Dear colleagues, Organisation Cetacea (ORCA) is pleased to announce its forthcoming 'Spouting Off' event and AGM, to be held at The Deep Aquarium in Hull, UK, on Saturday 29 October. This event, now in its fifth year, is packed with fascinating talks by eminent speakers. You can also pose your questions to the experts during Question Time, take part in the infamous whale and dolphin quiz, and spend time chatting to the ORCA team who will be available throughout the event. And if all that isn't enough, you will be given free access to all that The Deep has to offer. Wonder at the tank containing 2.5 million litres of water and 87 tonnes of salt. See 7 species of shark, huge marine dinosaurs, Moray Eels, Rays and hundreds of other stunning sea creatures. You can witness the waters of the world from the world's only underwater lift and Europe's deepest viewing tunnel, and learn of the history of the seas and the threats they now face. This year, ORCA will also be launching `The beaked whale resource' (www.beakedwhaleresource.com), a website that encourages members of the public to send in their sightings, and acts as a hub of information about these rare and enigmatic cetaceans. The day will give you the opportunity to find out how ORCA has progressed in the last year and what is up and coming over the next year too. Speakers at this year's event are as follows: Dr David Gibson Research and conservation at The Deep. David is Director of Husbandry and Operations, and will give a presentation on the reasons why The Deep is here and some of the research and conservation projects that the staff are involved with. The Deep is an educational and conservation charity and as such is committed to promoting the conservation of the marine environment. As part of this commitment it takes part in many national and international research and conservation initiatives as well as carrying out in-house research projects. Ian Rowlands Six of the Best. The best whale & dolphin watching in the world. Ian will be taking a look at six places that you simply must visit. From the UK to the Antarctic this is both a recommendation and a very personal view of where some of the best whale and dolphin watching can be found around the world. Ian worked for the RSPB and wildlife trusts for many years and then, 15 years ago, set up well-known, Scottish-based wildlife tour company Speyside Wildlife, running tours in Scotland and around the world. A tour-leader, writer and lecturer, he is passionate about eco-tourism, conservation issues and above all, cetaceans. Mike Tetley The North Sea: Past, Present and Future. The North Sea, one of the most productive marine areas in the world, houses a wealth of abundant life, from teaming shoals of fish to migrating whales. However, as long as there have been people along its shores, humans have been closely linked with this sea and its many marine resources. With the arrival of the new millennium, it is vital to find a way to ensure the future survival of this special marine ecosystem, including both the animals and people which have made it home. Spouting Off Itinerary 10.30 Welcome and coffee 11.00 Introduction by the CEO 11.15 Dr David Gibson discusses some of the research and conservation programmes operating at The Deep 12.00 Ian Rowlands describes six of the very best places on the planet to go whale watching. 12.40 Phil Coles introduces the newly launched `Beaked Whale Resource'. 12.45 Lunch Break (lunch is at the cost of the individual), and an opportunity to check out the Beaked Whale Resource 14.30 Question Time. The audience poses its marine questions to the assembled experts 15.00 Mike Tetley discusses the importance of the North Sea ecosystem. 15.45 The whale and dolphin quiz. 16.15 Break 16.30 AGM 17.15 Finish Project ORCA This year's Spouting Off event is the climax to a month of whale and dolphin activities organised by The Deep in support of our work and entitled `Project ORCA'. Activities include wildlife watches over the Humber Estuary with the ORCA team, and activities for all of the family with The Whale and Dolphin Roadshow and Dolphinicity. Funds raised during the month will support ORCA's vital work, including harbour porpoise field research currently taking place off the Yorkshire coast. ORCA would like to say a special thanks to The Deep for their assistance and support over the last year. For further information visit www.orcaweb.org.uk or www.thedeep.co.uk Booking information Admission to Spouting Off and The Deep is FREE to ORCA members and £10 to non-members. For those who feel they are able to, ORCA would also welcome donations to help meet the costs of the event. Non-members should send a cheque for £10 to the address below. Early booking is recommended as places are limited. To confirm your booking at this event, please contact the ORCA Membership Secretary (details below). Val Elmes ORCA Membership Secretary 7 Ermin Close Baydon Wiltshire SN8 2JQ. United Kingdom Email: membership@orcaweb.org.uk Times & Directions for The Deep The Deep is located within walking distance from Hull City Centre on the bank of the River Humber. Full directions to The Deep can be found at: http://www.thedeep.co.uk/visit/open.php On arrival at The Deep, enter through the main entrance and look for a desk which is signed with the ORCA logo. Your name will be on the list and you will be given your tickets and directions to the Spouting Off event. The Deep is open daily 10am to 6pm. Recommended latest visit time 4.00pm. Last entry 5.00pm. For further information and queries please contact: Dylan Walker Honorary Chief Executive Officer Organisation Cetacea (ORCA) Registered Charity No: 1098765 Tel +44(0) 1273 739284 Email: ceo@orcaweb.org.uk Web: www.orcaweb.org.uk Organisation Cetacea (ORCA) promotes the conservation of the marine environment through research, partnership and education and provides a forum for the enjoyment of whales, dolphins, seabirds and other marine life. Registered Charity no 1098765 -- This mail sent through http://webmail.bangor.ac.uk