As millions of people prepare to look up for the solar eclipse on 12 August 2026, ORCA is asking people to look out for whales too.
We are delighted to be partnering with The Fin Whale Eclipse Project, a youth-led initiative created by five inspiring young women from Canada - Taylor, Maggie, Emilie, Paige and Ellen - which connects safe solar eclipse viewing with support for fin whale and ocean conservation. We are proud to be their Official Whale Conservation Partner.
The project has a beautifully simple idea at its heart: to turn a rare moment of wonder in the sky into practical support for life beneath the waves. By selling certified solar eclipse glasses, The Fin Whale Eclipse Project is raising funds for charities working to protect whales and the ocean, including ORCA.
For ORCA, its a magical partnership. The path of the August eclipse crosses part of the North Atlantic - an ocean region closely connected to fin whales, the second-largest animals on Earth. These magnificent whales can grow to more than 20 metres long and were once heavily targeted by commercial whaling. Today, although protected in many parts of the world, they still face serious threats from ship strikes, entanglement, ocean noise, climate change and changes to the marine environment.
ORCA’s work is rooted in understanding where whales, dolphins and porpoises are found, how they use the ocean, and what needs to change to better protect them. Through our teams of Ocean Conservationists, Marine Mammal Surveyors, volunteers and partners, we collect vital data from ships at sea, helping to build a clearer picture of the lives of cetaceans across the world’s oceans.
The eclipse will last only a short time, but the need to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises is ongoing. By choosing eclipse glasses that support ORCA, people can be part of something bigger: celebrating one extraordinary natural event while helping safeguard another.
We are also thrilled that Chris Packham has shared a special video message in support of The Fin Whale Eclipse Project. Chris has long been a powerful voice for wildlife and the natural world, and his support will help bring this creative, youth-led conservation initiative to an even wider audience.
If you are planning to watch the eclipse, it is essential to do so safely. Regular sunglasses are not suitable for viewing a solar eclipse. Anyone looking directly at the sun must use proper certified solar eclipse glasses designed for safe solar viewing.
Supporters can help ORCA by purchasing eclipse glasses through our dedicated link. From purchases made through this link, 15% of the gross sale before tax will be donated to ORCA to support our work protecting whales, dolphins and porpoises.
We are hugely grateful to Taylor, Maggie, Emilie, Paige and Ellen at The Fin Whale Eclipse Project for choosing to support ORCA and for showing how young people can turn imagination, science and conservation into action.
On 12 August, people across the eclipse path will look up at one of nature’s great spectacles. With your help, that moment can also help protect the ocean giants moving through the waters beneath it.
Look up for the eclipse. Look out for whales.
Supporters can help ORCA by purchasing eclipse glasses through our dedicated link. From purchases made through this link, 15% of the gross sale before tax will be donated to ORCA to support our work protecting whales, dolphins and porpoises.