Cetaceans and pinnipeds (southern North Sea and beaches only)

Few dolphins were recorded (offshore), but Harbour Porpoises Phocoena phocoena were remarkably common close inshore in January and February (and March; next issue). The last few years Harbour Porpoises were seen more frequently in winter and early spring, suggesting an increase in Dutch coastal waters in recent years. 2 old corpses of unidentified dolphins (definitely no Harbour Porpoises) were found on Terschelling in December (CJC, JdO)