NORTHUMBRIA Police’s first marine wildlife officer has taken to the water and one of his jobs is to stop the harassment of dolphins.

The force's specialist wildlife officers protect animals and wildlife and investigate linked crimes including poaching and animal cruelty. Marine Constable Paul Cullen – nicknamed Aquaman by colleagues – fills the new role which includes investigating crimes such as harassing dolphins, illegal fishing and cruelty against animals such as seals.

He said: “As the Marine Wildlife Officer, I am responsible for enforcing legislation with regard to the protection and preservation of wildlife and enforcing the law and any criminal offences around it and their environment, as well giving advice on local knowledge around our coastline.

“I’m looking forward to the new challenge. We’ve had incidents in the past where people have harassed marine wildlife and it’s great we now have a dedicated resource for these types of crimes.”

PC Cullen is part of Northumbria Police’s dedicated Marine Unit which is made up of specialist officers who are specially trained in diving and search techniques.

The unit covers five geographical areas spanning 120 miles from Berwick all the way down to Ryhope and covers two major rivers and Ports, as well as inland waterways.

They also regularly offer mutual aid and support to other forces across the country and agencies including the coastguard, border force and the fisheries.

PC Cullen added: “We are privileged to see a varied amount of marine wildlife around our area and we should all be aware of our code of conduct. We want to protect our marine wildlife and the environment around it, we have a fantastic coastline in the North East which attracts a wealth of tourism every year and we want to keep it that way."

He said everyone should be protected and supported including Flipper and friends.

Anyone interested in a career with the police can find information on the Northumbria Police website.