How to become a Whale watching v

Firstly, you could join one of our ferry survey routes as an observer. This is a superb way to see cetaceans. This is not a whale watching trip but an opportunity to contribute towards our knowledge of the habitats and ecology of whales, dolphins and porpoises. The data collected during the survey will be collated onto our database, which is made available to research organisations and students. Surveys are conducted from the bridge of the vessels, which provides an excellent vantage point.

Plymouth - Santander, Spain: Brittany Ferries very generously allow us space on their vessel once a month throughout the spring and summer (April - September inclusive). This ferry crosses the Bay of Biscay, a superb habitat for whales and dolphins. The ferry departs on a Sunday and a Wednesday, arriving back in Plymouth on the following Wednesday and Friday respectively. There will be two observers on each trip, and one will always be experienced so there is no need to worry if you are a novice! The dates of the trips can be flexible within the month to fit in with your commitments. Volunteers only need to cover the costs of their travel to the ferry port and meals and snacks whilst on board. The exact departure times of surveys are subject to changes in the boats timetable.

Newcastle - Bergen, Norway: Throughout the year Fjordline kindly provide us with berths on their ferry route across the North Sea to Bergen. These surveys are also conducted from the bridge and observers will be in teams of 4. During the summer ferries depart from Newcastle on Friday, returning on the following Sunday. During the winter the ferry departs on Saturday, arriving in Bergen on Sunday. The ferry then does not leave until Thursday, allowing a few days for sightseeing. Although volunteers must cover the costs for accomodation in Bergen, accomodation is available at very reasonable rate (from £8 per night) near to the ferry port.

If you are interested in joining an ORCA survey, please send your CV or a letter of interest, stating your skills and the reasons why you would like to take this opportunity, to: orca_publicity@hotmail.com

Love whales but hate boats?! Even if you suffer from the worse sea sickness imaginable, there are plenty of opportunities to help conserve cetaceans and the marine environment. The opportunities range from becoming a full committee member, to helping out with occasional events.

You may have some skills which could help us, including administration, fundraising, organising events, delivering education, raising awareness and web support.

We would particularly like to hear from fundraisers with experience of researching and securing grants, bursaries and donations from corporate and local business partners, grant awarding bodies and other organisations. Or perhaps you have the enthusiasm to promote increased awareness of the marine environment. ORCA achieves this goal with a number of education and awareness raising activities such as public events, presentations for children, training marine mammal observers and producing informative materials on the lives of whales and dolphins. However, ORCA needs volunteers to help organise and carry out these activities.

Whatever your skills, if you are enthusiastic and would like to join our friendly team, we would love to hear from you! Please send your CV or a letter of interest, stating your skills and the reasons why you would like to become involved, to orcaconservation@aol.com. Alternatively you can print the attached contact form and return to the postal address stated.

On Sat 25th and Sun 26th Nov 2006 ORCA will be holding a whale and dolphin extravaganza at The Deep Aquarium, Hull, incorporating our AGM. With talks from guest speakers, social evenings and a chance to see this superb aquarium, the weekend will be unmissable.

Watch our websites for more details on the AGM (www.orcaweb.org.uk , www.beakedwhaleresource.com ), and please do get in touch if you would like any more information on ways to become involved with ORCA or the AGM.

Aimee Felus
ORCA Education

Organisation Cetacea (ORCA)
Registered Charity No: 1098765

Email: education@orcaweb.org.uk
Web: www.orcaweb.org.uk

Organisation Cetacea (ORCA) promotes the conservation of the marine environment through research, partnership and education and provides a forum for the enjoyment of whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine life.