Marine Mammal Strandings active/2014 Marine Mammal Strandin… · 2 INTRODUCTION 8 3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 8 3.1 Live Animals. 9 3.2 Dead Animals. 9 4 RESULTS 10 4.1 Marine Mammals

www.strandings.com

Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings

(Welsh Coast)

Annual Report 2014

R.S.Penrose. May 2015

Marine Environmental Monitoring Penwalk

Llechryd

Cardigan

Ceredigion

West Wales SA43 2PS

e-mail: [email protected]

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2

REPORT DISTRIBUTION.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue. J. Barnett

P. Lewis

Carmarthen Bay & Estuaries European Marine Site. B. Bullimore

Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science. R. J. Law

Dyfed Powys Police (Wildlife Unit) A. Mason

Environment Agency. K. Cameron

Local Authorities. Anglesey J. Owen

Bridgend G. Hobbs

Cardiff R. Chapman

Carmarthenshire E. Waters

Ceredigion B. Jones

Conwy T. Mead

Denbighshire M. Bud

Flintshire T. Woodall

Gwynedd B. Davies

Neath Port Talbot G. Marquis

Pembrokeshire A. Woods

Swansea C. Morgan

Vale of Glamorgan R. May

Marine Aware North Wales. N. Jones

Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Milford Haven C. Evans

Holyhead R. Carson

Natural History Museum, London. B. Smith

R. Sabin

R. Lyal

Natural Resources Wales. Dr T. Stringell

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. J. Hodges

RSPCA R. Atkinson

R. de Kerckhove

SAC Officers. Ceredigion M. Heath

Pembrokeshire S. Burton

Gwynedd A. Hargrave

Scottish Rural University College (SRUC) Inverness. Dr A. Brownlow

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Sea Watch Foundation. Dr P. Evans

Snowdonia National Park Authority. I. Eryl Jones

The Wildlife Trusts. F. Catternach

S. Kessell

University College Cork. Dr E. Rogan

University of Liverpool. Dr J.R. Baker

Dr J. Chantry

WDC N. Hodgins

Welsh Government. L. Cosgrove R. Lowcock James

J. Williams

Welsh Marine Life Rescue. T. Leadbetter

Zoological Society of London. Dr P. Jepson

R. Deaville

Others :

Jemma & Ray Lerwill

Sal Shipley

Jan Loveridge, Cornwall Wildlife Trust Strandings Network.

Judith Oakley, Oakley Intertidal/Swansea Metropolitan UWTSD.

R. Bailey, Marine Conservation Society.

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CONTENTS

Page

1 CRYNODEB GWEITHREDOL 6

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 7

2 INTRODUCTION 8

3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 8

3.1 Live Animals. 9

3.2 Dead Animals. 9

4 RESULTS 10

4.1 Marine Mammals. 10

4.2 Bottlenose Dolphin Attacks. 15

4.3 Unusual Occurrences. 16

4.4 Live Strandings. 19

4.5 Tagging. 19

5 OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK 20

5.1 Marine Turtles. 20

5.2 Seals. 21

5.3 Sharks. 22

6 SAMPLES 23

7 FUNDING 23

8 PUBLICITY 23

9 LEGISLATION 24

10 EQUIPMENT 24

11 TRAVEL 24

12 ADMINISTRATION 24

13 CAUSE OF DEATH 25

14 LIST OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES USED IN THIS REPORT 25

15 MATTERS ARISING 26

16 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 26

17 APPENDICES 26

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List of Figures. page

Figure 1. Current Technical Co-ordination of the Cetacean Strandings Investigation

Programme (CSIP). 8

Figure 2. Reported bottlenose dolphin strandings on the Welsh coast. 12

Figure 3. Bottlenose dolphin strandings by month. 12

Figure 4. Bottlenose dolphin strandings averaged over 1990 to 2014. 12

Figure 5. Reported harbour porpoise strandings on the Welsh coast. 13

Figure 6. Harbour porpoise strandings by month. 13

Figure 7. Harbour porpoise strandings averaged over 1990 to 2014. 13

Figure 8. Reported grey seal mortality on the Welsh coast. 14

Figure 9. Grey seal mortality by month. 14

Figure 10. Grey seal reports averaged over 1990 to 2014. 14

Figure 11. Stranding locations of the three porpoises, recovered to the project, killed

by bottlenose dolphins in 2014. 15

List of Plates.

Plate 1. First attempt at recovering SW2014/135 16

Plate 2. The rolled-up flatfish being removed from the nasal cavity. 16

Plate 3. SW2014/168 being re-floated at New Quay. 17

Plate 4. Neonate bottlenose dolphin SW2014/289. 17

Plate 5. Neonate bottlenose dolphin SW2014/344. 18

Plate 6. SW2014/435 alive at Newborough. 18

Plate 7. Remains of a plastic bag in the cardiac stomach. 18

Plate 8. Kemp's ridley T2014/002 at Pembrey. 20

Plate 9. Loggerhead turtle T2014/004 starting the rehab process. 21

Plate 10. The mako shark as found. 22

Plate 11. Porpoise head amongst the stomach contents. 22

Plate 12. Demonstration examination at Liverpool University. 23

List of Tables.

Table 1. 2014 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh

Coast). 10

Table 2. 2014 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast). 10

Table 3. 2014 Number of animals selected for post-mortem examination. 11

Table 4. 2014 Number of animals decomposed/discarded (Welsh Coast). 11

Table 5. Cause of death (Cetaceans). 25

Table 6. List of scientific names used in this report. 25

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1. CRYNODEB GWEITHREDOL

Caiff yr UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP - rhaglen y DU ar gyfer ymchwilio

tiriadau anifeiliaid o deulu'r morfilod) ei gydlynu’n dechnegol gan Gymdeithas Söolegol Llundain

(ZSL).

Teulu’r Morfilod: Derbyniodd Marine Environmental Monitoring adroddiadau am 114 o anifeiliaid o

deulu'r morfil yn 2014. O’r rhain, llamidyddion a grybwyllwyd amlaf (89 ohonynt).

Cafwyd adroddiadau ynghylch anifeiliaid eraill o deulu'r morfilod wedi tirio ar lannau Cymru yn

2014, gan gynnwys tri dolffin trwyn potel, 14 dolffin cyffredin, tair ‘rhywogaeth amhenodol o deulu’r

morfil’, un dolffin Risso, un morfil sbermaseti lleiaf, a thri dolffin amhenodol rhesog/cyffredin.

