Dolphin proves popular sight with visitors at Marsden Bay

Pictures, captured by Gazette photographer Stu Norton, show the lone dolphin skimming across the waves off the coast earlier this morning (Tuesday, June 2).

Onlookers stopped on the cliffs to watch the beautiful animal, believed to be a bottlenose dolphin, off the North East coast at Marsden Bay.

There have been a number of sightings of dolphins, porpoises and mink whales off the North East coast in recent weeks and, perhaps rarest of all, three orcas, also known as killer whales, were spotted near Seaham last month.

According to the RSPB, between 25 and 30 species of dolphin and whale can be seen in UK waters.

They like to take advantage of the quantity of fish and clean waters on parts of the coast, and are most often spotted in the warmer weather and summer months.

A spokesperson for the Marine Management organisation previously said: “As we get warmer weather it’s quite common for dolphins, porpoises and whales to visit English shores.

“This offers a fantastic opportunity for wildlife watchers but it is essential that the health and well-being of the animals is considered at all times and that we keep our distance when observing them.

“Under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 it is an offence to intentionally and/or recklessly disturb these endangered animals.”

Lucky onlookers have pictured a number of different marine species off the North East coast in recent weeks.

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