ORRCA
Operating for 40 years, ORRCA offers one of the most experienced and successful whale, dolphin, seal and dugong rescue teams worldwide…
The Organisation for the Rescue and Research of Cetaceans in Australia (ORRCA) is committed to the rescue, rehabilitation and research of marine mammals along the Australian coastline.
Run entirely by volunteers, the not-for-profit organisation has more than 800 members and over 500 rescue team volunteers stationed across 14 hubs along the east coast.
With a strong focus on conservation and public education, ORRCA is an essential part of Australia’s marine wildlife protection efforts.
TEAM EFFORT
ORRCA’s extensive volunteer network comprises people who are experts in marine biology, rescue operations, specialised marine animal care and other related disciplines.
The organisation also works hand in hand with National Parks and Wildlife Service, and partner organisations such as Sea World Foundation, to coordinate often complex, multi-day rescues and marine mammal rehabilitation.
Through an ever-growing membership and its highly-commended rescue training workshops, coupled with the strength of a dedicated committee, ORRCA has achieved some extraordinary things over the past 40 years.
SMOOTH OPERATOR
ORRCA’s 24/7 Rescue Hotline – 02 9415 3333 – is central to smooth and efficient marine mammal rescue operations.
Connecting members of the public with trained ORRCA rescue coordinators, a quick call triggers a chain of events to support injured, stranded, distressed or entangled whales, seals, dolphins and dugongs.
The rescue hotline has experienced greater and greater call volumes month on month, year on year, for quite some time. Between May and June this year [2025] alone, there was an almost 400% increase in calls.
ORRCA is always in need of individuals to assist with its rescue hotline. If this important role sounds like something you’d like to help out with, be it on a casual or regular basis, feel free to contact the team for more information.
JOIN THE CREW
Since its establishment in 1985, ORRCA has achieved significant milestones in marine mammal rescue, rehabilitation and research.
ORRCA exists today thanks to the generosity of public donations and the dedication of its specialised volunteers, who give their time and expertise to marine mammal rescue, research and conservation.
Members are from all walks of life, age groups, nationalities and career backgrounds.
If you have a passion for whales, dolphins, seals or dugongs, you’re welcome to apply to become an ORRCA member. (To become a rescue-trained member you must be over 18 years old.)
24HR ORRCA RESCUE HOTLINE
02 9415 3333
MORE INFO: ORRCA
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