WCA Partners connect those working to protect our oceans around the world and bring people closer to their connection with nature.

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  Sparkly eyes and faces beaming with joy
  WCA Trustee Titia tells us about her visit to Tenerife-La Gomera Whale Heritage Site and reflects on the magic of responsible whale watching.
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  Update from Raggy Charters on tackling fuel transfers in Algoa Bay
  WCA Partner Raggy Charters celebrate a recent success protecting Algoa Bay Whale Heritage Site from dangerous ship-to-ship fuel transfers.
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  Update from Futurismo on measuring sperm whales in the Azores
  WCA Partner Futurismo tells us about how they’ve used acoustics to measure the length of sperm whales from their whale watching boats.
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  Happywhale needs YOUR help in latest Citizen Science Project
  Have you ever been fortunate enough to have visited Antarctica? Perhaps you’ve worked there in the past, or simply been to visit on a holiday once or twice? Well, if you have then you may be able to help Happywhale out this month! Happywhale are working on collecting an array of Leopard Seal photos for an identification project. However, the project has come to a stall as since travel restrictions have been in place for the best part of a year now, no new photos have been coming in. This is where Happywhale sends a plea for your assistance. If … Read more
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  Raggy Charters tell us their highlights from 2020
  Like most in the tourism industry 2020 has been a tough financial year for us at Raggy Charters. We however are very proud of what we have managed to achieve despite the circumstances. A highlight of the year for us would be that we still managed to host our annual Celebrating the Arrival of the Whales Festival. We had to conduct the festival in a way that complied with the relevant covid-19 regulations on the day. This resulted in the festival predominantly being online. We made use of our social media platforms to do what we would normally have done … Read more
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  Futurismo tell us their highlights from 2020
  2020, a year that will be hard to forget. Our lives took a 180º turn, from one day to the next, everything was different. Futurismo’s eventually had to stop all its touristic activities for a while. However, this didn’t stop us. In fact it was the opposite. It gave us time to re-think what we have been doing, to look into new perspectives, to restructure our work, get new ideas and develop them.  We started the year with some school visits, the island kids full of energy and curiosity, and eager to learn. Then, everyone had to stay home. Even … Read more
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  Five Star Whale Watching tell us their highlights from 2020
  As we entered 2020 Five Star Whale Watching had big plans to celebrate our 35th anniversary. These plans had to be put on hold due to COVID-19. Like many, this Pandemic has presented many challenges in 2020. However, early on we decided to make the best of a bad situation. On March 20th we suspended all tours to follow local health authority COVID-19 instructions. During the downtime we worked on our vessels and a strategy for when we would be allowed to reopen. Five Star was involved in the process with Transport Canada and WorkSafeBC on formula to create a … Read more
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  A Hello to the First Gray Whales on Their Journey South
  In late November excited whale watchers aboard the catamaran Manute’a, operated by Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, were treated to the first southbound gray whale of the 2020-2021 season off the coast of Dana Point, California. Each fall gray whales depart the cold waters of the Bering and Chukchi seas where they spend the summer bottom feeding on small crustaceans called amphipods. The whales travel about 6,000 miles to the protected lagoons of Baja to mate and give birth to their calves. In the spring they will make their way back up the west coast, giving whale watchers … Read more
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  How Artificial Intelligence is Helping us Understand Sperm Whale Migration
  Marine biologist Lisa Steiner has been part of the team developing a machine learning AI fluke matching programme for sperm whales in the Azores. the best way to identify a sperm whale is to look for unique patterns, shapes or scars on their fluke as each fluke is unique to the individual whale – much like our own fingerprints. The only problem is scanning through thousands of photos which vary in quality can be extremely time consuming and not always reliable if the shots are taken from distance. That’s why Lisa’s technology could be a huge step in the right … Read more
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  Update from Dolphin Encountours Research Centre in Ponta do Ouro, Mozambique
  The Dolphin Team in the Ponta do Ouro Partial Marine Reserve in Southern Mozambique are thrilled to announce that, after a long and challenging seven months, we have finally been granted permission to resume operations! Our first encounters back at sea proved productive with sightings of humpback whales traveling south, some of our resident dolphins, and an unusual sighting of a small pod of Pygmy killer whales. This is only the second observation the team has had of this little-known deep-water species. You can read more about the observation here.  In-water encounters with our local dolphins of Ponta have been beautiful, … Read more

Image: © Project Jonah

WCA Partners educate global and local communities to create an empowered community of champions for our oceans.

