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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 22h

Once pushed to the edge of extinction by commercial whaling, southern right whales still face serious challenges today.

Their population remains low and they are now threatened by pollution, ship strikes, and entanglement in fishing gear — all of which put their slow recovery at risk.

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 22h

Supporting ORCA isn’t just about volunteering - even a one-off donation makes a real difference.

Every £10 adds up to real-world impact:

Your donation helps fund research, education, and conservation - giving whales and dolphins a louder voice where it matters most!

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 1d

Meet the northern bottlenose whale!

With its distinctive bulbous melon, curved dorsal fin, and unique W-shaped tail fluke, it’s a truly unmistakable species.

Often seen logging or swimming slowly at the surface, these fascinating whales are a special sight in northern waters.

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 2d

By overlaying our sightings data with factors like bathymetry, sea-surface temperature, and chlorophyll levels, we can identify the preferred habitats of marine mammals - even in uncharted areas.

This data-driven approach helps pinpoint Important Marine Mammal Areas, supporting stronger protection.

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 5d

Today is World Animal Day!

A global reminder to respect, protect, and celebrate all animals, from wildlife in our oceans to the pets in our homes! ✨

ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 6d

Just one month to go until our final Marine Mammal Surveyor course of 2025 — and it's fully booked!

We can't wait to welcome our next cohort of passionate conservationists and future marine mammal experts.

Dates for 2026 are now available to be booked!

👉 orca.org.uk/training/mar...

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 8d

It's the final Sea Safari of the season with @brittanyferries.bsky.social aboard the Pont-Aven, sailing from Plymouth to Santander across the Bay of Biscay!

Since June, our amazing ORCA Wildlife Guides and excited guests have been spotting fin whales, leaping dolphins, and elusive beaked whales.

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 8d

At ORCA, we believe everyone who cares about whales and dolphins can play a hands-on role in protecting their future.

Whether you're a beginner or a passionate ocean lover, our OceanWatchers programme and species ID training are the perfect way to get started.

tinyurl.com/3wpanf4e

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 9d

Meet the Southern Right Whale!

These large baleen whales are easily recognised by their highly arched jawline, lack of dorsal fin, and a V-shaped blow up to 5 metres high.

Have you seen one before?

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 11d

ORCA Ocean Conservationist Maud was delighted to bump into her former lecturers and students from the University of Exeter - on their way to a field trip in Spain.

Not only did she gain some extra trained eyes scanning the sea, but it turned out the students were also recording sightings for ORCA!

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 12d

It’s the last Newcastle–Amsterdam survey of the year with DFDS marking the end of another incredible season of marine conservation work!

Every sighting contributes to a better understanding of these incredible species and the marine environment they call home.

ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 14d

Although the summer season is finishing, our work doesn't stop!

We will be continuing our work over the winter months, helping to make a difference across the ocean 🐋

#ORCA #MarineConservation #CitizenScience

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 15d

Tragically, vessel strike is pushing local populations of large whale species toward extinction.

That’s why one of our core missions is to better understand this devastating issue and work towards effective solutions to prevent vessel strikes!

#ProtectWhales #VesselStrikeAwareness

ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 16d

Becoming an ORCA member is a great way to support nearly 30 years of vital marine conservation work.

Your membership helps us monitor and protect whales, dolphins, and porpoises — and the ocean they call home.

From just £5 a month!

Join us today
👉 orca.org.uk/support-orca...

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 20d

With 50,000 ships at sea right now, and maritime traffic set to triple by 2050, our oceans are becoming increasingly dangerous for whales and dolphins.

Vessel strikes are a growing threat, as shipping lanes overlap with vital migration routes, feeding areas, and breeding grounds.

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 21d

By becoming a member of ORCA, you’re actively helping to protect whales, dolphins, and the wider marine environment.

For nearly 30 years, we’ve worked to safeguard our oceans - and with your support, we can continue that vital mission!

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 22d

Our Ocean Conservationist season in the English Channel with @DFDS has officially come to a close; and what an incredible year it’s been!

From Dieppe to Newhaven, our conservationists recorded unforgettable encounters with common dolphins, bottlenose dolphins, and more.

ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 23d

This week, we’ll be attending London International Shipping event!

LISW is one of the most significant global events in the maritime calendar; bringing together thousands of international industry leaders, innovators, and decision-makers for a week packed with insight, collaboration, and progress.

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 26d

Our experts don’t just follow the conversation - they help guide it!

By actively participating in high-level global forums, they help shape policies and initiatives that spark real, lasting change around the world.

Because we know that creating impact starts with having a voice at the table!

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 27d

Our Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification course is your gateway into the world of whales, dolphins and porpoises. 🐋

Whether you're a complete beginner or just curious to know more, this course is the perfect first step into the world of marine mammals.

👉 orca.org.uk/

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 28d

We know so many of our wonderful followers have spent the summer seeing some incredible orca's!

We'd love to see your pictures so remember to tag us 🐋

#ORCA #SummerPics #WhaleWatching

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · Sep 8

This Tuesday marks the last marine mammal survey of the year aboard @northlink_ferries

Since April, our dedicated Marine Mammal Surveyors have been onboard monthly!

Throughout the season, sightings have included harbour porpoise, bottlenose dolphins, minke whales, and even killer whales! 🐬

ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · Sep 5

ORCA OceanWatchers is our citizen science programme designed to empower everyone to help monitor whales, dolphins, and porpoises - anytime, anywhere you can see the sea!

No matter where you are, your observations help support vital marine conservation work across the globe!

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · Sep 4

Today is National Wildlife Day!

As a charity, our mission is clear; to safeguard marine wildlife for future generations through education, science and advocacy.

Thank you to all our supporters who make this vital work possible! 🐬

#NationalWildlifeDay #ORCA #MarineConservation

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · Sep 4

Begin your citizen science journey with ORCA by enrolling in our Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification course!

✔️ Learn how to identify whales, dolphins, and porpoises
✔️ Gain essential knowledge about marine species and habitats

Get started 👉 orca.org.uk/training/int...

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