This is ORRCA! A little about who we are...

Australia is a country familiar with whale strandings. ORRCA works with the New South Wales Department of Environment and Climate Change and other government agencies at these events.  Effective rescue procedures took quite a long while to perfect. Even by the mid 1980s few animals could be saved. However Australia now has  a leading role in the development of whale rescue techniques and has an excellent success record at mass strandings. ORRCA is leading the way in  developing more effective ways to rescue whales and other marine mammals.

ORRCA's 2010 Annual General Meeting

ORRCA's 25th AGM was held on Sunday 7th February 2010, at Gibberagong Field Study Centre, Bobbin Head.

A better than expected gathering saw a mixture of old and new faces swapping stories and experiences.

The ORRCA Committee for 2010 was elected and planning for a bumper 2010 started.

2010 and 25 years of helping marine mammals

ORRCA is celebrating 25 years of helping rescue and protect whales, dolphins, seals and dugongs in Australia.

From our humble beginnings in 1985, after a mass stranding of false killer whales at Crowdy Head NSW, we have grown in to an "army" of volunteers ready to help marine mammals when they are in need. During the past 25 years we have trained hundreds of volunteers and government staff in marine mammal rescue.

Last year was a bumper year for whale migration, including our annual whale census day. On Sunday June 28 we recorded 792 whale sightings for the day, reported from various points all over the country. The 2010 whale census day will be Sunday 27th June, so why not bring your family and friends along and enjoy one of nature's greatest spectacles.

2009 saw record numbers of leopard seals and southern right whales off the east coast. Some amazing behaviour was observed and recorded. In spring we were also treated to an unusual amount of orca activity. It was phenomenal for those who were able to see these incredible animals.

ORRCA was also called upon to assist many marine mammals in need during the past year. These incidents included, entangled whales and dugongs, stranded whales and dolphins, injured seals and trapped dolphins. In many of these occasions ORRCA volunteers have worked along side of government authorities, other institutions, and other NGOs. We appreciate all their commitment, dedication and cooperation at these incidents, especially at times under very stressful circumstances.

As you can imagine, with all the events and incidents mentioned above, the ORRCA Marine Mammal Hotline has been working at times at quite a hectic rate. And as usual our dedicated and tireless hotline operators have done a fantastic job, even during some extremely demanding periods.

ORRCA has also been represented on the Marine Fauna Advisory Group hosted by the NSW Dept. of Environment Climate Change and Water (DECCW), which met for the first time in Septemeber 2009. ORRCA also attended and contributed to the DECCW's Whale Stranding Training Review Workshop in October.

2010 is shaping up to be an exciting year for ORRCA, as we are planning some exciting new activities and events, as well as our regular workshops (check this website for dates), our annual whale census, as well as festivals and displays.

There has never been a better time to join ORRCA, so why not become a member? Memberships are open to all, and you can join on this website, by following the links.