The State of European Cetaceans

Critical cetacean habitat

The State of European Cetaceans is ORCA's report series, documenting the results of its survey findings, and more importantly, drawing conclusions about what this means for whales, dolphins and porpoises in the wild.

With significant and emerging threats continuing to adversely impact these animals and their habitats, ORCA's findings are crucial in providing evidence to conserve these animals in the future.

467 surveys / 9 sea regions

ORCA's third report, 'The State of European Cetaceans (2018)', is the culmination of 12 years’ worth of sightings and environmental data collected during the 467 ORCA surveys conducted between 2006-2017 using vessels of opportunity (namely ferries and cruise ships).

This report summarises the distribution and range of cetacean populations in and around Europe’s waters and identifies marine areas and species that are of greatest importance. This insight is crucial to make authoritative and informed decisions about the protection required for cetaceans.

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These reports are produced by ORCA each year and are based on marine survey data collected by its volunteer network of Marine Mammal Surveyors from 2006 to present day.

These reports highlight a series of interesting findings including:

Citizen science supports pivotal cetacean research
13,818 cetaceans, representing 25 species, were recorded during the 2017 survey season
Harbour porpoise distribution is changing, with animals moving into the English Channel from adjacent areas
Common dolphins were observed most frequently, and were seen in the English Channel more than in previous years
A north Atlantic right whale was recorded for the first time by ORCA surveyors

Download 2018 Report (7.72MB)

Download 2017 Report (6.0mb)

Download 2016 Report (8.1mb)

Report summary

2017 a record breaking year

2017 saw a record amount of survey effort and number of cetacean sightings, with 13,818 animals being recorded.

The growing presence of ORCA across European and adjacent waters is evident, with the charity’s work having more impact than ever before.

The report validates the role citizen science has to play in supporting and enhancing wider cetacean research, and demonstrates that volunteers using platforms of opportunity can gather long-term data within smaller areas to show spatial and temporal trends not picked up by more dedicated, but less frequent, surveys conducted once a decade.

Citizen science has a critical role to play in marine conservation

This edition of the report includes a detailed analysis of harbour porpoise data collected by ORCA between 2006 – 2017 in response to the on-going threat from bycatch and the designation of associated areas of conservation which require appropriate data on animal distribution to be effective.

This analysis, conducted in conjunction with Plymouth University, aimed to establish if there were significant changes to the density around the UK. This data presents a valuable baseline for future monitoring of harbour porpoise populations, and highlights areas of relative importance across their distribution. The findings of this pivotal piece of research will inform UK and European marine protection policies and future research.

Ongoing monitoring vital for appropriate conservation management

This report continues to demonstrate why ongoing regular monitoring of cetaceans is vital. The compilation and analysis of real-time, long-term data are essential to make effective and informed decisions about the protection of our whales and dolphins so urgently need. Utilising ferry and cruise platforms is a highly effective tool to estimate density, distribution and range of these animals in near real-time so that worrying patterns can be identified early.

Threats to cetaceans still critical despite diverse population

Though some may interpret this report as an indication of a thriving population of diverse species of cetaceans in Europe, there are still critical threats continuing to impact their numbers. Bycatch is responsible for an unprecedented number of deaths, with 1,500 porpoises killed in UK fishing nets in 2015 alone, whilst ship strike is of serious concern to fin whale populations having already decimated north Atlantic right whale numbers. Whaling continues to present a clear and present danger despite the global ban, and although public awareness of plastics and pollution being higher than ever, cetaceans are still falling victim with alarming frequency.

ORCA’s work cannot live in isolation and it is incumbent on all, including industry and government, to do their part to help protect our wonderful whales and dolphins and safeguard their habitats for future generations.

THANKS!

Thank you to our volunteer surveyors, our shipping partners and Plymouth University.

Thank you ORCA...

ORCA continues to play a critical role - quietly and unassumingly - in efforts to care for whales, dolphins and porpoises in European waters.

I still marvel at the way it so successfully relies on an outstanding and tireless army of trained volunteers: people, from all walks of life and of all ages, who give their time to make a real difference. Quite simply, they get the job done. The world would certainly be a poorer place without them.

Mark Carwardine

MARINE WILDLIFE EXPERT, PHOTOGRAPHER AND ORCA PATRON

Our volunteer surveyors

ORCA volunteers have freely given their time and effort to generate the citizen science which is the foundation of this report. They have all done so with the selfless objective of creating a more complete picture of our whales, dolphins and porpoises, so that they can be afforded greater protection and conservation where this is required. One of the notable findings of their research has been the fluid and transitory nature of whale and dolphin populations, in terms of geography, the seasons, location of prey species and so on.

We anticipate just as much change and movement in the future, and look forward to welcoming new generations of volunteers to map the mercurial habits and life cycles of these mysterious animals.

A very special thank you

This report would not have been possible without the support of Plymouth University.

Share your views

How do you think we can we take this data forward? What should those in power be doing to protect our whales, dolphins and porpoises more? Please get involved and let us know...