Description

Volunteers are required to carry out 10-minute whale and dolphin (cetacean) watches from designated sites along the Scottish coastline. Volunteers will be trained up to identify common cetacean species found in Scottish waters, use specialised watching equipment and record presence and absence sightings data. Their current survey locations in Orkney are Hoxa Head, the Gloup, Ness bunker (Stromness), Broch of Gurness and Yesnaby

Organisation aims and objectives

Whale and Dolphin Conservation is a wildlife charity that is dedicated solely to the worldwide conservation and welfare of all whales, dolphins and porpoises. WDC is a founding partner of the Convention on Migratory Species, which is part of the United Nations Environment Programme.

Frequency and commitment details

Surveys can be undertaken at any time and there is no minimum time commitment required. Some volunteers survey on a daily basis and others on an ad hoc basis

Restrictions

Experience required: No experience of cetacean surveys is necessary to take part in Shorewatch; the only requirement is that you are willing and able to contribute to the programme by carrying out 10-minute surveys at one (or more) of the designated Shorewatch sites in Orkney.
Travel details: Some of the survey sites may not be accessible by public transport.
Minimum age: 16

Support

Training details: Full training will be provided.