Orca Watch 2018

At the end of May, the Pentland Firth welcomes back the Sea Watch Foundation's annual Orca Watch event. Now in its 7^th year this event originated from the collaboration between Sea Watch Foundation and their Regional Coordinator Colin Bird. With the possibility of underwater turbines installed in the area, a decision was made to establish a seasonal watch to gather information on how killer whales use this area and what might be the consequences of such an installation.

The 2018 event takes place from Saturday 26^th May to Sunday 2^nd June where people from all walks of life are invited to join the dedicated volunteers for watches throughout this time. There will be observers stationed at Duncansby Head, the main view point, but people will also conduct watches in Orkney and Shetland (times and locations can be found online at www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/orca-watch-2018/). There will also be observers onboard the John O’Groats ferry connecting mainland to Orkney. This is an open event and anyone interested is welcome to attend the organized land watches at any time during the day, but people are encouraged to look out for whales and collate sightings anywhere else along the coast, and of course if they see anything, Sea Watch would love to hear about it! Sightings should be reported here www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/sightingsform.

“We are so lucky in Caithness to be able to sight different cetacean species so close to shore!” says Anna Jemmett, Sea Watch regional coordinator and lead volunteer and organiser of this year’s event.

“For me, Orca Watch Week is about involving people and allowing them to experience something they never though they could be part of, it is about collecting vital data for the protection and conservation of orcas and other local cetacean species, and it is about sharing this magical event with people from all other the country and have fun all together!” continues Anna. 

The north coast of Scotland is one of the best places to see cetaceans and many different seabird species in the UK. As well as orca, many other species of whale and dolphin can be seen from the shore including the minke whale and humpback whale, Risso’s, common and white-beaked dolphins and the harbour porpoise. For the bird aficionados, sightings of razorbills, puffins, fulmars, great skuas, and terns are possible too. If you live locally and want to organize your own land or boat watch the recording forms can be found online (www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/recording-and-submitting-sightings) and please get in touch with Sea Watch to seek advice on watching.

Sea Watch Foundation is also very proud to announce an evening of whale talks on May 26th at 7 pm, at the Pultney Peoples Centre in Wick during the Orca watch. The guest speaker for the evening is Marie Mrusczok from Orca Guardians, an independent conservation non-profit dedicated to the protection of orcas in Iceland, who is going to provide a valuable insight into the seasonal movements of orcas between Iceland and Scotland.

Full details of all Orca Watch events can be found here:
www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/orca-watch-2018/ www.facebook.com/seawatchfoundation
@SeaWatchersUK
#SWFOrcaWatch

For further information about sea watch foundation, the orca watch event and for pictures please contact: Chiara Bertulli at chiara.giulia.bertulli@seawatchfoundation.org.uk.