unique tail markings, each whale is one of a kind. Known for their dramatic breaches and haunting songs, they’re as expressive as they are intelligent!
November 4, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Humpback whales are the ocean’s great performers.
With 5m-long white fins and unique tail markings, each whale is one of a kind. Known for their dramatic breaches and haunting songs, they’re as expressive as they are intelligent!
With 5m-long white fins and unique tail markings, each whale is one of a kind. Known for their dramatic breaches and haunting songs, they’re as expressive as they are intelligent!
ORCA work with schools to teach children about the amazing world of whales and dolphins and inspire young minds to be the conservationists of the future.
By connecting with future generations we can make sure that we can keep these amazing animals safe for years to come.
By connecting with future generations we can make sure that we can keep these amazing animals safe for years to come.
November 4, 2025 at 2:35 AM
ORCA work with schools to teach children about the amazing world of whales and dolphins and inspire young minds to be the conservationists of the future.
By connecting with future generations we can make sure that we can keep these amazing animals safe for years to come.
By connecting with future generations we can make sure that we can keep these amazing animals safe for years to come.
In the eighth edition of The State of Cetaceans, we dive beneath the surface to reveal fascinating insights gathered from vessels across the world - uncovering what these incredible creatures can teach us about the changing health of our seas.
See more 👉 orca.org.uk/
See more 👉 orca.org.uk/
November 3, 2025 at 4:00 PM
In the eighth edition of The State of Cetaceans, we dive beneath the surface to reveal fascinating insights gathered from vessels across the world - uncovering what these incredible creatures can teach us about the changing health of our seas.
See more 👉 orca.org.uk/
See more 👉 orca.org.uk/
For over three decades, ORCA’s survey data has helped drive stronger protection for whales and dolphins across key ocean hotspots.
Our expertise ensures ORCA’s voice is heard at high-level global forums, shaping policies that safeguard marine mammals and the oceans they call home.
Our expertise ensures ORCA’s voice is heard at high-level global forums, shaping policies that safeguard marine mammals and the oceans they call home.
October 30, 2025 at 3:00 PM
For over three decades, ORCA’s survey data has helped drive stronger protection for whales and dolphins across key ocean hotspots.
Our expertise ensures ORCA’s voice is heard at high-level global forums, shaping policies that safeguard marine mammals and the oceans they call home.
Our expertise ensures ORCA’s voice is heard at high-level global forums, shaping policies that safeguard marine mammals and the oceans they call home.
October 30, 2025 at 4:54 AM
Ever wanted to tell the difference between a minke whale and a common dolphin?
This course will teach you how!
You’ll gain the skills to confidently identify whales, dolphins, and porpoises found in the northeast Atlantic!
Sign up now learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...
This course will teach you how!
You’ll gain the skills to confidently identify whales, dolphins, and porpoises found in the northeast Atlantic!
Sign up now learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...
October 30, 2025 at 2:34 AM
Ever wanted to tell the difference between a minke whale and a common dolphin?
This course will teach you how!
You’ll gain the skills to confidently identify whales, dolphins, and porpoises found in the northeast Atlantic!
Sign up now learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...
This course will teach you how!
You’ll gain the skills to confidently identify whales, dolphins, and porpoises found in the northeast Atlantic!
Sign up now learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...
We're proud to chair the Antarctic Ambassadorship Committee, part of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators!
This initiative brings together those who’ve witnessed the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica and want to play an active role in protecting it for generations to come.
This initiative brings together those who’ve witnessed the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica and want to play an active role in protecting it for generations to come.
October 29, 2025 at 4:30 PM
We're proud to chair the Antarctic Ambassadorship Committee, part of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators!
This initiative brings together those who’ve witnessed the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica and want to play an active role in protecting it for generations to come.
This initiative brings together those who’ve witnessed the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica and want to play an active role in protecting it for generations to come.
At ORCA, every carefully logged whale and dolphin sighting helps shape global conservation policy.
Our survey work goes far beyond the decks of ships, informing discussions at key international forums and driving meaningful change for marine life worldwide!
Our survey work goes far beyond the decks of ships, informing discussions at key international forums and driving meaningful change for marine life worldwide!
October 27, 2025 at 4:00 PM
At ORCA, every carefully logged whale and dolphin sighting helps shape global conservation policy.
Our survey work goes far beyond the decks of ships, informing discussions at key international forums and driving meaningful change for marine life worldwide!
Our survey work goes far beyond the decks of ships, informing discussions at key international forums and driving meaningful change for marine life worldwide!