Member Article

Become a marine detective

Northumberland Wildlife Trust and MARINElife, a charity devoted to the conservation of marine wildlife, are joining forces to help protect wildlife in the North Sea in order to have a better understanding of marine mammals such as dolphins and whales, and the seabirds frequenting the North Sea coast.

Robust data can help monitor changes in populations, inform management decisions and contribute towards the appropriate designation of Marine Protected Areas, which will protect the key habitats for our migrant marine species

The two organisations are now inviting members of the public to become marine detectives in their spare time by taking part in a whales, dolphins and seabirds identification course on Saturday 24 June (10am -4.30pm) at Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s brand new Wildlife Discovery Centre on its Hauxley reserve at Low Hauxley, Druridge Bay.

By taking part in the course, participants will be taught how to observe and identify’ marine wildlife and its need for protection together with the opportunity to learn new skills and develop practical survey experience.

Aurelie Bohan, Living Seas Officer with Northumberland Wildlife Trust who will be helping to lead the course said: “’So much of the North Sea remains unexplored, so having the opportunity to head off out there and carry out the survey is a wonderful chance for people to learn more about what lies beneath.”

Anybody wishing to sign up for the survey course should email Tricia Dendle, MARINElife Administrator at tricia.dendle@marine-life.org.uk there is a charge of £50 (£45 for Northumberland Wildlife trust members).

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sue Bishop .