April 1, 2026 – The International SeaKeepers Society and ORCA have partnered to bring citizen science directly to the global yachting and boating community through ORCA’s OceanWatchers app and online training platform, expanding opportunities for mariners worldwide to contribute to ocean conservation.
ORCA are a whale and dolphin monitoring charity that uses their innovative OceanWatchers surveying app, available on iPhone and Android devices. Through a simple yet scientifically robust training course, participants learn how to collect effort-based data on whales and dolphins, contributing valuable insights used to monitor important habitats and identify conservation hotspots around the world.
SeaKeepers, a global nonprofit that engages private vessels as platforms for oceanographic research and conservation, will amplify the initiative by activating its international fleet to collect and submit data through the app.
Empowering Citizen Scientists at Sea
For over two decades, ORCA has monitored whale and dolphin populations across diverse ocean habitats, building one of the most respected long-term cetacean datasets in Europe and beyond. By engaging citizen scientists, the organization has expanded its ability to gather critical data from remote and under-surveyed regions.
Through SeaKeepers’ global DISCOVERY Fleet, OceanWatchers is reaching new audiences and new waters.
“ORCA OceanWatchers has become one of our most popular citizen science projects, and I think a big part of that is because people feel like they are genuinely contributing to science, not just observing it,” said Rosie Moore, Citizen Science Manager at SeaKeepers. “It gives everyone on board a role, whether they are new to boating or have spent their whole lives on the water. Through the training and the app, people learn how to identify whales, dolphins, and porpoises and collect data the same way researchers do during surveys.”
First-Year Impact: Over 440 Animals Reported
n its first year alone, the SeaKeepers fleet reported over 440 individual whales, dolphins, and porpoises, a remarkable milestone demonstrating the power of community-driven science. To date, 70 vessels and 109 individuals have participated in the programme.
This data feeds directly into ORCA’s data portal and contributes to conservation research, including the organization’s authoritative State of Cetaceans reports. ORCA plays a vital role on the international stage, providing expert advice to governments and conservation bodies, sitting on expert panels, and advocating for marine protected areas and stronger policy measures.All OceanWatchers data is accessible to policymakers, NGOs and researchers, ensuring transparency and broad use for conservation initiatives worldwide.
Changing the Experience of Time at Sea
Participants consistently report that the programme transforms their experience on the water.
“One of the things I hear most from participants is that the program encourages them to slow down and take dedicated time to really look around and observe the ocean. It changes how they experience time on the water. They start noticing more, asking more questions, and feeling proud that their sightings are helping protect the animals they care about.” Over time, volunteers grow increasingly confident in identifying species independently, deepening both their scientific knowledge and personal connection to marine life.
Mission-Driven Conservation
The mission of ORCA is simple yet powerful: to engage everyone in meaningful scientific research that protects whales, dolphins, and porpoises worldwide. By equipping citizen scientists with professional tools and training, ORCA and SeaKeepers are empowering communities to actively safeguard marine ecosystems for future generations.
ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL SEAKEEPERS SOCIETY
The International SeaKeepers Society (SeaKeepers) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that facilitates oceanographic research, conservation, and education through direct involvement with the yachting community. Providing educational resources and hands-on marine science experiences to students is the primary focus for ensuring the wellbeing of our planet. SeaKeepers enables the yachting community to take full advantage of their unique potential to advance marine sciences and raise awareness about global ocean issues.
Founded in Monaco in 1998, The International SeaKeepers Society has been supporting ocean conservation through direct involvement with the yachting community for more than twenty-seven years. What started as a data collection program aboard select luxury yachts, has evolved to engage thousands of participants annually with at-sea and coastal programming. Today SeaKeepers’ mission is focused on the DISCOVERY Program which is comprised of Scientist-Led Expeditions, Citizen Science, Educational Outreach, and Community Engagement.
As a catalyst working with governments, scientists, institutions, and other marine organizations to further its mission, SeaKeepers supports sensible, achievable marine protection and restoration. Activities take place globally through the efforts of headquarters based in the United States with offices located on the east and west coast, and international representation in Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the South Pacific. For more information, please visit www.seakeepers.org.
ABOUT ORCA
ORCA is a marine conservation charity dedicated to the long-term study and protection of whales, dolphins, and porpoises. Through scientific research, public engagement, and policy advocacy, ORCA works to ensure a future where cetaceans thrive in healthy, protected oceans.