EXTREME weather is causing dolphins, seals and other wildlife to wash up on our beaches.

Stranded marine mammals have been spotted across Sussex, including Black Rock beach, Brighton, and at Ovingdean Beach Cafe.

Following several incidents, the Brighton Dolphin Project (BDP) has issued important information for anyone who spots a washed-up animal.

Many of the animals have died. But concerns about a dolphin that washed up at Black Rock on Wednesday were eased when the BDP said it had probably been washed back into the sea in the high winds.

A spokesman for the initiative said: “We have recently just been sent news of several marine mammal strandings in Sussex.

“As we are due extreme weather, this can often put animals such as dolphins at risk of washing up on our beaches.

“Should you happen to see a stranded, dolphin, or seal – alive or dead – we recommend contacting British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR).”

The BDMLR is an organisation made up of trained animal rescuers.

The charity helped catch the Shoreham seal, which made headlines after it was pictured on a rower’s boat.

It had to be rescued after becoming sick, most likely suffering from lungworm.

The common grey seal, nicknamed Floss, died while being treated at the RSPCA in Mallydams Wood, Hastings.

The BDP spokesman said: “If you have any questions about these incidents, please do get in touch with Thea Taylor, our research and sightings co-ordinator, via our website.

“She is a marine mammal medic with BDMLR, a team of volunteers who are trained to rescue marine mammals throughout the UK.”

The BDMLR can be contacted on 01825 765546.

If needed, you can also contact the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme on 0800 652 0333.

Both can provide the most appropriate advice as to what action can be taken.

Animal rescuer Roger Musselle, who runs a wildlife centre from his home in Woodingdean, has previously warned about getting too close to “cute” seals.

Following a rescue of a seal from Rottingdean beach in July, the 75-year-old warned: “You have to be careful, they look cute but they can be aggressive and vicious.”