SEE cetaceans? Well, let’s hope we do this weekend. Indeed, starting today, the whole forthcoming week till Sunday next is dedicated to a National Whale and Dolphin Watch. Established by the Sea Watch Foundation, the aim is for folk to get out there, armed only with their eyes (and preferably a pair of binoculars), to watch out for the big and not so big beasties of the sea. All sightings are collated in data, which helps protect these legendary mammals which we profess to love but which, nevertheless, remain at risk from marine pollution, over-fishing, sound disturbance and getting tangled in fishing gear.

In doing one’s bit to save the whale – and the dolphin and the porpoise – there’s no need to get wet. Pick an area of coastline, patrol it, and note down any cetaceans you see. Of course, it might be an idea to do a bit of homework first, but Sea Watch provides for that on its website. At many locations, too, there are trained observers to help. Meanwhile, people all at sea themselves are also enjoined to keep a lookout, be it from ferries or sailing boats.

Even without sighting a superb beast cleaving the waves and exulting in its environment, volunteers taking part can enjoy the sea air, while perhaps learning a thing or two. And one never knows. Last year, 374 sightings were logged around Scotland. And this year? We’ll see.