Daeth un dolffin cyffredin, pum llamhidydd, ac un morfil sbermaseti lleiaf i’r lan yn fyw.

Dychwelwyd pedwar o’r anifeiliaid hyn i’r môr: un dolffin cyffredin, dau lamhidydd, ac un morfil

sbermaseti lleiaf (a gafwyd yn farw’n nes ymlaen). Erbyn i gymorth gyrraedd cafwyd bod dau o’r

llamhidyddion yn farw ac ni chafwyd hyd i un llamhidydd.

Dewiswyd dau ar hugain o greaduriaid i’w harchwilio.

Cafwyd tri llamhidydd yn 2014 ‘wedi’u lladd gan ddolffin trwyn potel’. Gorfu i’r cynllun wneud llai o

gofnodi ers 2006 a gwnaeth hyn hi’n anodd cymharu tueddiadau yn y gweithgaredd hwn â'r

blynyddoedd cynt.

Samplau: Yn ogystal â'r samplau arferol a gymerwyd o anifeiliaid a gasglwyd ar gyfer archwiliad

post-mortem, cymerwyd samplau hefyd o chwe llamhidydd, un morgi trwynfain ac un morgi glas cyn

cael gwared arnynt.

Morloi: Derbyniodd Marine Environmental Monitoring adroddiadau am 57 morlo llwyd marw. Ni

ddaeth unrhyw arian pellach yn 2014 i ymchwilio toriadau “corcsgriw” mewn morloi.

Crwbanod: Cafwyd adroddiadau am un crwban môr pendew Kemp marw ac un crwban môr pendew

byw a oedd wedi tirio o gwmpas glannau Cymru. Bu farw’r crwban môr pendew wrth geisio ei adfer.

Rhwng mis Mai a mis Hydref cafwyd pum adroddiad o weld crwban môr cefn lledr.

Heulforgwn: Ni chafwyd unrhyw adroddiad yn ystod 2014 am heulforgi’n tirio.

Ariannu: Rhoddwyd estyniad i gytundeb Llywodraeth Cymru/Defra hyd fis Mehefin 2016.

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) is under the technical co-ordination of

the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

Cetaceans: 114 cetaceans were reported to Marine Environmental Monitoring in 2014. Harbour

porpoise (n=89) was the most frequently reported cetacean.

Other cetaceans reported stranded on the Welsh coast in 2014 included three bottlenose dolphins, 14

common dolphins, three ‘cetacean species indeterminate’, one Risso’s dolphin, one pygmy sperm

whale and three common/striped indeterminates.

One common dolphin, five harbour porpoises and one pygmy sperm whale live-stranded. Four of these

animals were returned to the sea, one common dolphin, two harbour porpoises and one pygmy sperm

whale (later found dead). Two of the harbour porpoises were found to be dead on arrival of assistance

and one harbour porpoise wasn’t found.

Twenty-two cetaceans were selected for examination.

Three harbour porpoises ‘killed by bottlenose dolphin’ were identified in 2014. Imposed reduced

effort in recording from 2006 has made trends in this activity difficult to compare with previous years.

Samples: In addition to routine samples taken from animals recovered for post-mortem examination,

samples have also been taken from six harbour porpoises, one mako shark and one blue shark before

disposal.

Seals: Fifty-seven dead grey seals were reported to Marine Environmental Monitoring. No additional

funding to investigate “corkscrew cuts” in seals was forthcoming in 2014.

Turtles: One dead stranded Kemp’s ridley and one live stranded loggerhead turtle were reported from

around the Welsh coast. The loggerhead later died in rehab.

Reports of five leatherback turtle ‘sightings’ were received between May and October.

Basking Sharks: No basking shark strandings were reported during 2014.

Funding: An extension to the WG/Defra contract has been let until June 2016.

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2. INTRODUCTION

In 1990, the ‘Collaborative UK Marine Mammal Strandings Project’ was initiated and part-funded by

the UK Department of the Environment (now Defra). The project involves detailed pathological and

other investigations of stranded marine mammal carcasses (mostly cetacean) from UK waters. It forms

part of the Department's international obligations towards conservation agreements, including the

"Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North

Seas" (ASCOBANS).

Detailed pathological investigations of stranded marine turtles were included in 2001 and basking

sharks in 2007.

The project is now named the ‘Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme’ (CSIP) (see Figure 1.).

Funding to ZSL/IoZ, NHM and SAC was significantly reduced through 2006/2007. Funding to MEM

by the Welsh Government and the Countryside Council for Wales fortunately remained at previous

levels, however reduced travelling expenses supported by Defra via ZSL/IoZ has had a knock-on

effect in Wales resulting in only known ‘fresh to moderate’ carcasses that can be successfully

recovered for post-mortem examination being attended. Confirmation of species of other cetacean

strandings has relied on digital photographs and known reliable sources. Where animals cannot be

identified 100 per cent, the Strandings Co-ordinator has attended at his own expense if within a

reasonable distance. Carcasses with unconfirmed species identification generally outside this area have

been entered into the database as ‘cetacean species indeterminate’. In an attempt to operate within the

reduced travelling budget two chest freezers were purchased and procedures now changed to freeze

carcasses. Although this practice results in loss of some information during the post-mortem

examination process, carcasses can now be ‘stock-piled’ and transported to London in larger numbers

thus reducing the number of journeys per year.

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single contact number for the whole of the UK has been maintained. The UK number is a free-

phone number 0800 6520333 and a stepped menu system takes the caller through whether the

stranding is live or dead and directs them to the correct organisation and the correct strandings co-

ordinator for the appropriate country. The old Welsh Strandings number 01348 875000 has now been

cancelled.

A network of volunteers, rangers, wardens, coastal officers, Harbour Masters etc. has been maintained

who can be contacted by the Strandings Co-ordinator to confirm the stranding, assess its condition and

Figure 1. Current technical co-ordination of the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP).

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secure the animal from the effects of the tide, predation etc. until it can be dealt with. In recent years

the use of digital cameras has vastly improved the quality of reporting as species, sex, and condition of

carcass can be ascertained from the e-mailed image. A dedicated email address to receive digital

photographs has been created [email protected] It is hoped this will reduce the number of

‘cetacean species indeterminate’ recorded in the database.

