HELCOM countries agreed in 2007 in the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan (HELCOM BSAP) by 2010 to further developing in co-operation with ASCOBANS a coordinated reporting system and database on Baltic harbour porpoise sightings, by-catches and strandings covering the whole HELCOM marine area.

This project aims at up-dating the existing ASCOBANS database on opportunistic sightings, strandings and bycatch hosted currently by the German Forschungs- und Technologiezentrum Westküste der Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel (FTZ). The current database includes data only from the Baltic Proper so one aim is to enlarge the coverage of data to cover the whole HELCOM marine area. Within the project a new and modernised web-based map-service allowing both viewing and down-loading the data will be created. In addition the project researcher will search for possibilities to collect data also on size, age and sex of individuals. The database will also include information on the name, contact details and institution of the person responsible for reporting. The project will also make a proposal for a coordinated reporting system to be agreed by HELCOM and ASCOBANS parties.

As end product there will be an up-dated database on Baltic Sea harbour porpoise sightings, by-catches and strandings covering the whole HELCOM marine area and a proposal for a coordinated reporting and up-dating regime. The data will also be more readily available for researchers, students and any other interested parties via the new map service. Proper references will be made to the former ASCOBANS project with partner institutions mentioned and logos placed in the new map service.

The up-dated data will also further the development of an Indicator Fact Sheet (IFS) on harbour porpoise distribution and population trends. The HELCOM environmental IFS provide information on the recent state of and trends in the Baltic marine environment. The IFS are compiled by scientists in various research institutes around the Baltic Sea and they are also available on HELCOM web site .

HELCOM will provide the project researcher technical facilities (e.g. computer, needed software and GIS licenses) and assistance. The project researcher will be based at the premises of the HELCOM Secretariat.