Marine Life & Conservation
Take part in National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2018
Every year, scientists at the Sea Watch Foundation lead a campaign to get members of the general public contributing to science to protect whales & dolphins and they’re calling on you to get involved.
For over forty years, Sea Watch Foundation scientists, as well as volunteer observers all around the coast, have been reporting on whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans) to inform Sea Watch’s huge database of records. In fact, the scheme is one of the oldest and longest running citizen science schemes in the world. Now it’s your turn to take part in their flagship summer event, the ‘National Whale & Dolphin Watch’ which is now in its 17th year.
National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2018 takes place Saturday 28th July until Sunday 5th August 2018 and, with your help, could be the most successful yet!
Risso Dolphins spotted during last year’s events in Orkney. Photo: Peter Hazlehurst – Sea Watch Foundation
All you need to bring with you is patience and bags of enthusiasm! If this is your first year and you’d love to take part and learn more about the fantastic array of cetaceans around the UK, then join in with other volunteers who are hosting watches. To find watches in your area visit the Sea Watch Foundation website.
These wonderful creatures were photographed from the shore at an Orca Watch event just a number of weeks ago. Photo: Chloe Robinson – Sea Watch Foundation
During the nine-day 2017 event, eleven different species of whales and dolphins were recorded in UK waters. Over 1400 sightings were logged and including 6590 individual animals!
As the smallest of the UK’s cetaceans, harbour porpoise are often over-looked despite being the most widespread to be spotted. Photo: Mick Baines – Sea Watch Foundation
The National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2018 is just a couple of weeks away and the research charity behind the event are urging everyone to register now to run their own watches and help to contribute valuable data for the protection of these magnificent species. Please get in touch to find out more and to take part!
Take part in National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2018
- Find out more about the event: www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw
- Join a registered event: www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw-2018-watch-list – please note that new events are being added all the time so keep looking!
- Register your own watch: www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/nwdw-2018
The Shark Trust is excited to announce that, for two more days only, all donations, large or small, will be doubled in the Big Give Green Match Fund!
Donate to Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants
The Shark Trust is hoping to raise £10k which will be doubled to £20k. This will go towards Basking in Nature: Sighting Giants. And they need YOUR help to reach they’re goal.
The Shark Trust’s citizen science project is to monitor and assess basking sharks through sightings; encouraging data collection, community engagement, and promoting nature accessibility. This initiative aims to enhance health and wellbeing by fostering a deeper connection with British Sharks.
Campaign Aims
- Increase citizen science reporting of Basking Sharks and other shark sightings to help inform shark and ray conservation.
- Provide educational talks about the diverse range of sharks and rays in British waters and accessible identification guides!
- Create engaging and fun information panels on how to ID the amazing sharks and rays we have on our doorstep! These can be used on coastal paths around the Southwest. With activities and information on how you can make a difference for sharks and rays!
- Promote mental wellbeing through increasing time in nature and discovering the wonders beneath the waves!
Donate, and double your impact. Click Here
Marine Life & Conservation
Leading UK-based shark conservation charity, the Shark Trust, is delighted to announce tour operator Diverse Travel as a Corporate Patron
Corporate Patrons provide a valuable boost to the work of The Shark Trust. The Trust team works globally to safeguard the future of sharks, and their close cousins, the skates and rays, engaging with a global network of scientists, policymakers, conservation professionals, businesses and supporters to further shark conservation.
Specialist tour operator Diverse Travel has operated since 2014 and is committed to offering its guests high quality, sustainable scuba diving holidays worldwide. Working together with the Shark Trust will enable both organisations to widen engagement and encourage divers and snorkellers to actively get involved in shark conservation.
“Sharks are truly at the heart of every diver and at Diverse Travel, we absolutely share that passion. There is nothing like seeing a shark in the wild – it’s a moment that stays with you forever!” says Holly Bredin, Sales & Marketing Manager, Diverse Travel.
“We’re delighted to celebrate our 10th year of business by becoming a Corporate Patron of the Shark Trust. This is an exciting partnership for Diverse and our guests. We will be donating on behalf of every person who books a holiday with us to contribute towards their vital shark conservation initiatives around the world. We will also be working together with the Trust to inspire divers, snorkellers and other travellers to take an active role – at home and abroad – in citizen science projects and other activities.”
Paul Cox, CEO of The Shark Trust, said:
“It’s an exciting partnership and we’re thrilled to be working with Diverse Travel to enable more divers and travellers to get involved with sharks and shark conservation. Sharks face considerable conservation challenges but, through collaboration and collective action, we can secure a brighter future for sharks and their ocean home. This new partnership takes us one more valuable step towards that goal.”
For more information about the Shark Trust visit their website here.
For more about Diverse Travel click here.
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