The following criteria are applied: -

3.1 Live Animals

(Condition code 1)1

In 1994 the Marine Animal Rescue Coalition (MARC) was formed. This consists of all the major

animal welfare and conservation bodies involved with marine mammals in the UK. It has been agreed

that in the case of a live stranding the first point of call would be the RSPCA as they support a manned

24-hour emergency phone. The RSPCA would then contact the relevant organisations, Marine

Environmental Monitoring etc.

3.2 Dead Animals

(Condition code 2a extremely fresh as if just died) 1

(Condition code 2b slight decomposition)1

(Condition code 3 moderate decomposition)1

The animal is retrieved using a 4-wheel drive vehicle and trailer. Health and safety precautions are

followed with the animal being handled only with gloved hands. The carcass is usually stored frozen

until delivery for post-mortem examination2. Live stranded animals that die or are euthanased may be

transported to London for immediate post-mortem examination, to avoid loss of information through

the freeze-thaw process.

(Condition code 4 advanced decomposition)1

(Condition code 5 mummified carcass)1

Species identified, basic measurements taken if possible. Health and safety precautions being

observed. Local council then contacted for safe disposal of remains.

The CSIP database http://data.ukstrandings.org/ has continued to be the UK repository for all records

with the exception of the TURTLE database which is yet to be incorporated into this web-based

system.

Members of the CSIP are now able to enter data directly to the database. Each access point or ‘node’ is

password protected and the database automatically designates the appropriate reference number for the

species being entered.

Additional to this, the public are now able to access stranding data through regular updates to the

National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway ( www.nbn.org.uk ).

Copies of post-mortem examination reports have been continued to be sent from the Strandings Co-

ordinator to the finder and others associated with each relevant stranding.

1 Body conditions based on Kuiken, T. and Garcia Hartmann, M (1991) Proceedings of the European Cetacean Society workshop on

cetacean pathology: dissection techniques and tissue sampling. ECS newsletter 17, Special issue: 39pp 2 Large cetaceans unable to be frozen or transported are investigated at their stranding location.

mailto:[email protected]

http://data.ukstrandings.org/

http://www.nbn.org.uk/

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4. RESULTS

4.1 Marine Mammals

Table 1.

Table 2.

Of the 114 cetacean strandings 7 animals were found live-stranded during 2014.

2014 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL

Bottlenose dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Cetacean sp. Indet. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Common dolphin 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Common/striped dolphin (indeterminate)0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Harbour porpoise 1 0 0 0 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 5

Pygmy sperm whale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1

Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total cetaceans 1 0 0 0 2 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 7

2014 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast).




Common dolphin 2 2 0 0 2 0 1 3 0 0 3 1 14




Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

Total cetaceans 6 9 4 3 12 10 13 25 6 9 10 7 114

Grey seal 3 5 1 0 1 4 0 6 4 15 11 7 57

Total animals 9 14 5 3 13 14 13 31 10 24 21 14 171

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Table 3.

Of the 114 cetacean strandings, 22 animals (19%) were selected or were available for examination.

The animals selected for post-mortem examination are listed, together with the cause of death, in 13.

CAUSE OF DEATH. Page 25.

Table 4.

2014 Number of animals selected for post-mortem examination.




Common dolphin 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 4




Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total cetaceans 2 2 1 2 1 3 2 4 1 1 3 0 22

2014 Number of animals decomposed / discarded. (Welsh Coast).




Common dolphin 2 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 2 1 9




Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1

Total cetaceans 3 7 3 1 9 7 10 21 5 8 7 7 88

Grey seal 3 5 1 0 1 4 0 6 4 15 11 7 57

Total animals 6 12 4 1 10 11 10 27 9 23 18 14 145

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Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops

truncatus).

Although there is a resident

population of bottlenose

dolphins off the Welsh coast,

strandings of this species are

relatively unusual. Bottlenose

dolphins are also a feature of

the relevant Special Areas of

Conservation (SAC’s) on the

Welsh coast and are a priority

species within the CSIP, it is

for this reason that any

available information on

strandings of this species are

included in this section.

Three bottlenose dolphins were reported stranded during 2014, two animals were collected for a full

post-mortem examination at ZSL with one being examined in situ. Numbers of bottlenose dolphin

strandings are normally low and individual cases are listed with further details under 4.3 Unusual

Occurrences page 16.

Bottlenose dolphins in UK waters are large robust animals often measuring over three metres in

length, these animals have a substantial mass of muscle. It may be possible, that once dead, these large

animals become negatively buoyant only returning to the surface once gasses from decomposition

counteract this effect. This may explain why so few bottlenose dolphins are found stranded dead in a

fresh condition compared to decomposed carcasses.

Figure 2. Reported bottlenose dolphin strandings on the

Welsh coast.

Figure 4. Bottlenose dolphin strandings averaged

over 1990 to 2014. Figure 3. Bottlenose dolphin strandings by month.

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Harbour porpoise

(Phocoena phocoena).

The harbour porpoise is

the most frequently

reported stranded

cetacean on the Welsh

coast.

The black line shown

running through the bar

chart in Figure 5.,

indicates harbour

porpoise neonates3

recovered in each year.

This line has roughly

mimicked and followed

the totals for each year

however, 2004 shows a marked decline in neonates compared to the reported total of porpoises for that

year.

Due to changes in funding and restrictions placed on transport arrangements introduced in 2006/2007,

the numbers of porpoises recorded since 2006, may be lower than the actual number stranded as not all

carcasses were attended or identified to species.

In an attempt to address this deficiency, various measures have been implemented, described in further

detail in 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Page 8.

3 Neonate harbour porpoise classified as having a straight overall measurement from tip of upper jaw to tail notch of less than 0.90 metres.

(Lockyer 1995).

Figure 7. Harbour porpoise strandings

averaged over1990 to 2014. Figure 6. Harbour porpoise strandings by month.

Figure 5. Reported harbour porpoise strandings on the Welsh

coast.

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Atlantic grey seal

(Halichoerus grypus).

Atlantic grey seal mortality

reported to Marine

Environmental Monitoring was

below the average figure for

1990-2014 at 57, the average

being 73.

Previous highs shown in

Figure 8. occurred in 2004, due

to severe weather during the

pupping season, and 1996 and

2002. In both these years, 1996

and 2002, there was a high

public effort in reporting as

1996 followed the Sea Empress

Oil Spill (SEOS) and 2002 was the

Phocine Distemper Virus (PDV) epizootic.

