In the last few months, ORCA Marine Mammal Surveyors and Team Leaders, Karen and Charlotte, have been undertaking ORCA surveys in the Southern Ocean as part of an exciting project on board HX Expedition’s Fram vessel, monitoring recovering whale populations in the Southern Ocean.
Both Karen and Charlotte first discovered ORCA after taking part in Sea Safaris across the Bay of Biscay. We spoke to them about how they first became involved with ORCA, their journeys to becoming ORCA Team Leaders, and what they are most excited about in the future.
How did you first get involved with ORCA?
Karen: I became involved with ORCA in 2018. I had retired from 30 years in the Police and was looking for some volunteer work. I have an interest in photography and saw that Jessops would be running a photography course on an ORCA Sea Safari across the Bay of Biscay, so booked on to take part as a guest.
Charlotte: I first got involved with ORCA when my parents invited me to join them on an ORCA Sea Safari. I have been mad about all animals since I was a child, so it was a definite yes that I would accompany them.
What was your most memorable moment on that initial Sea Safari?
Karen: My most memorable moment was seeing a True’s beaked whale - a very rare and incredible sighting. I remember it vividly and it will stay with me forever as a very special moment.
Charlotte: My most memorable moment was watching a large mixed pod of common and striped dolphins racing towards the ship to bow ride. It was raining at the time but I didn’t notice as I was so mesmerised by these beautiful and acrobatic marine mammals.
What has your journey with ORCA looked like since then?
Karen: I joined ORCA straight away and my journey has been nothing short of incredible since. I went on to complete many ferry surveys as a Marine Mammal Surveyor, and then undertook my Team Leader training. Many of my surveys have been across the Bay of Biscay - surveying this route is a fantastic way to see many different species. One of my favourite sightings in the Bay of Biscay was a super pod of striped dolphins - the sea conditions were perfect and the numbers recorded were in the hundreds.
Charlotte: After that initial Sea Safari, the moment I got home I joined ORCA and completed the Marine Mammal Surveyor course. I then began to apply for ferry surveys local to my area which in turn gave me the experience and knowledge to apply for Saga cruise surveys. I have now completed over 40 ferry surveys and eight Saga cruise surveys, and recently went down to Antarctica to survey whales in the Southern Ocean as a Research Scientist for ORCA.
What has been your highlight as an ORCA volunteer?
Karen: Taking part in ORCA ferry surveys led to me being offered places on Saga cruise surveys and I have been fortunate enough to travel through some extraordinary areas gathering data on cetaceans. This includes the USA, Canada, Africa, the Azores, Canary Islands and all around the U.K. As mentioned above I became a Team Leader and now train and mentor other Marine Mammal Surveyors, a role I love. I was recently asked to be part of an important and critical project in the Southern Ocean. This valuable data collection has led to the protection of whales in one of the most incredible places on the planet. All of which started with a Sea Safari in 2018.
Charlotte: I have had many highlights as an ORCA Marine Mammal Surveyor. If I had to pick just one it would be my recent trip down to Antarctica. Being part of a research programme to study the recovering whales, focusing on the population, density and abundance of large baleen whales.
What do you enjoy most about the Sea Safaris?
Karen: I love being able to show people the incredible diversity of the Bay of Biscay and see some amazing animals. I love inspiring others to join ORCA too.
Charlotte: ORCA Sea Safaris showcase the diversity of wildlife we have on our own doorstep. The most enjoyable part of the Sea Safaris for me is meeting guests that may never have seen a whale or dolphin before and helping them to see them, sharing my knowledge and expertise, and explaining the important work that ORCA does to protect cetaceans and their habitats. My most memorable Sea Safari moment was seeing a breaching fin whale on a trip in September 2018, I should also include the fact that I met my future husband on a Sea Safari in 2019!
What are you most looking forward to with ORCA in the future?
Karen: ORCA Sea Safaris are the most incredible way to see a diverse range of species. The Bay of Biscay is one of the best places in the world to do this. I’ve been lucky enough to be part of many Sea Safaris and hope to do more in 2025.
Charlotte: Heading into 2025 I am looking forward to getting back out to sea and participating in the new season of Sea Safaris, ferry and cruise surveys. Catching up with fellow Marine Mammal Surveyor friends and colleagues, but most of all meeting new faces and inspiring them to join ORCA and keep our seas alive with whales, dolphins and porpoises.
The best way to really appreciate how amazing whales and dolphins are is to see them in the wild where they belong - and you can do that from right on your doorstep by joining one of our Sea Safaris! Visit www.orca.org.uk/watch to check out all the upcoming dates and take your first step on your very own whale and dolphin adventure!