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Your invitation to take part in the UK Orca Watch event 2018

Published

7 years ago

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Stunning close-up images and video footage of killer whales have recently been reported on social media. Observers in Scotland and Shetland have been witnessing orcas travelling very close to the shore, and lucky ferry passengers were amazed to spot them frolicking in the waters in the River Clyde. The scientists at Sea Watch Foundation are very pleased to realize how positively the general public responds to these encounters and how much they enjoy getting involved in reporting sightings of whales, dolphins and porpoises around the UK.

The time and dedication our volunteer sea watchers have spent searching for these species and the subsequent reporting of sightings have allowed the Sea Watch Foundation to improve the knowledge and understanding about the population status of local cetacean species around the British Isles. The Sea Watch Foundation is very proud of the time, energy and effort, that has gone into reporting public sightings which are the backbone of their national database which spans over four decades.

At the end of May, the Pentland Firth welcomes back the charity’s annual Orca Watch event during which the North coast is visited by hundreds of whale enthusiasts, tourists and local media wanting to witness the passage of killer whales close to shore.

Now in its 7th year this event originated from the collaboration between Sea Watch Foundation and their Regional Coordinator Colin Bird. With the possibility of underwater turbines installed in the area, a decision was made to establish a seasonal watch to gather information on how killer whales use this area and what might be the consequences of such an installation.

The 2018 event takes place from May 26th to June 2nd where people from all walks of life are invited to join the dedicated volunteers for watches throughout this time. There will be observers stationed at Duncansby Head, the main view point, but people will also conduct watches in Orkney and Shetland (times and locations can be found online at www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/orca-watch-2018.

There will also be observers onboard the John O’Groats ferry connecting mainland to Orkney. This is an open event and anyone interested is welcome to reach the organized land watches at any time during the day, but people are also free to look out for whales and collate sightings anywhere else along the coast, and of course if they see anything, Sea Watch would love to hear about it! Sightings should be reported here www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/sightingsform.

“We are so lucky in Caithness to be able to sight different cetacean species so close to shore!” says Anna Jemmett, Sea Watch regional coordinator and lead volunteer and organiser of this year’s event.

“For me, Orca Watch Week is about involving people and allowing them to experience something they never though they could be part of, it is about collecting vital data for the protection and conservation of orcas and other local cetacean species, and it is about sharing this magical event with people from all other the country and have fun all together!” continues Anna.

Killer whales photographed from the land during Orca Watch. Photo by Colin Bird / Sea Watch Foundation

The north coast of Scotland is one of the best places to see whales, dolphins, porpoise and many different seabird species in the UK. As well as the orca, many other species of whale and dolphin can be seen from the shore including the common minke and humpback whale, Risso’s, common and white-beaked dolphins and the harbour porpoise. For the bird aficionados, sightings of razorbills, puffins, fulmars, great skuas, and terns are possible too. If you live locally and want to organize your own land or boat watches the recording forms can be found online – www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk/recording-and-submitting-sightings and please get in touch with Sea Watch if you have any questions about it.

Sea Watch Foundation is also very proud to announce an evening of whale talks on May 26th at 7pm, at the Pultney Peoples Centre in Wick during the Orca watch. The guest speaker for the evening is Marie Mrusczok from Orca Guardians, an independent conservation non-profit dedicated to the protection of orcas in Iceland, who is going to provide valuable insight into the seasonal movements of orcas between Iceland and Scotland.

Killer whales photographed from the land during Orca Watch. Photo by Colin Bird / Sea Watch Foundation

Full details of all Orca Watch events can be found here:

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2-for-1 tickets now available for GO Diving Show

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2 hours ago

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January 13, 2025

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The GO Diving Show – the only consumer dive and travel show in the UK – returns to the NAEC Stoneleigh on 1-2 March 2025, just in time to kick off the new season, and early bird 2-for-1 tickets are now available, representing fantastic value for money.