Both these years also include data from the Pembrokeshire Islands which has not been recorded in

other years. Animals retrieved for full post-mortem examination post SEOS4 and during the PDV5

epizootic showed no evidence that either of these events had any effect on the Welsh grey seal

population.

High mortality is normally associated with the pupping season which has been around September to

November on the Welsh coast. However, this period appears to be extending earlier in the year to

include August.

4 Penrose, R. 1997. Sea Empress Oil Spill – West Wales review of marine mammal strandings from the west Wales coast 1991-1996. Report

to CCW. 5 Lerwil, J.K, G.A.P. Jones and R.S. Penrose 2003. Seals in Wales: Response to a possible Phocine Distemper Virus (PDV) outbreak. Report

to CCW.

Figure 10. Grey seal reports averaged over 1990

to 2014. Figure 9. Grey seal mortality by month.

Figure 8. Reported grey seal mortality on the Welsh coast.

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4.2 Bottlenose Dolphin Attacks.

Three harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) that had died of injuries consistent with attack by one or

more bottlenose dolphins (Jepson & Baker 1998), were found in 2014.

The number of harbour porpoise carcasses reported to the project, identified as being “killed by

bottlenose dolphins”, appear to have declined over time. However care should be used when

interpreting this data as not all porpoise strandings have been examined since the beginning of 2006.

The stranding locations for the animals retrieved for post-mortem examination determined as being

killed by bottlenose dolphins is plotted in Figure 11.

As stated above, caution should be used in interpreting this data however, even with the restriction on

carcass numbers being examined post-mortem, I am surprised that no additional evidence of

bottlenose dolphin killed porpoises was found within Cardigan Bay during 2014.

Figure 11. Stranding locations of the three porpoises, recovered to the project, killed by

bottlenose dolphins in 2014.

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4.3 Unusual Occurrences.

SW2014/135 was an adult male

bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops

truncatus) found stranded at Hell’s

Mouth on the Lleyn Peninsular,

Gwynedd on the 3rd May 2014.

Vehicular access to this beach is

difficult but I was able to gain

access with the ATV. Although the

dolphin was only 3.34 metres in

length it was extremely heavy and I

was unable to recover it to the

trailer.

However, to secure it from the

effects of the tide, I was able to

gain access across the dunes with

the Land Rover where I managed to

position the vehicle to enable a long

winch to get the carcass to the back

of the beach where an on-site post-

mortem examination could be

conducted at a later date.

On the 6th May both CSIP/ZSL and

CSIP/MEM returned to the dolphin

to conduct a full post-mortem

examination.

The stomach of this animal was

completely full of recently ingested

fish and by the nutritional condition

it was clear this animal was very

successful at catching prey. During

the post-mortem process a small

flatfish was found rolled-up, cigar-

like, and completely blocking the

nasal cavity leading to the blow-

hole. Plate 2. This could have only

entered the nasal cavity from the

mouth as it was pushed up hard

against the phonic lips and must

have entered the nasal cavity before

or during the relocation of the

larynx. (The larynx can be disengaged and laid down to enable swallowing of large prey items).

Photographs of left and right of the dorsal fin were taken and sent to both Cardigan Bay Marine Life

Centre (CBMWC) and Sea Watch Foundation (SWF) who both operate dorsal fin catalogues of

bottlenose dolphins in Cardigan Bay. Dr Sarah Perry at CBMWC came back with a positive match of

a dolphin named ‘Monty’. This animal had been photographed in three previous encounters in

Cardigan Bay between Aberporth and Cardigan in Ceredigion in July and October, 2011.

The cause of death was given as asphyxia due to the flatfish blocking the nasal cavity. There were also

necropsy findings indicating the animal had also live-stranded.

Plate 1. First attempt at recovering SW2014/135.

Photo by: Lin Gander.

Plate 2. The rolled-up flatfish being removed from the nasal cavity.

Photo by: Rebecca Boys.

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SW2014/168 was a live harbour

porpoise (Phocoena phocoena)

thought to have been attacked by a

bottlenose dolphin at

New Quay, Ceredigion on the 22nd

May 2014. The porpoise swam

directly to Dolau beach, New Quay

where it was rolled sideways in the

surf apparently stunned. Luckily

the event was observed by

members of the Cardigan Bay

Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC)

who righted the animal and turned

it around enabling it to swim off.

The agreed procedure, before any

re-float in a live-stranding

situation, by the UK Marine

Animal Rescue Coalition (MARC)

is to seek veterinary assessment.

However, this animal appeared to

be in good nutritional condition

and once righted, and given a

chance to gather itself, showed it

was prepared to swim off strongly.

The outcome is unknown but no

harbour porpoise strandings were recorded in the following days other than an advanced decomposed

porpoise at near-by Aberarth. The state of decomposition would preclude this from being the same

animal.

SW2014/220 was a male harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) observed being attacked and killed

by bottlenose dolphins offshore at New Quay, Ceredigion on the 7th July 2014. The attack was

witnessed by skipper Steve Hartley

CBMWC who recovered the dead

porpoise and brought it ashore for

the CSIP to enable a full post-

mortem examination to be

conducted.

Cause of death was given as:

Bottlenose dolphin attack (known).

SW2014/289 was a female neonate


truncatus) reported stranded at

Llwyngwril, Gwynedd on the 18th

August 2014. Unfortunately, the

carcass was in a state of moderate

to advanced decomposition but was

recovered in the hope there may

have been something salvageable

for toxicology analysis.

Cause of death was given as: Peri-

natal mortality.

Plate 3. SW2014/168 being re-floated at New Quay.

Photos by: David Young.

Plate 4. Neonate bottlenose dolphin SW2014/289.

Photo by: Lynn Jones.

18

SW2014/344 was a male neonate


truncatus) reported stranded at

Pwllheli, Gwynedd on the 14th

September 2014.

The carcass was in a state of

moderate decomposition with the

foetal folds still visible on the flank

of the animal.


Starvation/hypothermia.

SW2014/435 was a male pygmy

sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) that

was found live-stranded at

Newborough, Anglesey on the 20th

November 2014. The coastguard

were in attendance and reported the

tide was receding fast increasing the

distance the estimated half ton

animal would have to be moved if a

re-float was to be attempted. The

animal appeared to be in good

condition but with veterinary help

some two hours away a decision

was made to re-float the whale

before this distance to water became

too great.

