Appeal over dolphin sea sightings

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.

RELATED INTERNET LINKS
Marine Conservation Society
University Marine Biological Station Millport
Basking Shark
Basking Shark Facts
Manx Basking Shark Watch
Risso's Dolphins - Wikipedia
ASCOBANS
The BBC is not responsible for the content of external internet sites