Thanks to our volunteer observers around the UK we do receive many sightings every month. This past September we received a total of 321 to be exact.
A small sample of these sightings are used every month to create our Monthly Sightings Map, which is discussed along side the weather which strongly affect sightability. In fact, the ability to detect cetaceans and collect sightings information is strongly affected by several weather parameters such as sea state, glare, swell height and visibility.
Take a look at our September Sightings video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xqtEdwaQPI
Sightings are important because they give us information about where and when particular species occur, from which we can identify important areas and habitats, as well as determine changes in their status and distribution. Such knowledge helps provide better informed conservation measures.
To learn more about how sightings are used, visit this page on our website:
https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/how-sightings-are-used/
If you sight dolphins, whales or porpoises while walking along the shore or while boating at sea, submit them to us using our online sightings form, attached here below:
https://www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/sightingsform/
If you want to join our sightings network and become a regular observer volunteer, feel free to contact our Sightings Officer Chiara at chiara.giulia.bertulli@seawatchfoundation.org.uk.
