10th Wilhelmshaven Porpoise Days

The Porpoises of the Wadden Sea

The harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) is the only porpoise native to German waters. It inhabits the Wadden Sea and the open North Sea and is simultaneously one of Europe's most endangered porpoise species. Underwater noise, bycatch in fisheries, and pollutant inputs threaten its populations. Since its inception, the Wilhelmshaven Porpoise Days have set themselves the goal of raising awareness for these silent inhabitants of our sea and supporting concrete conservation measures.

Whale-Watching, Boat Trips, and Lectures

Over the ten festival days, daily whale-watching excursions with experienced experts are on the program. Those who are lucky may observe the shy animals surfacing in the Jade Bay or off Heligoland. Boat trips on the Nordwind, the research vessel of the Wadden Sea Visitor Centre, or with Heligoland Börte boats make the journey to the porpoises an experience. At the Wadden Sea Visitor Centre, scientists lead tours through the porpoise exhibition, give lectures on current research findings, and answer questions. For children, there is the Whale Olympiad with fun, interactive activities.

Anniversary Edition with Hannes Jaenicke

The 10th edition marks an anniversary. The patron is again Hannes Jaenicke, who has been committed to nature conservation and especially the protection of marine mammals for years. The organizers are the Wadden Sea Visitor Centre Wilhelmshaven, the association JadeWale e.V., and the international whale and dolphin conservation organisation Whale and Dolphin Conservation (WDC). The Porpoise Days are an example of how science, conservation, and the public can jointly make an important cause visible.