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  Update from Eagle Wing Tours on their innovative ocean education programMarch 23, 2022
  WCA Partner Eagle Wing Tours tells us about their ‘Exploring the Salish Sea’ education program.
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  WHS Criteria Explained: Research, Education and AwarenessOctober 10, 2021
  Whale Heritage Sites invest in research and put education and public awareness at the heart of their message.
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  Humpback Comeback in the Salish Sea continues!January 29, 2021
  A few days ago, Five Star Whale Watching headed out on tour and encountered at least five Humpback whales a few minutes from Victoria Harbour. Seeing Humpbacks so late into winter in the Salish Sea is incredible and is something Five Star have experienced for the last few winters. Each year it seems more Humpbacks are hanging out longer in the winter. Seeing the Humpback whales in the … Read more
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  An update from Futurismo on their understanding of Orca populations off the South coast of São Miguel Island, AzoresJanuary 29, 2021
  As we continue to demonstrate, Azores is a box full of surprises and wonders cetacean-wise. Orca (Orcinus orca), the biggest of the oceanic dolphins are one of the best examples. Most people, especially children recognise the charismatic, panda coloured animal immediately, however, little is known about this species and its populations in mid-Atlantic waters like the Azores. Orca differ very much in appearance, behaviour and culture, and their … Read more
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  Swiss Cetacean Society launches new AppJanuary 27, 2021
  The SCS app, developed by the WCA’s European Regional Coordinator Swiss Cetacean Society, is now available on iOS for free and coming soon on Android! Richly illustrated and with more than 25 audio tracks, this app is a mine of information on dolphins and whales for the amateur and experienced naturalist. If you wish to help the Swiss Cetacean Society improve the app, by adding audio tracks you … Read more
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  Happywhale needs YOUR help in latest Citizen Science ProjectJanuary 27, 2021
  Have you ever been fortunate enough to have visited Antarctica? Perhaps you’ve worked there in the past, or simply been to visit on a holiday once or twice? Well, if you have then you may be able to help Happywhale out this month! Happywhale are working on collecting an array of Leopard Seal photos for an identification project. However, the project has come to a stall as since … Read more
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  Raggy Charters tell us their highlights from 2020December 22, 2020
  Like most in the tourism industry 2020 has been a tough financial year for us at Raggy Charters. We however are very proud of what we have managed to achieve despite the circumstances. A highlight of the year for us would be that we still managed to host our annual Celebrating the Arrival of the Whales Festival. We had to conduct the festival in a way that complied … Read more
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  Futurismo tell us their highlights from 2020December 22, 2020
  2020, a year that will be hard to forget. Our lives took a 180º turn, from one day to the next, everything was different. Futurismo’s eventually had to stop all its touristic activities for a while. However, this didn’t stop us. In fact it was the opposite. It gave us time to re-think what we have been doing, to look into new perspectives, to restructure our work, get … Read more
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  Five Star Whale Watching tell us their highlights from 2020December 22, 2020
  As we entered 2020 Five Star Whale Watching had big plans to celebrate our 35th anniversary. These plans had to be put on hold due to COVID-19. Like many, this Pandemic has presented many challenges in 2020. However, early on we decided to make the best of a bad situation. On March 20th we suspended all tours to follow local health authority COVID-19 instructions. During the downtime we … Read more
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  A Team Effort for Marine MammalsDecember 19, 2020
  Clive Martin is an Individual Lifetime Partner and also runs the UK charity, Orca Rescues Foundation (ORF). Here Clive explains their latest achievements. Part of our role is to support organisations that are working on the frontline to end the captivity of not only Orca, but other cetaceans as well. We have always acknowledged that Sanctuaries will play a major role in this process particularly as a number … Read more

Check out our news items to find out about more about how WCA Partners EDUCATE for cetaceans

Image: © Verballenas

WCA Partners advance animal welfare and environmental, economic and social sustainability in industries and activities that involve humans and cetaceans.

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  Sparkly eyes and faces beaming with joy
  WCA Trustee Titia tells us about her visit to Tenerife-La Gomera Whale Heritage Site and reflects on the magic of responsible whale watching.
• 
  Update from Raggy Charters on tackling fuel transfers in Algoa Bay
  WCA Partner Raggy Charters celebrate a recent success protecting Algoa Bay Whale Heritage Site from dangerous ship-to-ship fuel transfers.
• 
  Humpback Comeback in the Salish Sea continues!
  A few days ago, Five Star Whale Watching headed out on tour and encountered at least five Humpback whales a few minutes from Victoria Harbour. Seeing Humpbacks so late into winter in the Salish Sea is incredible and is something Five Star have experienced for the last few winters. Each year it seems more Humpbacks … Read more
• 
  An update from Futurismo on their understanding of Orca populations off the South coast of São Miguel Island, Azores
  As we continue to demonstrate, Azores is a box full of surprises and wonders cetacean-wise. Orca (Orcinus orca), the biggest of the oceanic dolphins are one of the best examples. Most people, especially children recognise the charismatic, panda coloured animal immediately, however, little is known about this species and its populations in mid-Atlantic waters like … Read more
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  Love the Oceans shares new Turtle Protection Project
  The last few months have seen the launch of Love the Oceans’ Turtle Patrol Team! It’s the first ever Turtle Patrol Team in the Jangamo District and is made up of indigenous community members only. Pascoal Nhamussua, Mario Guilamba and Bento Nhamussua patrol the beaches of Jangamo everyday checking for Loggerhead and Leatherback turtle nests. … Read more
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  Swiss Cetacean Society’s Comoro island Green turtle protection project
  The Swiss Cetacean Society (SCS) has set up a project to protect green turtles against poaching in the Comoro Islands. The aim is to set up monitoring of the turtles and their nests by four ecoguards who will patrol the beach of Ndroudé alternately day and night, hence creating jobs too. To help promote this … Read more
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  Swiss Cetacean Society launches new App
  The SCS app, developed by the WCA’s European Regional Coordinator Swiss Cetacean Society, is now available on iOS for free and coming soon on Android! Richly illustrated and with more than 25 audio tracks, this app is a mine of information on dolphins and whales for the amateur and experienced naturalist. If you wish to … Read more
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  Happywhale needs YOUR help in latest Citizen Science Project
  Have you ever been fortunate enough to have visited Antarctica? Perhaps you’ve worked there in the past, or simply been to visit on a holiday once or twice? Well, if you have then you may be able to help Happywhale out this month! Happywhale are working on collecting an array of Leopard Seal photos for … Read more
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  Raggy Charters tell us their highlights from 2020
  Like most in the tourism industry 2020 has been a tough financial year for us at Raggy Charters. We however are very proud of what we have managed to achieve despite the circumstances. A highlight of the year for us would be that we still managed to host our annual Celebrating the Arrival of the … Read more
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  Futurismo tell us their highlights from 2020
  2020, a year that will be hard to forget. Our lives took a 180º turn, from one day to the next, everything was different. Futurismo’s eventually had to stop all its touristic activities for a while. However, this didn’t stop us. In fact it was the opposite. It gave us time to re-think what we … Read more

