• Polar Sentinels
  • About us

Champions of Polar
& Coastal Wildlife

Meet the dedicated team using cutting-edge science and global collaboration to protect at-risk species.

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who we are

Founded as a research project in 2005, our organisation is passionate about the research and conservation of marine predators to gauge the health of the wider environment. Long-lived, species like penguins, flying seabirds, seals, and polar bears can be described as indicator species or sentinel species. Monitoring those species helps us predict drivers of changes for the wider environment.
our team

Meet Tom Hart
and the Team

At the heart of our organisation is Tom Hart, a renowned marine biologist with over two decades of experience in polar research. Leading a dedicated team of scientists, conservationists, and educators, we are committed to protecting these iconic species and their fragile ecosystem.

Meet the Team
our mission

Protecting Marine Wildlife and Habitats

Our mission is clear: to safeguard the future of our marine environment through rigorous scientific research, conservation initiatives, and community engagement. We believe that through collaboration with researchers, policymakers, citizen scientists, donors, and tour operators, we can achieve a meaningful and lasting impact.

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Our Values

Sustainable Actions
Advocating for practices that protect marine ecosystems.
Innovative Solutions
Embracing new technologies for better research and conservation.
Educational Outreach
Empowering communities through educational programmes and initiatives.
Collaborative Efforts
Amplifying impact through strong partnerships and teamwork.
Scientific Rigour
Prioritising rigorous research for optimal conservation outcomes.
Ethical Practices
Committing to ethical standards in all aspects of our work.

Our projects

We lead impactful research projects such as Penguin Watch and Seabird Watch,
harnessing time-lapse cameras and drones to monitor seabirds breeding
success and population trends.

These efforts help us understand how climate change, and human activities and emerging threats like disease affect them.Through knowledge exchange and collaborations, we extend our research beyond seabirds and the poles like with our collaborations on Seal Watch and Arctic Bears

Join us in our mission to protect marine wildlife and the incredible creatures that call our oceans home.

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What people have to say

"Daily volunteering post-school taught me the value of consistent effort and charity work."
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Candidate
"Volunteering for Seabird Watch was enriching; making over 2000 classifications has hopefully aided the study of Round Island petrels."
High School Student
"SPEAK members cherish the opportunity to contribute to large-scale research projects like Penguin Watch and Sea-Bird Watch."
School Club Member
"Thanks for your support during my Duke of Edinburgh; I've enjoyed contributing to Penguin Watch and plan to continue."
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Candidate
"This volunteering stint has been a profound learning experience about penguin behaviour and scientific research."
Volunteer Candidate
"Completing my volunteer classifications felt impactful, adding a fun element to your important research."
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Candidate
"Contributing to Penguin Watch was educational and enjoyable; it's sparked a deeper interest in studying computer vision."
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Candidate
"This experience has been enlightening on the ecological roles of penguins and the threats they face."
Citizen Scientist
"Working on this project has been a great learning curve about penguins, boosting my interest in ongoing conservation efforts."
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Candidate
"I appreciated learning about penguins and their life stages through this engaging citizen science project."
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Candidate
"Finding Penguin Watch was a lifesaver during the pandemic, allowing me to fulfil my volunteering requirements safely at home."
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Candidate
"My son discovered a new fascination with penguins through this project, and we're exploring further involvement."
Parent of Volunteer
"Thank you for supporting my Duke of Edinburgh journey; counting penguins has been an incredible part of it."
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Candidate
"Counting penguins was enlightening; the experience has deepened my appreciation for these creatures. I'm eager to contribute further."
High School Student
"This volunteering stint has been an eye-opener into the world of penguins, enhancing my knowledge significantly."
School Volunteer
"Even after completing his required hours, my son continues his penguin counts enthusiastically."
Parent of Volunteer
"My Penguin Watch sessions were educational; I learnt much about penguin species."
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Candidate
"Volunteering has taught me much about penguin conservation and has been a truly rewarding experience."
Duke of Edinburgh Silver Candidate
"Counting penguins for the project was a privilege. The stunning images made my contribution feel significant."
Duke of Edinburgh Participant
"As the new head of our Marine Biology Department, I'm eager for my students to engage more deeply with your Citizen Science Research Project."
High School Teacher, CA
"PenguinWatch not only excited my students about data analysis but also brought real Antarctic research into our classroom. It's been transformative."
High School Teacher, MA
"Enthralled by Tom Hart's talks on the Plancius, I'm keen to ensure his penguin research continues to receive adequate funding."
Contributor
"Volunteering online with Penguin Watch during lockdown was crucial and incredibly engaging."
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Candidate
January 2007
Launch of Penguin Lifelines
Penguin Lifelines, spearheaded by Dr Tom Hart at the Zoological Society of London, focuses on conservation research in Antarctica, Scotia Arc, and the Falklands/Malvinas.
May 2012
Transition to University of Oxford
Dr Tom Hart and Penguin Lifelines transition to a new hosting institution, the prestigious University of Oxford.
October 2012
Major Marine Protected Area Established
Evidence from Penguin Lifelines informs to the establishment of a vast Marine Protected Area (MPA) in South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (SGSSI). The world’s largest Marine Protected Area at the time!
July 2013
Expansion of the SGSSI Marine Protected Area
Continued research by Penguin Lifelines informs the significant expansion of the SGSSI Marine Protected Area.
March 2014
Re-launch as Penguin Watch
Penguin Lifelines is re-launched as Penguin Watch, continuing its vital research under a new name.
June 2015
Launch of Seabird Watch
Dr Tom Hart, in collaboration with Dr Mark Jessopp, initiates Seabird Watch at the University of Oxford and University College Cork, expanding into flying seabird and the Arctic region.
August 2018
Introduction of Seal Watch
Seal Watch is launched by Dr Catie Foley and Dr Tom Hart, focusing on seal populations in Antarctica and the Scotia Arc.
November 2019
Further Expansion of the SGSSI MPA
New evidence from Penguin Watch plays a key role in 5-year review and subsequent expansion of the SGSSI Marine Protected Area.
February 2022
Darwin Plus Grant Awarded to Tom Hart
Tom Hart secures a substantial UK Government grant to boost seabird monitoring capacity in six UK Overseas Territories, enhancing conservation efforts.
April 2023
Projects Transition to Oxford Brookes University
Tom Hart and his conservation projects move to Oxford Brookes University, marking a new chapter in their ongoing research.
September 2023
Ascension Island MPA Expansion
Research by Seabird Watch and the Ascension Island Conservation Department leads to the MPA's extension to protect new masked boobies breeding grounds.
January 2024
Continuous Influence on SGSSI MPA
Penguin Watch's ongoing contributions are instrumental in the latest review and management of the SGSSI Protected Area.

Get Involved & Make a Difference

Our research informs action, but we rely on your support.
Your gift empowers conservation efforts to safeguard these incredible creatures.

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