Volunteers for whale watching

Boat owners are being asked to take part in a study of marine life in the Mediterranean this weekend.

Organisers of the 12th Operation Delphis say the sea study would be impossible without the help of volunteers.

The operation, which involves boats heading to specific locations to carry out tests on the water and a search for whales and dolphins, is also being carried out in Italy and Monaco.

Organisers Rimmo, the Réserve Internationale Maritime en Méditerranée Occidentale hope that future cooperation through the Mediterranean Union will see more countries participate.

Participants are given a special kit to take on board to collect water samples which will be analysed by the l'Université Internationale de la Mer.

They will also receive instructions on how to spot and record the positions of whales and dolphins.

For more information visit www.rimmo.org or contact Mike Riddell.

Photo:Kalandrakas