EDUCATION

EDUCATION:

OCEAN LITERACY


LEARN ABOUT OUR OCEANS WILDLIFE!

We promote ocean literacy and education on the biology, physiology, ecology, and evolution of marine megafauna to create public awareness and promote citizen science with the OBSERVERS App.


 Learn about different marine megafauna species to help protect vulnerable species and their critical habitats for future generations. 



 SPECIES IDENTIFICATION PORTAL

Learn about marine megafauna species in Irish waters through ORCA IRELAND's Species ID Portal. 

Species ID Portal

OUTREACH & IMPACT


- What are marine megafauna?


Marine megafauna refer to cetaceans (porpoise, dolphins, and whales), pinnipeds (seals), large fishes (such as billfish, and tunas), sharks, skates, and rays, plus seabirds.


- Why are marine megafauna populations a priority for protection?


Successful management of ocean ecosystems requires adequate knowledge of megafauna behaviour, habitats, and life history, to monitor species interactions with anthropogenic activities and for Marine Spatial Planning (MSP). 


Apex predators are arguably some of the more iconic members that make up oceanic biodiversity. However, their ecology, movements, and functional influence on the marine ecosystem remains poorly understood. Due to their life-history traits (have few offspring, slow growth, late age to maturity), many marine megafauna populations have declined due to unsustainable and direct exploitation and incidental mortality in fisheries. Cumulative impacts from human activities such as the introduction of noise pollution from shipping, offshore construction for wind farms, and oil & gas exploration all pose significant threats to the spectra of marine megafauna found in Irish waters.


 

We have hosted over 200 public out-reach events and have had a huge impact on local coastal community awareness of marine wildlife through our photography, research and public talks!


BLOGS



ORCA Ireland blogs on the latest science in marine megafauna studies, conservation issues, and campaigns. We also write blogs on updates on our research and outreach activities. We use our online blogs to highlight important campaigns and to reach a global audience. To become a contributing author, contact our SciComm Officer directly below.






Read Now


EVENTS



ORCA IRELAND engages in raising public awareness through online and in-person events. We attend festivals and create campaigns to raise awareness of important issues in marine conservation. To keep up to date with our calendar, check the events section in the Observers App. If you would be interested in hosting or organising an event for us, contact our Events Officer directly below. 





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TALKS



ORCA Ireland delivers public talks and interactive outreach sessions about the diverse marine megafauna species in Irish waters, ORCA Ireland's vital research, and the threats marine wildlife face. To book a school or university speaker, contact our Education Officer directly below.









Request a Speaker


OBSERVERS APP


We provide innovative solutions to marine education with the FREE OBSERVERS APP for citizen science. We provide education and learning through the "Education" tab in our handy pocket citizen science mobile phone conservation tool! There are short video's on almost academic topic you can think of but we recommend you search "B" for biodiversity and "E" for ecology.  To send large video files contact our Observation Officer directly below.

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