Surveys
 ORCA surveys are carried out in the seas
around Europe, with the vast majority of data coming from
interested people like you and I that just want to help.
If you sight a whale, dolphin, porpoise, or other
interesting wildlife whilst on the DFDS Seaways cruise
ferry, you can fill in a form, the Wildlife Officer will
help, or send it to ORCA to be added to their database.
ORCA's database is a unique and valuable resource,
providing important information on the distribution of whales,
dolphins and porpoises. This information is essential if we are
to monitor whale and dolphin populations in the face of
numerous threats to their conservation. The ORCA database is
used by researchers all over the world to help protect marine
life.
Research
 ORCA research has resulted in some amazing
discoveries, including sightings of some whale species
that have only been seen on a handful of occasions
anywhere in the world. The ORCA database is utilised in
order to identify and map important areas for whales and
dolphins that were previously poorly known in order
to:
- Assess man-made impacts on the sea.
- Analyse the effects of climate change and other
environmental pressures on ocean habitats.
- Raise awareness of the threats faced by a number of
poorly studied species.
DFDS Seaways are proud to be a part of this thrilling
research.
Wildlife Officer Blog
 June 2008 saw tha start of a
ground-breaking initiative to place wildlife education
officers onboard our cruise ferries operating in the North
Sea. Working initially on the Newcastle - Bergen route
before transfering to the Harwich Esbjerg route from 1st
September, our wildlife officers have been a huge hit with
the general public.
Our wildlife officers offer a suite of exciting
activities onboard, including deck watches for wildlife,
children's activities and lectures. They have encountered
leaping dolphins, magnificent whales, porpoises, soaring Sea
Eagles and diving Gannets; but don't take our word for it, read
their fascinating blogs to find out more!
Read the Orca Wildlife Officer's Blog here:
http://orcaweb.wordpress.com
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