HELP is needed to fund vital work to protect the charismatic white-beaked dolphin with an exciting citizen science project - engaging the local communities of the Jurassic Coast.
MARINElife aims to gain robust evidence-based data to protect the dolphins in Lyme Bay by raising funds through a crowdfunding campaign to charter twelve small boats from West Bay and other south west harbours for data surveys.
The Crowdfunder site goes live today.
The organisation will produce a report on the data collected and present this to the Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) decision makers. It has been campaigning to get the area protected for a number of years.
White-beaked Dolphin Picture: Tom Brereton
A spokesman said: "This protection has recently been rejected and so by funding these surveys we’re aiming to get the evidence for site fidelity, so surveys covering the whole area will be undertaken to get an idea of the population’s status and conservation requirements.
"We want to get the public involved and joining us on the boats, and to take a sense of ownership on the protection of the marine environment on their doorstep!
"We want local involvement by getting communities involved in citizen science. Online photo identification catalogue and production of a report/dossier to Defra in support of greater conservation measures for these dolphins.
Rick Morris, MARINElife chairman of trustees, said: "This is the most southerly population of the species in Europe and probably the word.
"The Jurassic coast is home to some rare and unique marine animals, including the white-beaked dolphin. We have been monitoring these dolphins since 2007 and have discovered they use the area for having their calves.
"We now have over 300 images of these dolphins in their photo ID catalogue and so with your help in supporting this project, more can be added together with vital population data.
Captain Keith.B. Leeves, of AK Wildlife Cruises, based in Falmouth, said: "As always, AK Wildlife Cruises are very proud and feel privileged to be able to help MARINElife with these upcoming research surveys in to this most Southerly population of white-beaked dolphin.
It is not only going to be fascinating but equally incredible, the intriguing information it aims to deliver. I really do feel that MARINElife as a charity need to be commended and have the support for taking the lead with this Crowd Funding campaign to gather vital data for the protection of these charismatic dolphins."
To help visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/wbdproject
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