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ORCA

@orcaweb.bsky.social
66 followers 2 following 385 posts

ORCA is dedicated to the protection of whales, dolphins and porpoises and their habitats worldwide.

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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 2m
When 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.
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
At 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!
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Our 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! orca.org.uk/training/int...
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
Vessel 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.
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Belugas 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? 👀 #ORCA #BelugaWhale
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
We 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
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Different 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. #ORCA
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
Have 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...
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
Typically 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.
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
Orcas 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!
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 21/09/2026
Our 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!
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
You 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. #ORCA #MarineWildlife
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Marine 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/
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
As 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!
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Marine 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.
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
This 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. 👉 orca.org.uk/training/mar...
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
A 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. #ORCA #VesselStrike #WhaleConservation
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
A fascinating deep-diving whale found across the North Atlantic, the Northern bottlenose whale is recognisable by its bulbous forehead and long, slender body. They can dive to incredible depths in search of squid and other deep-water prey, spending much of their lives far below the surface!
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
With its distinctive striped markings, this dolphin is easy to recognise and is known for being highly social and energetic. Often travelling in groups, striped dolphins are fast, agile and acrobatic, but like many marine species, they face threats from fishing, pollution and human activity!
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
We love what we do 💙 #ORCA #MakeaDifference
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
The High Seas Treaty is a global agreement designed to strengthen protection for marine life in the vast areas of ocean beyond national borders. The UK has formally ratified the treaty, joining international efforts to protect marine ecosystems and support the creation of protected areas.
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 07/09/2026
As an OceanWatcher, you’ll help monitor whales, dolphins and porpoises and collect valuable data that supports marine conservation. And by using our online training and dedicated app, you can record sightings from beaches, ferries, cruise ships or your own boat. See more 👉 orca.org.uk/get-involved
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
The Gervais’ beaked whale is one of the lesser-known members of the beaked whale family, and there’s still plenty we’re learning about this species. They’re found in deep offshore waters, where they spend much of their time diving below the surface in search of prey such as squid and deep-sea fish!
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Sponging is a behaviour where they carry a marine sponge over their rostrum (beak) while searching the seafloor for prey. The sponge acts like a protective glove, helping them explore areas of rough or potentially sharp seabed without injuring their sensitive beaks!
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
The Surveyor Bundle gives you everything you need to get started. The bundle includes our Introduction to Whale and Dolphin Identification course, plus a place on a live, one-day online Marine Mammal Surveyor course delivered by the ORCA team! Learn more 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/product/mari...
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
When it comes to ship strikes, it's easy to assume that only the largest vessels pose a threat to whales. In reality, vessels of all sizes can cause serious injury or even death. And even smaller boats can cause significant harm if they collide with a whale!
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Some whale species travel thousands of miles each year, moving between feeding and breeding grounds as the seasons change. These incredible migrations take them across vast stretches of ocean, often returning to the same areas year after year! #WhaleConservation #Whales #OceanConservation
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Cuvier’s beaked whales are true specialists of the deep. With streamlined bodies and an extraordinary ability to stay underwater for long periods, they’re perfectly adapted to deep-sea life. In fact, they’re capable of making some of the deepest and longest dives ever recorded by a marine mammal!
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
We were lucky enough to have the most incredible evening out on the water from Reykjavík, with glassy conditions, an unbelievable sunset and minke whales popping up every few minutes!
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
The ORCA Marine Mammal Surveyor Course is a full-day online course, running from 9:30am to 4:30pm. Delivered live via Zoom, the course combines engaging presentations with interactive workshops led by ORCA's expert team. Find out more here 👉 orca.org.uk/get-involved
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
