Peltic Survey 2017

One of our research surveyors was out at sea for over a month with the Peltic Survey, and despite a rough start, an ex-hurricane, and Storm Brian, he sighted plenty of seabirds, cetaceans, several breaching tuna, and a leatherback turtle!

Regular updates have been posted on our Facebook page, along with some great photos, so if you'd like to find out more, follow these links: Days 1-5; 6-8; 10-15; 16-19; 20-22; 23-27; 28+29; 30-33; 34+35

Holidays are a-coming

The Jack-o'-lanterns have only just made it into the recycling (or onto the compost heap) and we've still got a pile of leftover sweets to eat, but that hasn't stopped us from turning out minds towards the festive season. Though, in our defence, supermarkets have been stocking holiday chocolates since September!

Still, with barely seven weeks left until the big day, it’s always good to give everyone a reminder of how they can go about buying their loved-ones gifts, while at the same time helping support our research work through donations….

No Time like the Presents

First off, be sure to check out our online apparel store. There you can get warm hoodies and sweatshirts to see you through winter, stock up on T-shirts ready for the summer, and grab one of our environmentally friendly, plastic-free tote bags.

In preparation for next year, you could purchase the marine-lover in your life a gift certificate for a spot on one of our marine life ID courses. After which, they could become one of our volunteer surveyors.

You can also turn your other festive shopping into free funds for us when you shop via Give As You Live. Just sign up to the site, shop for gifts at over 4,200 stores, and they’ll turn your purchases into donations for us.

Chrimbo Cards

For the more environmentally-conscious amongst you, there’s DontSendMeACard.com. You can help reduce paper waste by sending a festive eCard from the site, while a donation of the cost of the card and stamps goes to us. Plus, for any social media addicts out there, you can share a special message and e-card directly to Facebook.

However, if you’re more of a traditionalist, and would like people to be able to put your cards on show, then never fear! Give as You Live lets you create unique, personalised greeting cards to send to your friends and family, while raising up to £1 per card for us.

In the Marine News

Seal pups get battered by ex-hurricane Ophelia....

But there's good news, as a pup is born during Storm Brian.

Study links cetacean brain size to social behaviours.

Fast swimming in cetaceans requires a sturdy diaphragm.

Dolphin reproduction is an intricate affair.

Autumnwatch launches a seabird citizen science project.

Donna Nook reserve records its earliest seal pup birth.

Male orcas exhibit a shorter life if their social standing is low.

Sperm whales spotted snoozing off Scotland.

Training Weekends

Our training days for 2017 are done and dusted, and a big ‘thank you’ and ‘well done‘ to all who attended. But for those who missed out, 2018 brings more opportunities, and we've already a number of training days scheduled:

● Saturday 3rd March 2018 at Liverpool Uni (uni-affiliated students only) ● Saturday 10th March 2018 at Worcester Uni (uni-affiliated students only) ● Saturday 19th May 2018 with Dorset Wildlife Trust at Fine Foundation Marine Centre, Kimmeridge Bay ● Saturday 30th June 2018 with Living Coastal Zoo & Aquarium at Living Coasts, Torquay ● Saturday 28th July 2018 with Cumbria Wildlife Trust at Cumbria Wildlife Trust, Plumgarths, Kendal

See our website for more information and booking details.