What lies beneath?

Friday 15th June 2012

© Martin Kitching

Northumberland Wildlife Trust and MARINElife, the European marine conservation research charity, 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 seabirds frequenting the North Sea, conservationists from the two organizations will shortly be identifying species as well as recording their distribution and behavior.

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 organsiations are now inviting members of the public to become marine detectives and help them spot what’s swimming around in the North Sea. A survey course has been scheduled for Saturday 30 June at Cresswell Village Hall, Northumberland; anybody interested is advised to book early as places are limited.

By booking onto the course, participants will be given the opportunity to learn more about the North Seas’ marine wildlife and its need for protection together with the opportunity to learn new skills and develop practical survey experience.

After completion of the course, participants will be given the opportunity to undertake scientific research and join ferry-based research surveyors to record the wildlife encountered whilst on the commercial DFDS Seaways ferries between the UK and the Continent.

Steve Lowe, Head of Conservation at 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 booking and attendance charge of £30 per person (£25 for Northumberland Wildlife Trust members and volunteers) which is payable in advance.