Press Release
18th October 2016
Learn how to survey whales, dolphins and porpoises at sea
Join the ORCA one-day training course in
Newquay on 13th November
The UK-based marine mammal conservation charity, ORCA, is hosting a one-day training course at Cornwall College, Newquay, on Sunday 13th November. Anyone over 18 can learn how to identify whales, dolphins and porpoises in European waters, record sightings scientifically and actively contribute to their conservation.
Once course graduates become an ORCA member, they can apply to join ORCA’s team of Marine Mammal Surveyors in collecting vital data at sea. This will directly benefit marine mammal conservation in informing policy as we learn more about these magnificent creatures.
The classroom based training course costs £60 (£54 concessions). For more information and booking, visit ORCA’s website:
www.orcaweb.org.uk/get-involved/train
ORCA, who are based at Portsmouth International Port, conducts a range of surveys on ferries and cruise liners around the UK, including one day surveys to the Isles of Scilly as well as two night surveys of the North Sea between Newcastle and Amsterdam. It also surveys in the Bay of Biscay, a world renowned cetacean hotspot, where deep diving whales such as the sperm whale and Cuvier’s beaked whale can be found, along with the fin whale, the second largest whale on the planet.
‘ORCA offer their surveyors many opportunities to travel to new places and experience many different species of whale and dolphin. I have experienced around 15 species of cetaceans on the ferries and cruises in my three short years with ORCA. Knowing that our work is helping to protect these amazing marine mammals is a super fulfilling feeling and the fact that anyone can get involved in their protection is even better!’ – Hannah Ramsey-Smith, ORCA Surveyor
Newquay Course Details
- Location: Cornwall College, Wildflower Lane, Newquay, TR7 2LZ
- Time: 9.30am – 4.30pm
- Refreshments: Tea and coffee provided
For information on this and other courses
Other Course Details
- Saturday 19th November
Marine Biological Association, Citadel Hill, Plymouth, PL1 2PB 9.30am-4.30pm
- Saturday 26th November
Great North Museum: Hancock, Barras Bridge, Newcastle, NE2 4PT 9.30am-4.30pm
- Sunday 4th December
National Oceanography Centre, European Way, Southampton, SO14 3ZH 9.30am-4.30pm
- Saturday 28th January 2017
Institute of Marine Science, Ferry Road, Eastney, Portsmouth, PO4 9LY 9.30am-4.30pm
