ORCA
@orcaweb.bsky.social
ORCA is dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises and their habitats worldwide.
Learn how to spot marine mammals, understand key differences between species groups, and recognise the features needed to identify them at sea with this course!
👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/sout...
👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/sout...
December 12, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Learn how to spot marine mammals, understand key differences between species groups, and recognise the features needed to identify them at sea with this course!
👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/sout...
👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/sout...
Have you checked out the ORCA online shop yet?
From books to binoculars, you might just find the perfect Christmas giftl whether it’s for someone you love or a little treat for yourself!
👉 orca.org.uk/shop
#ORCA #ChristmasGifts #ORCAGifts
From books to binoculars, you might just find the perfect Christmas giftl whether it’s for someone you love or a little treat for yourself!
👉 orca.org.uk/shop
#ORCA #ChristmasGifts #ORCAGifts
December 11, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Have you checked out the ORCA online shop yet?
From books to binoculars, you might just find the perfect Christmas giftl whether it’s for someone you love or a little treat for yourself!
👉 orca.org.uk/shop
#ORCA #ChristmasGifts #ORCAGifts
From books to binoculars, you might just find the perfect Christmas giftl whether it’s for someone you love or a little treat for yourself!
👉 orca.org.uk/shop
#ORCA #ChristmasGifts #ORCAGifts
Interested to learn more about Dwarf Sperm Whales?
Click here 👉 orca.org.uk/species-sigh...
#WhaleFacts #SpermWhales #ORCA
Click here 👉 orca.org.uk/species-sigh...
#WhaleFacts #SpermWhales #ORCA
December 10, 2025 at 4:00 PM
Interested to learn more about Dwarf Sperm Whales?
Click here 👉 orca.org.uk/species-sigh...
#WhaleFacts #SpermWhales #ORCA
Click here 👉 orca.org.uk/species-sigh...
#WhaleFacts #SpermWhales #ORCA
We're proud to say that we have created specialist training programmes to help seafarers and shore-based teams understand the risks of ship strikes and how to prevent them; protecting vulnerable whale species.
We also work with corporate organisations to deliver this training!
We also work with corporate organisations to deliver this training!
December 9, 2025 at 4:00 PM
We're proud to say that we have created specialist training programmes to help seafarers and shore-based teams understand the risks of ship strikes and how to prevent them; protecting vulnerable whale species.
We also work with corporate organisations to deliver this training!
We also work with corporate organisations to deliver this training!
From a training course, to a donation, why not give a different type of gift this Christmas?
Something that makes a difference, not something that will get shoved in a drawer!
Head over to our website to learn more.
orca.org.uk/
#ORCA #ChristmasGifts #GiftIdeas
Something that makes a difference, not something that will get shoved in a drawer!
Head over to our website to learn more.
orca.org.uk/
#ORCA #ChristmasGifts #GiftIdeas
December 8, 2025 at 4:30 PM
From a training course, to a donation, why not give a different type of gift this Christmas?
Something that makes a difference, not something that will get shoved in a drawer!
Head over to our website to learn more.
orca.org.uk/
#ORCA #ChristmasGifts #GiftIdeas
Something that makes a difference, not something that will get shoved in a drawer!
Head over to our website to learn more.
orca.org.uk/
#ORCA #ChristmasGifts #GiftIdeas
The northern bottlenose whale is the largest beaked whale in the European Atlantic, known for its distinctive bulbous melon, short beak, and unique W-shaped tail fluke.
Often seen slow-swimming or logging at the surface, it’s one of the most easily recognisable species in our waters!
Often seen slow-swimming or logging at the surface, it’s one of the most easily recognisable species in our waters!
December 5, 2025 at 4:00 PM
The northern bottlenose whale is the largest beaked whale in the European Atlantic, known for its distinctive bulbous melon, short beak, and unique W-shaped tail fluke.
Often seen slow-swimming or logging at the surface, it’s one of the most easily recognisable species in our waters!
Often seen slow-swimming or logging at the surface, it’s one of the most easily recognisable species in our waters!
Did you know the waters around the UK and Europe are home to over a third of the world’s whale, dolphin, and porpoise species?
Our seas are far richer in marine life than many people realise; and every sighting helps us understand and protect these incredible animals!
