The North East Cetacean Project (NECP) is a new initiative which aims to generate up-to-date information on the status of cetaceans (the collective name for dolphins and whales) off the Northumberland coastline and beyond. We are particularly interested in the White-beaked Dolphin, a cold water species which is threatened with warming sea temperatures brought about through climate change. The cold, deep waters off the Northumberland coast are suspected to be an important area for this dolphin species, but current data is lacking. Other important species regularly recorded off the North East cost include Bottlenose Dolphin, Harbour Porpoise, Minke Whale, whilst rarer species recorded have included Pilot Whale and Humpback Whale.

Thanks to funding from Natural England and the Tyneside Bird Club a winter survey of the Farne Deeps and surrounding waters for White-beaked Dolphins and other marine animals is currently being undertaken. However, in order to gain a wider knowledge of the dolphins and whales found in our seas, we urgently need your help.