At an estimated 2 metres in length

this was thought to be a sub-adult

and with reports of dorsal fins being

sighted offshore it was thought this

may have been part of a larger

group that was caught out by the

gently shelving beach.

On the 26th November this animal

was reported dead at Dinas Dinlle in

Gwynedd approximately 5 miles

from the live stranding site. The

degree of decomposition would

indicate the animal had died very

shortly after being re-floated. The

sighting of dorsal fins of a larger

group appeared to be unfounded.

Teams from CSIP/ZSL and

CSIP/MEM conducted a field

necropsy on-site at Dinas Dinlle on

the 27th November.


Generalised bacterial infection.

Plate 5. Neonate bottlenose dolphin SW2014/344.

Plate 6. SW2014/435 alive at Newborough.

Photo by: Amy Davies.

Plate 7. Remains of a plastic bag in the cardiac stomach.

19

4.4 Live Strandings.

Seven live cetacean strandings were reported in 2014. These are listed below.

SW2014 /019 was reported as a harbour porpoise live-stranded at Swallow Tree Beach, Monkstone

Point, Pembrokeshire late on the 18th January 2014. A search together with a team from Welsh

Marine Life Rescue was conducted on the Sunday at low tide but nothing was found. No further

information.

SW2014/164 was a common dolphin reported live-stranded at Fairbourne, Gwynedd on the 14th May

2014. Local volunteer Sal Shipley was contacted but the dolphin was returned to the sea before her

arrival. No further information.

SW2014/168 was a harbour porpoise live-stranded at New Quay, Ceredigion on the 22nd May 2014.

The porpoise was returned to the sea. (see above 4.3 Unusual Occurrences.).

SW2014/210 was a harbour porpoise reported live-stranded at Aberporth on the 20th June 2014. On

arrival a freshly dead porpoise was observed floating 10 metres offshore. With the help of a

holidaymaker with a surf-rider the animal was recovered for a full post-mortem examination.

SW2014/215 was reported as a live-stranded neonate harbour porpoise at Abersoch, Lleyn Penninsula,

Gwynedd on the 28th June 2014. Inspector Phil Lewis from the RSPCA attended and found the

neonate had died, the carcass was recovered to the RSPCA Colwyn Bay Centre for storage for later

collection by CSIP.

SW2014/226 was reported as a live-stranded neonate harbour porpoise at Black Rock Sands,

Criccieth, Lleyn Penninsula, Gwynedd on the 13th July 2014. The neonate was taken to deeper water

and released by the inshore lifeboat before trained personnel arrived.

SW2014/435 was a pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) that was found live-stranded at

Newborough, Anglesey on the 20th November 2014. The animal was re-floated but later found dead

six days later at Dinas Dinlle, Gwynedd. A full post-mortem examination was conducted on-site. (see

above 4.3 Unusual Occurrences.).

Several other animals were determined to have live-stranded on post-mortem examination (See Table

5).

4.5 Tagging.

Occasionally dead cetaceans are encountered at sea by various research groups undergoing surveys off

the Welsh coast. These groups are encouraged to retrieve any carcass whenever possible to enable it to

be included and examined through the ‘Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme’. If the carcass

is in a state of advanced decomposition, or cannot be recovered for any other reason, I have requested

that these groups tag the carcass and leave it at sea. Numbered tags have been supplied by Marine

Environmental Monitoring to each group, these consist of a plastic cable-tie with a unique number

allocated to each group, these have been allocated as follows.

20

1 Not allocated 6.

2 Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group. (CBMWG).

3 Sea Watch New Quay.

4 Sea Trust.

5 Friends of Cardigan Bay (FoCB, Sarns Project).

6 Ermol 5.

The tag can be conveniently tied around the tail-stock, pectoral fin or, in the case of advanced

decomposition, any exposed rib.

The purpose of these tags is to stop animals being recorded twice but also it is of interest to record the

date/time and position when tagged and the eventual date and location of any landfall the carcass may

make. Over time this may enable a better understanding of how these carcasses are affected by tidal

currents and wind direction.

No carcasses were tagged in 2014.

5. OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK.

5.1 Marine Turtles.

There were two reports of stranded

marine turtles and five reports of

sightings of marine turtles received

around the Welsh coast during

2014. The stranded turtles were a

Kemp’s Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys

kempii) and a loggerhead turtle

(Caretta caretta). All sightings were

leatherback turtles.

These are listed below.

Strandings

T2014/002 was a Kemp’s Ridley

turtle reported stranded dead at

Pembrey beach, Carmarthenshire,

on the 14th January 2014. The

animal was recovered by the

Strandings Co-ordinator and is

currently stored frozen awaiting a

full post-mortem examination at ZSL.

6 Number ‘1’ was not used as it may not have been readily identified by persons subsequently reporting the stranded carcass.

Plate 8. Kemp’s ridley T2014/002 at Pembrey. Photo by: Louise Panes.

21

T2014/004 was a loggerhead turtle

found stranded alive at Freshwater

West, Pembrokeshire, Wales on

13th February 2014. The

CSIP/MEM Strandings Co-

ordinator was informed by

BDMLR that a member of the

public had retrieved the turtle to his

vehicle. MEM collected the turtle

which was extremely lethargic due

to the low temperatures. However

it survived the night in a shallow

tank with water at 1 degree C

above the sea temperature when

found Plate 9.

Next day MEM delivered the turtle

to David Wains at Bristol

Aquarium to commence the

rehabilitation process. The turtle

responded well for the first few

days but unfortunately died after a week of care. The carcass was recovered for a full post-mortem

examination.

The cause of death was: Cold-stunned and emphysematous bullae (pending histopathology).

Sightings

T2014/009 was a Leatherback turtle reported alive off Ynys Lochtyn, Ceredigion, on the 28th May

2014.

T2014/010 was a Leatherback turtle reported alive off Llangrannog, Ceredigion, on the 8th June 2014.

T2014/025 was a Leatherback turtle reported alive off Newport, Pembrokeshire, on the 19th September

2014.

T2014/026 was a Leatherback turtle reported alive off Pwll Deri, Pembrokeshire, on the 2nd September

2014.

