Record your dolphin sightings to help build ID database

Marine biologists in Guernsey have launched a citizen science project to help them build a database of the individual dolphins visiting the island.

They are asking the public to send them their photos of dolphins and information about when they saw the animal.

Biologists say the project has been launched as a result of a 'boom' in the population of dolphins in recent years.

Following identification, through marking on the dorsal fin, the researchers will cross reference their data with marine records in other countries to find out where the dolphins have come from, if they live here, or if are just visiting and that's just the beginning.

The data can be used to help understand more about their feeding and breeding habits too and it's hoped, one day, help scientists protect them.

Dolphin's dorsal fins are like finger prints. Through interactions with predators, their environment, prey and playful biting the fin can become scarred. These notch marks help scientists identify individual dolphins.

If you wish to report a sighting include the date, time and location.

The team would also like to see your videos and photos of dolphins with a clear shot of the dorsal fin.

Email these details to DolFinproject@outlook.com