9:14AM, Fri Feb 24, 2012

Charity Launches Conservation Project To Protect North Sea Marine Life

By India Adams Location: North Shields

ORCA conservation project to protect North Sea dolphins and whales

A whale and dolphin charity has launched a conservation project to help protect the marine life of the North Sea.

ORCA, a charity that works to protect whales, dolphins and porpoises, has teamed up with DFDS Seaways to inspire people to change their behaviour and care for the ‘forgotten whales and dolphins’ of the North Sea.

The Your Seas project was funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund who awarded a grant of £40,000 and the Local Environmental Action Fund.

ORCA community engagement officer, Alison Lomax, who is based in DFDS Seaways’ headquarters in North Shields, will visit schools to deliver Dolphin Science workshops focusing on the biology and behaviour of dolphins found in the North Sea.

The project will also present the opportunity for school children to visit the wildlife centre on board the cruise ferry King Seaways to become dolphin scientists for the day.

Alison said: “Very few people are aware that whales and dolphins live right here on our door step in the North Sea.

“North East waters are rich and diverse and home to a staggering number of whale and dolphin species.

Sightings Map.

“The most commonly sighted are the harbour porpoise, white beaked dolphin and minke whale. However, sightings of more rare species such as humpback whales and killer whales have also been recorded along the North East coast.”

The project is also offering people the chance to become marine mammal surveyors, recording wildlife on DFDS Seaways’ Newcastle to Amsterdam route from May to September 2012.

To do this, volunteers need to complete the Marine Mammal Survey (MMS) training course run by ORCA.

In return for becoming a survey volunteer, DFDS Seaways provides free travel on the route for the purpose of the Marine Mammal Survey.

Schools interested in taking part in Dolphin Science workshops or members of the community looking to get involved should contact community engagement officer, Alison Lomax on 0191 2936202 or alison.lomax@orcaweb.org.uk.

For more information visit: www.orcaweb.org.uk or www.facebook.com/yourseas