T2014/032 was a Leatherback turtle reported alive off Strumble Head, Pembrokeshire, on the 10th

October 2014.

Further marine turtle reports outside of Wales can be found in the British Isles & Republic of Ireland

Marine Turtle Strandings & Sightings Annual Reports at; http://www.strandings.com/Wales.html

5.2 Seals.

Seals have not been routinely investigated by the CSIP since 1994. However records of mortality of

these species have been maintained and the figures for the Welsh coast can be found on page 14.

Following two Phocine Distemper Virus (PDV) epizootic events affecting seals in the UK in 1988 and

2002, the then CSIP (The Collaborative UK Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings Project) and

the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) were tasked to investigate the 2002 event and monitored the

Atlantic grey seal and harbour seal together with selected post-mortem examinations. In Wales, PDV

monitoring of the Atlantic grey seal was investigated by the CSIP/MEM and ran for 6 months from

13th August 2002 to 13th February 2003.

In recent years, seal carcasses have been found in England and Scotland exhibiting cuts in the skin and

Plate 9. Loggerhead turtle T2014/004 starting the rehab process.

.

http://www.strandings.com/Wales.html

22

blubber starting at the head and circumscribing the animal to the tail. These unusual injuries have been

named helical, spiral or corkscrew cuts. These injuries are covered in greater detail in the 2012 Marine

Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings (Welsh Coast) annual report.

Attempts at securing funding for a scoping project to investigate the magnitude, any spatio-temporal

patterns and identify the cause of this apparently emerging fatal interaction in Wales have not been

successful.

To confound this situation further, bull grey seals have been observed killing and feeding on grey seal

pups producing similar injuries to corkscrew cuts.

Additionally, a bull grey seal has been observed killing and predating on a harbour porpoise around

Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire.

5.3 Sharks.

As of 2007, Defra requested that stranded basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) investigations be

included within the project.

No basking sharks were reported

during 2014 but reports of the

following species were received.

Shortfin mako shark, (Isurus

oxyrinchus).

On the 5th December 2014 a 2.67

metre female mako shark was found

stranded dead on Barmouth beach,

Gwynedd.

As I was fairly close to the

stranding site I attended to take

basic samples for a PhD student at

Southampton University. On arrival

I found several teeth had been

forcibly removed and the body had

been slit open emptying the stomach

contents onto the beach.

On investigation of the stomach

contents a marine mammal tail-

fluke could readily be identified. On

closer inspection it was seen the

complete animal was present in

around seven bite-sized chunks. The

size and shape of the teeth in the

mammals head made it clear this

had been a harbour porpoise. I

would estimate the overall length of

the porpoise would have been in the

order of 1.3 metres.

Harbour porpoise are listed as a

prey item for this species.

Plate 10. The mako shark as found.

Plate 11. Porpoise head amongst the stomach contents.

23

Blue shark (Prionace glauca).

On the 29th December 2014 a 1.5 metre female blue shark was found stranded dead at Sandy Haven

within the Milford Haven in Pembrokeshire. As this was a relatively small animal the whole carcass

was recovered for later sampling.

6. SAMPLES.

The normal procedure for the taking of samples is from animals that have been taken for

post-mortem examination.

Additional to this, samples (mostly skin, muscle & teeth) have been taken from a further 8 animals

during 2014 by the Strandings Co-ordinator and volunteers. Animals sampled are listed below.

Six harbour porpoises

One mako shark

One blue shark.

7. FUNDING.

Marine Environmental Monitoring continued to be funded in Wales by The Welsh Government (WG)/

NRW/Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) contract during 2014.

Defra, through the Zoological Society, London, continued to cover transportation costs.

A twelve month contract extension has been granted to the project which will enable it to continue

until March 2016.

8. PUBLICITY.

The Strandings Web-site has been maintained to provide details of the ‘UK Cetacean Strandings

Investigation Programme’, although this is intended primarily for Wales. The pages can be viewed at

www.strandings.com/

A ‘Seal’ and ‘Turtle’ page have been created on the site and related information and annual reports are

posted here:- Seals: www.strandings.com/Seals.html Turtles: www.strandings.com/Turtlepage.html

Posters and leaflets produced to increase awareness of the project have continued to be distributed

throughout the coast of Wales. Turtle Codes have also been distributed throughout the Welsh coast.

The UK CSIP web-site can be

found at www.ukstrandings.org

A harbour porpoise and a Atlantic

grey seal pup were provided to the

Liverpool University Veterinary

Zoological Society (LUVZS) for

their UK Veterinary Schools

Zoological Societies National

Northern Symposium at the

University of Liverpool in March

2014.

A talk on the work of the CSIP by

Dr Paul Jepson together with a

demonstration harbour porpoise

post-mortem examination was given

to 110 veterinary students.

Plate 12. Demonstration examination at Liverpool University.

http://www.strandings.com/

http://www.strandings.com/Seals.html

http://www.strandings.com/Turtlepage.html

http://www.ukstrandings.org/

24

9. LEGISLATION.

In 2007 new legislation came in to force, the "Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) (amendment)

Regulations 2007". This makes changes to the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations 1994.

It is now prohibited by regulation 39(2)(a) and (b) to posses and transport dead specimens and/or

derivatives of species listed on Annex IV to the EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) without a licence.

Annex IV includes all cetaceans and all marine turtles.

Please note the "50 year" date applied to "worked specimens" of CITES listed species has now

changed - from 1 June 1947 as previously used, to 3 March 1947.

http://animalhealth.defra.gov.uk/cites/news/120131-cites-antiques-derogation.htm

For research and educational purposes the current licensing authorities are the three government

statutory conservation bodies, Natural Resources Wales, Natural England and Scottish Natural

Heritage.

For possession of samples for research or educational purposes, licence cover should be obtained via

the use of existing general licences or a specific licence. Information and application forms are

available from the relevant organisations listed above.

10. EQUIPMENT.

The 01348 875000 contact number is no longer maintained now and completely changed to the new

number 01239 683033. This now becomes part of the stepped menu system explained in 3.

MATERIALS AND METHODS but can still be accessed and contacted directly if needed.

The preferred method of contact for the general public is through the 0800 6520333 number which

should filter out calls on live animals directly to British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) etc.

Both axles were replaced on the trailer as it was found the brakes had bound-on due to corrosion of the

brake back-plates. This in turn had generated sufficient heat to melt the bearing caps resulting in loss

of grease.

