Hello everybody! My name is Jasmin, one of the interns here at The Sea Watch Foundation.
Tomorrow is the start of the National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2020! I will be posting a series of blogs called The National Whale and Dolphin Watch 2020 Diaries every day between 25th July – 2nd August, where I hope to capture all the exciting news throughout the week.
If you are not able to join a watch this year, do not despair! I will be keeping you updated with watches from all around the UK so you can still be part of the event. Remember to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and You Tube, and check the News and Articles page of our website too! Please feel free to share your photos and stories with me during the week, as I may be able to feature them in my daily blogs!
We have 524 watches registered around the UK ready to help us count the magical marine creatures that we find in our seas. The data that are collected over the next 9 days are vital for helping us protect not only whales, dolphins and porpoises, but all life that inhabits the seas around the UK. By taking part you are directly contributing to building a better future for the ocean, so we are immensely grateful for your support!
For those who have registered a watch, here are a few key things to
remember before we get started…
Things to consider before your watch:
- COVID-19: please adhere to all Government regulations and advice on social distancing measures throughout the duration of your watch
- Check the weather conditions: please make sure you have suitable waterproof clothing and protective sunscreen with you to be prepared for all weather types
- Remember that even if you don’t see any cetaceans during your watch, this is still very important data, so please continue to submit your forms
What you can do to help if you can’t join a watch:
- Binoculars (7×50, 8×40, 10×50)
- Camera / Smartphone to photograph your sightings – don’t forget to share these with us (formsswf@gmail.com) during the week!
- Recording forms
- Pencils
- Watch
- Compass
- Waterproofs
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
What to do after your watch:
- Before you submit your watch forms to us, please remember to first report all sightings via our submission point on our website. You can find this here
- Once you have submitted your sightings online, please return your completed forms to us at formsswf@gmail.com
- Please submit your photos and videos to us as formsswf@gmail.com
- Remember to submit your forms by August 15th for your chance to win one of our fantastic prizes from our project partners!
- Regularly check our website and social media pages for any updates on the National Whale and Dolphin Watch
What you can do to help if you can’t join a watch:
The Covid-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges for wildlife conservation. By making a donation to the Sea Watch Foundation, you can support the vital research that is needed to protect whales and dolphins,including the Annual National Whale and Dolphin Watch! Here are some of the ways you can donate:
You donate directly using your PayPal account or most major credit and debit cards. If you have an existing PayPal account, you can donate easily to our PayPal Giving fund and this will save us paying fees on your donation. If you’d rather donate with debit or credit card please use the link on the right side of this page.
Did you know that shopping on Amazon can help fund Sea Watch Foundation at no extra cost to you? If you signup at https://smile.amazon.co.uk and choose Sea Watch Foundation as your chosen charity then for all eligible orders Amazon will make a small donation on your behalf.
Turn your everyday online shopping, with over 4,000 of your favourite retailers, into free donations for Sea Watch Foundation. How? Signup at https://www.easyfundraising.org.uk and choose Sea Watch Foundation as your chosen charity. Always start your online shopping first at easyfundraising.org.uk, then shop as normal. Once you have completed your shopping the retailer will make a small donation to Sea Watch.
For more ways to donate, please visit the donations page of the Sea Watch website.
I hope you enjoy reading the National Whale and Dolphin Watch Diaries over the next week or so.
I look forward to receiving your photos and hearing your stories about the watch!
If you’d like to be featured in one of my diary entries, please don’t hesitate to get in touch at formsswf@gmail.com
Thank you on behalf of the National Whale and Dolphin Watch Team here at Sea Watch, including myself, Chiara, Sian and Jay.
We wish you a very enjoyable week of counting marine creatures and look forward to receiving your recording forms.
Be safe, and good luck!
Jasmin
Sea Watch Research Intern
NWDW Feature Blogger
