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Join Volunteers Across the UK to Watch for Whales and Dolphins!
Sea Watch Foundation’s National Whale and Dolphin Watch returns in August, marking its 25th anniversary. This nationwide citizen science event invites the public to join wildlife experts and volunteers in surveying whales, dolphins and porpoises around the UK coast. The event celebrates the vital contribution of volunteers to marine conservation and aims to raise awareness of the UK's diverse marine wildlife, which includes 31 species of whales, dolphins and porpoises.
Wildlife experts, enthusiasts, and volunteers will be holding public surveys every day between 25th July and 2nd August 2026 as part of Sea Watch Foundation’s National Whale and Dolphin Watch! This nine-day citizen science event is dedicated to studying the marine mammals found around the UK, and this year it is celebrating 25 years!
The UK is home to 31 cetacean species (whales, dolphins and porpoises), including harbour porpoises, bottlenose dolphins, common dolphins and minke whales! During National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2025, over 1,600 sightings, nearly 13 000 individual animals and 15 different species were recorded, including seals, basking sharks, tuna and sunfish!
Not only can the public participate in official scientific surveys, but events will also be held around the UK particularly at the Sea Watch Foundation field base in New Quay, Ceredigion, Wales. Events include beach yoga, scavenger hunts, pub quiz, and for those who can’t attend any events in-person, there will be two online Evenings of Talks with scientific experts from around the UK! Tickets to the talks are donation based and available via Eventbrite.
Simone Evans, Sightings Officer for the Sea Watch Foundation, said:
“Celebrating 25 years of the National Whale and Dolphin Watch and 35 years of the Sea Watch Foundation is a proud moment for UK marine conservation. Our work simply wouldn’t be possible without the thousands of volunteers who have scanned the seas over the last few decades. This year, we want to make our landmark event the biggest and most impactful yet. Grab your binoculars, head to the coast, and help us celebrate thirty-five years of science, community, and conservation!”
National Whale and Dolphin Watch is an opportunity to get outside in nature with friends and family and is the perfect chance to meet other wildlife-loving people! Join this nationwide effort to increase awareness and understanding of some of the world’s most cherished species.
These valuable records are important for the protection of cetaceans and other marine life, and conservation efforts to limit the negative impacts of human activities, allowing Sea Watch Foundation to track and map sightings across the UK. If you spot a whale, dolphin or porpoise, you can report it to Sea Watch Foundation either via their website or their free Sea Watcher app and contribute to ongoing monitoring work.
If you would like to learn more about UK cetaceans and get actively involved, details on how to take part in Sea Watch Foundation’s nationwide event can be found on their website: www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk.
