Dive into marine mammal biology and ecology with this introductory online course from marine conservation experts, ORCA. Develop your knowledge, learn something new and connect with experts.
Marine mammals are majestic animals that live and breed around UK coasts. Learn more about the several species of marine mammal the UK is home to, that you may be lucky to see.
About our partner, ORCA
With their unique take on marine conservation, ORCA is a charity that is entirely dedicated to studying and protecting whales, dolphins and porpoises in the UK and European waters. They work to identify and protect critical whale and dolphin habitats in UK waters and beyond. The identification of important whale and dolphin habitats is carried out by ORCA’s Marine Mammal Survey Teams, who are all volunteers. This is what makes them so unique. It is their own volunteer teams on board ferries and cruise ships in European waters that conduct the monthly scientific surveys, recording the species they see, where they are and what they are doing. Using the data these teams collect, ORCA can help create safer spaces and a safer future for whales and dolphins.
Tutor: Ashleigh Kitchiner
Ashleigh is a passionate marine biologist and environmental advocate. She is formally educated with a BSc. (Hons) in Biology and a Master of Research in Marine Mammal Genetics from the University of Chester, UK. Since university, she has been able to work in quite a few sectors, from NGOs, private consultancies and as a freelancer implementing marine mammal mitigation during offshore projects. Ashleigh is now a Senior Marine Mammal Consultant and works with many organisations to create marine mammal risk assessments, monitoring survey plans, mitigation protocols and much more. When she’s not busy at work or outside with her binoculars she sits on four committee boards, is a STEM Ambassador and Girl Guide volunteer. Ashleigh has worked and volunteered for ORCA since 2017, when she spent the summer in the the Bay of Biscay inspiring guests about the wildlife around them on their ferry journey - she calls this experience life changing!
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