Did you know that 30 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises have been recorded in the waters around Britain and Ireland?
Sea Watch Foundation is the leading UK cetacean research charity and works tirelessly to improve the study, conservation and protection of the whales, dolphins and porpoises found in British and Irish waters.
These incredible creatures are facing huge threats from climate change, marine pollution (including plastics), ship strikes, sound disturbance, over-fishing and entanglement in fishing gear. Their habitats need protection and for almost half a century, staff from Sea Watch Foundation have pioneered Citizen Science through a valuable partnership of scientists, researchers and volunteers observing and studying cetaceans, providing the evidence needed for protection to be put in place.
Membership of Sea Watch costs from only £3.50/month! In return you will receive a Welcome letter from our Director, Dr Peter Evans, the quarterly Sea Watcher online magazine and the monthly Sea Watcher Bulletin and Sightings Update as well as access to the My Sea Watcher website and portal. And you will know that every penny of your subscription is being used to support our vital work studying and protecting UK whales, dolphins and porpoises. If you are already a member, or looking for that special gift, why not click here to sign up a friend or family member or refer them to our website? Thank you for your support.
“Scientists and the public in partnership, working together to improve the conservation and protection of whale, dolphin and porpoise populations in British and Irish waters.”
Our Aims
• Monitoring the numbers and locations of whales, dolphins and porpoises (cetaceans)
• Gaining knowledge of the health of the marine environment and insight into the effects of chemical pollution, noise disturbance, ship strikes, over-fishing, accidental capture in fishing gear and climate change
• Involving the public in scientific monitoring through “citizen science”
• Raising awareness and understanding of marine mammals and the threats they face
• Educating, informing and advising for better environmental protection
Our Work
Through a continuous programme of research and monitoring, Sea Watch Foundation continues to provide vital information on changes in the status and distribution of cetacean populations and their habitats. Our network of volunteers, including a Regional Co-ordinator for every coastal area, provides much of the data and evidence by recording sightings throughout the year. This data are then shared with other scientists and environmental and government bodies in order to better understand and protect cetaceans and their habitat.