Check out our news items to find out about more about how WCA Partners ADVANCE for cetaceans

WCA Partners celebrate cetaceans and those who live in sustainable coexistence with our oceans

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  Humpback Comeback in the Salish Sea continues!
  A few days ago, Five Star Whale Watching headed out on tour and encountered at least five Humpback whales a few minutes from Victoria Harbour. Seeing Humpbacks so late into winter in the Salish Sea is incredible and is something Five Star have experienced for the last few winters. Each year it seems more Humpbacks … Read more
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  Happywhale needs YOUR help in latest Citizen Science Project
  Have you ever been fortunate enough to have visited Antarctica? Perhaps you’ve worked there in the past, or simply been to visit on a holiday once or twice? Well, if you have then you may be able to help Happywhale out this month! Happywhale are working on collecting an array of Leopard Seal photos for … Read more
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  Raggy Charters tell us their highlights from 2020
  Like most in the tourism industry 2020 has been a tough financial year for us at Raggy Charters. We however are very proud of what we have managed to achieve despite the circumstances. A highlight of the year for us would be that we still managed to host our annual Celebrating the Arrival of the … Read more
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  Futurismo tell us their highlights from 2020
  2020, a year that will be hard to forget. Our lives took a 180º turn, from one day to the next, everything was different. Futurismo’s eventually had to stop all its touristic activities for a while. However, this didn’t stop us. In fact it was the opposite. It gave us time to re-think what we … Read more
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  Five Star Whale Watching tell us their highlights from 2020
  As we entered 2020 Five Star Whale Watching had big plans to celebrate our 35th anniversary. These plans had to be put on hold due to COVID-19. Like many, this Pandemic has presented many challenges in 2020. However, early on we decided to make the best of a bad situation. On March 20th we suspended … Read more
• 
  A Hello to the First Gray Whales on Their Journey South
  In late November excited whale watchers aboard the catamaran Manute’a, operated by Capt. Dave’s Dolphin & Whale Watching Safari, were treated to the first southbound gray whale of the 2020-2021 season off the coast of Dana Point, California. Each fall gray whales depart the cold waters of the Bering and Chukchi seas where they spend … Read more
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  Love the Oceans release new Whale Themed Jumpers just in time for Christmas!
  To round off 2020, Love the Oceans have released a 100% organic cotton jumper range which is made in a renewable energy powered UK based factory and is vetted against a range of social and sustainable criteria. It is printed using low waste ink tech and all proceeds go towards funding Love the Ocean’s marine … Read more
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  Relax to the Soothing Sounds of Whale Song on Limited-Edition CD
  Oscar Frey from Ocean Friendly Tours has culminated over 6 years’ worth of unique Humpback whale calls into one double CD names “Echoenia“. The CD features harmonies captured from Humpback whale individuals off the coast of Banderas Bay in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Not only does the CD supply you with the comforting tones of the … Read more
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  Joy in Algoa Bay as Killer Whales Sighted Twice in One Week
  It’s been an exciting week for Raggy Charters whale watching team. Killer whales are rare in the Algoa Bay area due to their extreme roaming behaviours and tendencies not to remain in a specific area for long. The first sighting of the week could have easily escaped the Raggy Charters team also – it just … Read more
• Our resident Risso’s dolphin family is back!
  This year has been quite different for everyone, and it wasn’t an exception for Futurismo. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, we were not able to have as many encounters with the most charismatic species of our oceans as we would like to. However, as always, Azores biodiversity surprised us in several of our whale watching … Read more

Check out our news items to find out about more about how WCA Partners ADVANCE for cetaceans