We have teamed up with the Volunteering Wales Fund, to appoint Katrin Lohrengel as its Welsh Development Officer. And we are now keen to hear from potential volunteers wanting to get involved!
The coast around Wales is one of the most important in the UK for cetaceans- whales, dolphins and porpoises. It is home to populations of bottlenose dolphins and harbour porpoises, and is regularly used by Risso’s dolphins, common dolphins, minke whales and fin whales.
Katrin Lohrengel
Katrin will be heading up a Welsh Sea Watchers project by developing a network of volunteers trained to carry out regular land-based surveys at points along the north, west and south coasts of Wales.
She will also be creating a team of Sea Watch lecturers who can go into primary and secondary schools to raise awareness of the Welsh coast’s importance for marine wildlife, and to inspire youngsters to consider careers in marine sciences.
Katrin has been Sea Watch’s volunteer regional sightings co-ordinator for North West England for two years, and the grant has enabled her to move into the paid role.
Sea Watch Sightings Officer Danielle Gibas says: “Katrin’s appointment is a great opportunity to reinforce our work, particular on the north coast of Wales – where there have been increasing sightings of dolphins this year- and to strengthen data from the south coast to better improve our understanding of the distribution of the whales, dolphins and porpoises around our coast. We are keen to get as many people as possible involved – from age d 16 through to those enjoying an active retirement!”
If you are interested in getting involved, contact Katrin on katrin.lohrengel@seawatchfoundation.org.uk for more information.