As the back-plates were of welded construction as opposed to being bolted-on it was decided to

replace both axles which came complete with new brakes and bearings.

The new axles took some time to arrive which meant the trailer was not in service for most of

November and December.

11. TRAVEL.

In excess of 6,195 miles were covered on the project in retrieval and transportation of animals in 2014.

A presentation on the work of the CSIP was given to the Bangor University marine mammal society

on the 5th March 2014.

A demonstration post-mortem examination together with Dr Jepson was given to the Liverpool

University Veterinary Zoological Society (LUVZS) 14th – 15th March 2014.

The European Cetacean Society conference in Liege, Belgium 5th - 9th April 2014 was attended.

12. ADMINISTRATION.

Copies of post-mortem examination reports were posted out to finders and associated interested parties

concerning each relevant stranding.

http://www.defraconnect.defra.gov.uk/_/app/emailRobot/index/click/secret/26e809079c84b248210702dde5326ceb?link=http%3A%2F%2Fanimalhealth.defra.gov.uk%2Fcites%2Fnews%2F120131-cites-antiques-derogation.htm

25

13. CAUSE OF DEATH.

The provisional causes of death for the 22 selected cetaceans in a suitable condition for necropsy in

2014 are given in Table 5.

These carcasses underwent a full post-mortem examination at the Zoological Society of London

(ZSL).

Please note these are provisional causes of death, and may change when additional laboratory analyses

have been conducted.

Table 5.

14. LIST OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES USED IN THIS REPORT.

Table 6.

SW Number Family/Genus Species County Locality Cause of Death

SW2014/003 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Trearddur Bay Parasitism, gastric (heavy)

SW2014/020 Phocoena phocoena Carmarthenshire St Ishmael Physical trauma, by-catch

SW2014/040 Phocoena phocoena Neath Port Talbot Aberavon Sands Physical trauma, by-catch

SW2014/048 Delphinus delphis Pembrokeshire Freshwater West pending

SW2014/086 Phocoena phocoena Conwy Llandudno Physical trauma, by-catch

SW2014/113 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Cwmtydu Starvation (sequal to gastric impaction, fish bones)

SW2014/115 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Tresaith pending

SW2014/135 Tursiops truncatus Gwynedd Hell's Mouth Asphyxia (fish blocking larynx/nasal passage)

SW2014/208 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Off New Quay Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack

SW2014/210 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Aberporth pending

SW2014/215 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Abersoch Starvation/hypothermia (neonate)

SW2014/214 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Aberystwyth Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack

SW2014/220 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Off New Quay Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack (known)

SW2014/271 Delphinus delphis Pembrokeshire Nolton Haven Live stranding

SW2014/272 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Newborough Physical trauma, by-catch

SW2014/277 Delphinus delphis Pembrokeshire Newport Starvation (sequal to gastric impaction, fish bones)

SW2014/289 Tursiops truncatus Gwynedd Llwyngwril Peri-natal mortality

SW2014/344 Tursiops truncatus Gwynedd Pwllheli Starvation/hypothermia

SW2014/396 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Black Rock Sands Starvation/hypothermia

SW2014/418 Delphinus delphis Anglesey Red Wharf Bay Starvation/hypothermia (neonate)

SW2014/430 Phocoena phocoena Swansea Swansea Not established

SW2014/435 Kogia breviceps Anglesey Newborough Generalised bacterial infection

Common name. Scientific name.

Atlantic grey seal Halichoerus grypus

Blue shark Prionace glauca

Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus

Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena

Kemp's Ridley turtle Lepidochelys kempii

Leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea

Loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta

Mako shark Isurus oxyrinchus

Pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps

Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus

Short beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis

26

15. MATTERS ARISING.

Kemp’s ridley turtles, T2011/051, T2011/053 stored frozen at ZSL were examined. Unfortunately

T2011/051 was moderate to advanced decomposition and T2011/053 was moderate decomposition, as

a result, a cause of death could not established but both were highly likely to be as a result of cold-

stunning. Both turtles were scanned for PIT tags following the BP Deep Water Horizon oil spill but no

tags were detected.

T2012/001 is still held frozen awaiting examination at ZSL.

16. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

Marine Environmental Monitoring wishes to acknowledge the following:

Paul Newman, Lin Gander, Sal Shipley, Steve Hartley, Sarah Perry, Cliff Benson, Dan Worth, Ron

Jones, Glyn Jones, Clive Morgan, Judith Oakley and Nia Jones for their support with the project and

help in retrieving animals.

Strandings Network volunteers, too numerous to mention for their help confirming, reporting and

securing animals for collection.

Swansea Coastguard, Milford Haven Coastguard, Holyhead Coastguard for reporting strandings plus

the many auxiliary coastguards who assisted in searching, securing carcasses and recoveries etc.

Welsh Government/Countryside Council for Wales/Natural Resources Wales & Defra for providing

funds towards the project.

17. APPENDICES.

Appendix 1. Cetacean stranding data 2014.

Appendix 2. Marine turtle data 2014.

Appendix 3. Seal data 2014.

Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Family/Genus species Sex Length Condition Date County Locality Grid

SW2014/002 Delph/Stenella? U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 07-Jan-14 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SS 436 001

SW2014/003 Y Phocoena phocoena F 152 freshly dead (code 2a) 08-Jan-14 Anglesey Trearddur Bay SH 254 792

SW2014/009 Delphinus delphis U moderate decomposition (code 3) 10-Jan-14 Gwynedd Hells Mouth SH 290 257

SW2014/010 Delphinus delphis U -9 15-Jan-14 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 365 035

SW2014/019 Phocoena phocoena U -9 alive- refloated (code 1) 18-Jan-14 Pembrokeshire Monkstone Point SN 141 039

SW2014/020 Y Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 30-Jan-14 Carmarthenshire St Ishmael SN 363 076

SW2014/023 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 04-Feb-14 Carmarthenshire Burry Port Harbour SN 445 004

SW2014/039 Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 06-Feb-14 Carmarthenshire Pembrey Sands SS 420 990

SW2014/040 Y Phocoena phocoena M -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 13-Feb-14 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon Sands SS 740 900

SW2014/047 Phocoena phocoena F freshly dead (code 2a) 18-Feb-14 Vale of Glamorgan Aberthaw ST 019 662

