Appeal for dolphin and whale sightings to be reported

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Media caption,

Kathy James, a sightings officer for the Sea Watch Foundation, said people could help to provide valuable data

People are being asked to report dolphin and whale sightings as part of a national watch week.

The annual event, in its 14th year, collates sightings - or failures to spot anything - along the coast, to help with protecting sea life.

Almost 400 dolphins and porpoises were spotted off Wales' coastlines in 2015.

They included harbour porpoises off the Gower, Llyn Peninsula and Anglesey, and a Risso's dolphin close to Aberaeron.

Across the UK the arctic beluga whale was added to the list of species seen in 2015, along with 946 sightings of 4,480 animals.

Latest sightings include harbour porpoises seen off North Stack at Anglesey.

Image source, Katrin Lohrengel/Sea Watch Foundation
Image caption,
Bottlenose dolphins photographed off New Quay during 2015's National Whale and Dolphin Watch
Image source, Ben Murcott/ Sea Watch Foundation
Image caption,
A harbour porpoise breaking through the waves at Point Lynas, Anglesey