ORCA Oceanwatchers

ORCA Oceanwatchers is a volunteer program that aims to protect whales and dolphins along the UK coastline and out at sea. By participating in an online training course, volunteers can join this network and use a new smartphone app to record scientific data about the marine wildlife they encounter. This app allows volunteers to record the animals they see and the environmental conditions around them, whether they are watching from a cliff top or out at sea on a ship or boat.

The app has several features that make it easy for volunteers to conduct scientific surveys and collect data to support ORCA's conservation efforts. Its intuitive design helps users positively identify the species they have seen, and the easy-to-use interface simplifies the process of recording high-quality scientific data. Volunteers can also review their survey history to track their journey as an ORCA Oceanwatcher and look back on previous encounters.

In addition to these features, the app also includes a species guide with key information on the most commonly encountered whale and dolphin species around the UK. This can help volunteers accurately identify the animals they see and provide more detailed data for ORCA's conservation work.

The app is completely free to use, but volunteers must first complete an ORCA Oceanwatchers course to collect data. Registration for the course can be done at www.orcaweb.org.uk/train. By participating in this program and using the app, volunteers can make a valuable contribution to protecting marine wildlife and their habitats.