DOLPHIN spotters are needed to make up a team on Portland.

Durlston Marine Project has run a dolphin watch from the park near Swanage for the last 18 years but now the rangers are planning to extend the teams of trained volunteers along the Dorset coastline.

Ranger Ali Tuckey said: "We are interested to hear of sightings of marine wildlife from members of the public but it is better to collect data in a more co-ordinated fashion. It is a simple way that people can contribute to whale and dolphin conservation.

"It is very important because the more we know about the behaviour of marine animals the more we can do to protect them."

At Durlston the dolphin spotters each spend an hour a week looking for marine wildlife and recording what they see.

The spotters also record boats so the effect of shipping on marine wildlife can be studied.

The data is passed on to other organisations that do marine conservation and it is used by the Durlston Marine Project.

Mr Tuckey said: "We have identified 34 individual dolphins that live along the Dorset coast by their fins."

Spotters are likely to see bottle nosed dolphins and possibly common dolphins, basking sharks, sunfish, seals and various species of whale.

Dolphin spotters do not need to commit to a certain time every week.

Mr Tuckey said: "At Durlston we have a rota but where we are just setting up the teams we can be more flexible."

Volunteers will be given training in identifying marine wildlife, recording data and an explanation of how the data will be used to contribute towards conservation projects.

People who are interested in becoming a volunteer dolphin spotter can contact the marine project on 01929 421111.

Members of the public who wish to report a sighting can either call the project or visit the website at www.durlstonmarineproject.co.uk