Appeal over dolphin sea sightings

Rare Risso's dolphins live in the waters off the Isle of Man

Sightings of stranded whales or dolphins off the Isle of Man should be reported as part of a new conservation agreement, the government has said.

Often harbour porpoises, and occasionally whales and dolphins, are washed up on the island.

The ASCOBANS agreement to protect wildlife in the Baltic and North Seas has been extended to the Irish Sea.

Whales, dolphins, porpoises, turtles, seals and basking sharks are all protected under Manx law.

In the unlikely event of accidental capture or injury of whales, dolphins, porpoises or seals in Manx waters, the government wants to encourage fishermen and boat-users to report the details.

Sightings of the mammals can be noted on the Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch website.