Marine mammals are one of the most threatened marine species groups globally, facing threats from human pressure like never before. However, few people are aware that many whales, dolphins and porpoises can be spotted around our coasts, with more than 30 species recorded in British waters. Even fewer are aware of the damage that we do to these animals and their environment. This is because their lives are largely unseen by our human population.

We want to reach out to as many people as possible with live sightings that they could see from the coasts. This will encourage more members of the public to become citizen scientists and contribute to our ever-growing database of sightings, thus contributing directly to our knowledge and helping us provide the necessary evidence-based advice for their protection and conservation.