Online diary to chart marine life

A total of 1700 dolphin and whales sightings were recorded in 2006

A special internet diary is being started to chart marine life off the Isle of Man coast.

The Department of Tourism and Leisure online service begins on 1 June and will record sightings of whales, porpoises and dolphins over the summer.

In 2006, a total of 1700 dolphin and whale sightings were recorded in addition to numerous basking sharks.

The diary, run in conjunction with the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch, will also feature video clips.

The diary - which will be updated monthly - will be sited in the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch section of the DTL website and comes as tourism bosses look at ways of using the proliferation of marine life to boost the island's economy.

Tourism and leisure minister Adrian Earnshaw said: "The department is delighted to share the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch survey with visitors to our website.

"I hope these exciting video clips, and the online diary, will persuade people to visit the Isle of Man and come and see these amazing animals for themselves."