Our seas are far richer in marine life than many people realise; and every sighting helps us understand and protect these incredible animals!
December 4, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Did you know the waters around the UK and Europe are home to over a third of the world’s whale, dolphin, and porpoise species?
Our seas are far richer in marine life than many people realise; and every sighting helps us understand and protect these incredible animals!
Our seas are far richer in marine life than many people realise; and every sighting helps us understand and protect these incredible animals!
In 2024, an incredible 23,909 common dolphins were recorded by our teams - making them the most frequently sighted species of the year!
Their high numbers highlight just how important ongoing monitoring is for understanding population trends and protecting these remarkable animals.
Their high numbers highlight just how important ongoing monitoring is for understanding population trends and protecting these remarkable animals.
December 4, 2025 at 10:30 AM
In 2024, an incredible 23,909 common dolphins were recorded by our teams - making them the most frequently sighted species of the year!
Their high numbers highlight just how important ongoing monitoring is for understanding population trends and protecting these remarkable animals.
Their high numbers highlight just how important ongoing monitoring is for understanding population trends and protecting these remarkable animals.
We’re often asked why ORCA continues visiting countries where whaling still occurs.
By staying present in places like Iceland, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, the Caribbean, the USA, and Japan, we can gather vital data, monitor populations, and push for conservation from within.
By staying present in places like Iceland, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, the Caribbean, the USA, and Japan, we can gather vital data, monitor populations, and push for conservation from within.
December 2, 2025 at 2:00 PM
We’re often asked why ORCA continues visiting countries where whaling still occurs.
By staying present in places like Iceland, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, the Caribbean, the USA, and Japan, we can gather vital data, monitor populations, and push for conservation from within.
By staying present in places like Iceland, Norway, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, the Caribbean, the USA, and Japan, we can gather vital data, monitor populations, and push for conservation from within.
Our team of Marine Mammal Surveyors is preparing to board the Saga Spirit of Discovery for our final Saga Cruise Survey of 2025, travelling through Norway, Denmark, and Germany.
Stayed tuned for updates!
Stayed tuned for updates!
December 2, 2025 at 2:35 AM
Our team of Marine Mammal Surveyors is preparing to board the Saga Spirit of Discovery for our final Saga Cruise Survey of 2025, travelling through Norway, Denmark, and Germany.
Stayed tuned for updates!
Stayed tuned for updates!
This week, our team of Research Scientists are travelling from Punta Arenas to the Southern Ocean!
The data they collect on board will feed into an exciting project focused on understanding the abundance and distribution of recovering whale populations in the Southern Ocean!
The data they collect on board will feed into an exciting project focused on understanding the abundance and distribution of recovering whale populations in the Southern Ocean!
December 1, 2025 at 4:00 PM
This week, our team of Research Scientists are travelling from Punta Arenas to the Southern Ocean!
The data they collect on board will feed into an exciting project focused on understanding the abundance and distribution of recovering whale populations in the Southern Ocean!
The data they collect on board will feed into an exciting project focused on understanding the abundance and distribution of recovering whale populations in the Southern Ocean!
Curious to see what we’ve been up to?
On our website, we share weekly snapshots highlighting where ORCA has been - and, most importantly, what we’ve seen.
It’s the perfect way to keep up with our latest sightings, surveys, and adventures at sea!
#ORCA #WeeklyHighlights #LatestSightings
On our website, we share weekly snapshots highlighting where ORCA has been - and, most importantly, what we’ve seen.
It’s the perfect way to keep up with our latest sightings, surveys, and adventures at sea!
#ORCA #WeeklyHighlights #LatestSightings
November 28, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Curious to see what we’ve been up to?
On our website, we share weekly snapshots highlighting where ORCA has been - and, most importantly, what we’ve seen.
It’s the perfect way to keep up with our latest sightings, surveys, and adventures at sea!
#ORCA #WeeklyHighlights #LatestSightings
On our website, we share weekly snapshots highlighting where ORCA has been - and, most importantly, what we’ve seen.
It’s the perfect way to keep up with our latest sightings, surveys, and adventures at sea!
#ORCA #WeeklyHighlights #LatestSightings
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!