Although global humpback whale populations have recovered since commercial whaling ended, they still face significant threats from ship strikes, entanglement in fishing gear, underwater noise, plastic pollution and climate change, all of which can disrupt their feeding, migration and breeding.
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
For seals, human disturbance is far more than a brief interruption. And research shows that seals are disturbed in 68% of encounters where people are present, with repeated disturbance also impacting their health, immune system and ability to recover! Read more 👉 orca.org.uk/news-blog/gi...
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
You don't need to be an expert to make a difference - just a passion for marine conservation and a willingness to get involved. Together, we can build a better future for whales, dolphins and our oceans. Find out how you can join us and make a real difference today. 👉 orca.org.uk/
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
Seeing whales in the wild is a privilege. And the best encounters happen when we observe without disturbing them. Keeping a respectful distance, reducing noise and following wildlife-watching guidelines helps ensure these animals can continue their natural behaviours without unnecessary stress!
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 14/08/2026
Despite the name, pilot whales aren't actually whales! Their name is thought to come from the belief that each pod is led by a single "pilot" guiding the group. While we now know their social behaviour is more complex, they are famous for their strong family bonds and coordinated movements.
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 13/08/2026
Perfect for anyone planning a cruise, this course will teach you how to confidently identify the incredible whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and fur seals found in the Southern Ocean, with practical tips on spotting and recognising different species. See more 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/sout...
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 12/08/2026
OceanWatchers is perfect if you want to contribute whenever you're by the sea. But if you're looking to get more involved, the Marine Mammal Surveyors receive additional training and join dedicated survey teams on UK and European ferry routes, collecting vital scientific data for ORCA.
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 11/08/2026
The dusky dolphin is known for its incredible agility, regularly performing spectacular leaps, flips and spins above the water's surface. Typically found in the cool temperate waters of the Southern Hemisphere, these social dolphins live and hunt in pods, working together to catch fish and squid.
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 10/08/2026
As an OceanWatcher, you can play a real part by collecting valuable sightings data wherever you can see the sea. After completing our online training course, you'll use the OceanWatchers app to record observations from the coast, ferries, cruise ships, your own boat or even your local beach.
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 07/08/2026
Whether you're just getting started or want to improve your identification skills, our Introduction to Whale & Dolphin Identification course is the perfect place to begin. Get started 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr... #WhalesAndDolphins #ORCACourses #LearnWithORCA
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 06/08/2026
Every ferry journey has the potential to reveal incredible marine wildlife, but some crossings are extra special 🌟
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
As well as being a key advisor and contributor to the UK Government's Joint Cetacean Data Programme, we also chair the Wildlife and Countryside Link's Marine Mammal Working Group which is a leading forum that helps shape marine mammal policy across the UK.
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
The striped dolphin is one of the most striking cetaceans found in our waters, easily recognised by the dark stripes that run from its eyes along the sides of its body. They also prefer deeper offshore waters, making every sighting a memorable one. #StripedDolphin #WhalesAndDolphins #ORCA
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
The Southern North Sea Special Area of Conservation was created to protect harbour porpoises. However, Oceana's latest report found 30,936 hours of apparent bottom trawling took place within the site during 2025 - the equivalent of 1,289 days of trawling in a single year.
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
With more vessels travelling our oceans than ever before, encounters between ships and whales or dolphins are becoming increasingly common. Many busy shipping routes pass directly through important feeding, breeding and migration areas, increasing the risk of collisions!
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
Before you begin, you'll complete the training course, giving you the skills and confidence to collect valuable whale, dolphin, and porpoise sightings. Once trained, simply download the app and start surveying wherever and whenever you can see the sea. 👉 orca.org.uk/training/oce...
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Why not build your identification skills? Our Introduction to Whale & Dolphin Identification course will teach you how to recognise a wide range of whales, dolphins, and porpoises, giving you the confidence to identify them wherever your adventures take you. 👉 learn.orca.org.uk/courses/intr...
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Share your score in the comments ✨ #ORCA #MarineMammalIdentification
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Our oceans are busier than ever! As shipping traffic increases, so does the risk of ship strikes. That's why we work alongside shipping partners around the world to raise awareness, share expertise, and develop practical ways to reduce the risk of ship strikes and help protect marine wildlife.
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ORCA @orcaweb.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
Not at all! Lot's of people from all different backgrounds make fantastic OceanWatchers! 🐋 Learn more here 👉 orca.org.uk/training/oce... #OceanWatcher #ORCA
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