Buy your ticket before 31 January 2025 for £17.50, and get your buddy, your spouse or your best friend in with you absolutely free! Or why not bring that non-diving mate along so they can see all of the wonders of the underwater world they are missing out on!

Effectively, the 2-for-1 offer equates to each ticket being just £8.75. And as always, this includes complimentary parking. And under-16s go free of charge, so bring the kids along for a fabulous family day out!

The Main Stage headline presenter is TV star, author and adventurer Steve Backshall, making a welcome return to the GO Diving Show after a few years away. He’ll be joined by NASA-trained NEEMO Aquanaut and Head of Scientific Research at DEEP Dawn Kernagis, fellow TV presenter, author and perennial favourite Monty Halls, and the dynamic duo of explorers Rannva Joermundsson and Maria Bollerup, who will be talking about their recent Expedition Buteng in Indonesia.

The dedicated UK Stage, Tech Stage, Photo Stage and Inspiration Stage are filling up with some familiar faces and a host of fresh speakers, and the show floor is getting fill to capacity with hundreds of exhibitors, including tour operators, resorts, dive centres, liveaboards, tourist boards, training agencies, manufacturers, retailers, and the ever-popular British Isles Experience.

You can take advantage of the Go Diving Show 2-for-1 ticket deal here.

godivingshow.com

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Palau Resurfaces! Visit Us at boot 2025 in Duesseldorf and Discover Why!

Published

3 days ago

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January 10, 2025

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palau

Following a period away, Palau – a dream destination for countless divers – is excited to rejoin the boot water sports show in Duesseldorf, Germany.

This prestigious water sports show, taking place from January 18 to 26, 2025, provides Palau with a platform to showcase its unique offerings in diving, snorkelling, and sustainable tourism.

Located in the western Pacific’s Micronesian region and part of the Caroline Islands, the Republic of Palau comprises over 340 picturesque islands. Although small in landmass, Palau is a natural wonder both above and below the water.

Palau is renowned as a global leader in environmental conservation. Years ago, the nation implemented forward-thinking measures to preserve its natural resources. In 2009, Palau became the world’s first national shark sanctuary, banning commercial shark fishing. To further protect its marine ecosystem, home to over 1,500 fish species and about 700 coral species, Palau established a fully protected marine sanctuary spanning 193,000 square miles in 2015.

Palau’s return to the boot shows marks a significant moment for the island nation, celebrated for its crystal-clear waters, pristine coral reefs, and extraordinary marine biodiversity. Visitors to the Palau booth will discover a vision of sustainable tourism, as environmental stewardship is deeply ingrained in the islanders’ way of life.

“We are thrilled to return to Germany and share the beauty and diversity of Palau with the world,” says Kadoi Ruluked, Managing Director of the Palau Visitors Authority, who will lead the delegation at the trade show. “boot provides an outstanding platform to position Palau as a premier destination for sustainable tourism and a true paradise for underwater adventures.”

Amid growing global efforts toward eco-friendly tourism, Palau continues to set benchmarks with initiatives such as the “Palau Pledge.” By signing this pledge, visitors commit to respecting and protecting the environment during their stay. These and other measures will be highlighted at the event to raise awareness of marine ecosystem conservation.

The boot water sports show offers a unique opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in Palau’s culture and natural beauty while planning unforgettable diving and snorkelling trips. The Palau Visitors Authority warmly invites all attendees to explore their booth and experience the unspoiled charm of Palau.

Learn everything there is to know about this extraordinary destination at
Hall 12, booth nr. E42.

The exhibition runs from January 18 to 26, 2025, in Duesseldorf.

For more information or to schedule interviews and meetings, please contact: Judith Hoppe, WhatsApp: +49-151-5523 1966, e-mail palau@tourism-unlimited.com

For more information about Palau, please visit: www.pristineparadisepalau.com or follow us on social media at https://www.instagram.com/visitpalau/ or https://www.facebook.com/pristineparadisepalau/

Photo credit: © Judith Hoppe

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