Biscay Cetacean Monitoring Network (Biscaycetnet)

Organisation Cetacea has been running a long-term monitoring network in the Bay of Biscay and English Channel since 1995. Our network of dedicated volunteer surveyors have collected data on cetaceans and other visible marine animals from ferries, yachts, cruise ships and survey vessels active in the region during all seasons.

So far, we have collated a marine wildlife database of over 3,000 sightings records for the Bay of Biscay and English Channel. Information on the relative abundance, distribution and behaviour of marine mammals, seabirds and other marine life in the region are published as part of the annual ORCA Report (now in its 5th year). In addition, volunteer data collection has made it possible for us to publish a number of research papers in scientific journals.

During the last 10 years ORCA has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the importance of the Bay of Biscay as a region of exceptional cetacean abundance and diversity through a variety of media, publications and public events.

A key focus has also been to develop partnerships with other research and conservation organisations working in the region. This recently culminated in the organisation and hosting of a workshop entitled ‘Cetacean Research and Conservation in the Bay of Biscay’, at the European Cetacean Society (ECS) Conference in Gran Canaria, 2003. The proceedings of this workshop are currently being published by the ECS and will be made available to all members.

Numerous organisations and indivivividuals have contributed data, which is stored electronically and in a single database. ORCA has a policy of distributing this data to any individual or organisation that can use it for research or campaign purposes as long as the aims are to benefit cetacean and other marine wildlife conservation.