SW2014/048 Y Delphinus delphis M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 21-Feb-14 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 883 000

SW2014/080 Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 25-Feb-14 Pembrokeshire Amroth SN 170 071

SW2014/081 Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 25-Feb-14 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 425 002

SW2014/082 Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 27-Feb-14 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM 848 218

SW2014/083 Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 27-Feb-14 Pembrokeshire Lindsway beach SM 844 067

SW2014/084 Phocoena phocoena F 160 moderate decomposition (code 3) 08-Mar-14 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 584 989

SW2014/085 Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 08-Mar-14 Pembrokeshire Saundersfoot SN 139 046

SW2014/086 Y Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 23-Mar-14 Conwy Llandudno SH 783 831

SW2014/112 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 30-Mar-14 Pembrokeshire Newgale Beach SM 849 218

SW2014/113 Y Phocoena phocoena F -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 09-Apr-14 Ceredigion Cwmtydu SN 355 575

SW2014/114 Phocoena phocoena U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 12-Apr-14 Gwynedd Tal-Y-Bont SH 577 217

SW2014/115 Y Phocoena phocoena M -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 15-Apr-14 Ceredigion Tresaith SN 277 516

SW2014/133 Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 01-May-14 Conwy Llanfairfechan SH 680 755

SW2014/134 Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 02-May-14 Anglesey Benllech SH 524 824

SW2014/135 Y Tursiops truncatus M 3.34 slight decomposition (code 2b) 02-May-14 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 281 265

SW2014/163 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 06-May-14 Swansea Llangennith SS 410 910

SW2014/204 Phocoena phocoena U 120 slight decomposition (code 2b) 10-May-14 Pembrokeshire Wiseman's Bridge SN 146 060

SW2014/164 Delphinus delphis U -9 alive- refloated (code 1) 14-May-14 Gwynedd Fairbourne SH 613 147

SW2014/165 Phocoena phocoena F 110 moderate decomposition (code 3) 14-May-14 Gwynedd Fairbourne SH 615 148

SW2014/166 Unknown Unknown U -9 unknown 16-May-14 Conwy Kinmel Bay SH 980 804

SW2014/167 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 21-May-14 Anglesey Rhoscolyn SH 273 751

SW2014/168 Phocoena phocoena U -9 alive- refloated (code 1) 22-May-14 Ceredigion New Quay SN 389 602

SW2014/169 Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 23-May-14 Gwynedd Abersoch SH 316 286

SW2014/170 Phocoena phocoena M 152 advanced decomposition (code 4) 29-May-14 Ceredigion Aberarth SN 491 649

SW2014/203 Phocoena phocoena F 150 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 01-Jun-14 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 431 601

SW2014/205 Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 07-Jun-14 Swansea Port Eynon SS 473 853

SW2014/206 Phocoena phocoena U 91 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 11-Jun-14 Ceredigion Mwnt SN 194 518

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetacean 2014 Page 1

Appendix 1.


SW2014/207 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 13-Jun-14 Gwynedd Harlech SH 560 330

SW2014/208 Y Phocoena phocoena M 132 moderate decomposition (code 3) 18-Jun-14 Ceredigion Off New Quay SN 384 680

SW2014/209 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 19-Jun-14 Ceredigion Off New Quay SN 396 633

SW2014/210 Y Phocoena phocoena -9 live-died 20-Jun-14 Ceredigion Aberporth SN 258 517

SW2014/211 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 20-Jun-14 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 902

SW2014/212 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 21-Jun-14 Pembrokeshire Newport SN 052 403

SW2014/215 Y Phocoena phocoena U -9 live-died 28-Jun-14 Gwynedd Abersoch SH 316 286

SW2014/214 Y Phocoena phocoena F -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 04-Jul-14 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 578 814

SW2014/220 Y Phocoena phocoena M -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 07-Jul-14 Ceredigion Offshore New Quay SN 380 610

SW2014/221 Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 09-Jul-14 Denbighshire Rhyl SJ 007 818

SW2014/222 Phocoena phocoena F 149 slight decomposition (code 2b) 10-Jul-14 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 582 827

SW2014/226 Phocoena phocoena U -9 alive- refloated (code 1) 13-Jul-14 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH 530 370

SW2014/227 Phocoena phocoena M 145 slight decomposition (code 2b) 13-Jul-14 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 576 797

SW2014/228 Delphinus delphis U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 14-Jul-14 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 386 011

SW2014/247 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 19-Jul-14 Ceredigion Aberavon SS 740 900

SW2014/263 Unknown Unknown U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 26-Jul-14 Ceredigion off Ynys Lochtyn SN 315 557

SW2014/213 Phocoena phocoena U 121 advanced decomposition (code 4) 27-Jul-14 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ 095 853

SW2014/264 Phocoena phocoena F 75 advanced decomposition (code 4) 27-Jul-14 Swansea Langland Bay SS 610 873

SW2014/265 Phocoena phocoena M 121 advanced decomposition (code 4) 28-Jul-14 Ceredigion Aberaeron SN 452 627

SW2014/266 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 29-Jul-14 Anglesey Penrhyn Point SH 519 846

SW2014/267 Phocoena phocoena U 75 slight decomposition (code 2b) 02-Aug-14 Swansea Swansea SS 640 921

SW2014/298 Delphinus delphis U 120 advanced decomposition (code 4) 03-Aug-14 Pembrokeshire Marloes Sands SM 783 073

SW2014/268 Delph/Stenella? U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 06-Aug-14 Carmarthenshire MOD Pendine SN 270 070

SW2014/275 Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 08-Aug-14 Anglesey Traeth Lligwy SH 496 873

SW2014/269 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 09-Aug-14 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 904

SW2014/270 Phocoena phocoena U 75 slight decomposition (code 2b) 11-Aug-14 Vale of Glamorgan Southerndown SS 884 728

SW2014/271 Y Delphinus delphis F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 12-Aug-14 Pembrokeshire Nolton Haven SM 857 184

SW2014/272 Y Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 12-Aug-14 Anglesey Newborough SH 387 645

SW2014/273 Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12-Aug-14 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 379 019

SW2014/274 Phocoena phocoena F 107 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12-Aug-14 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 568 022

SW2014/277 Y Delphinus delphis M -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 14-Aug-14 Pembrokeshire Newport SN 053 409

SW2014/278 Phocoena phocoena U 75 unknown 14-Aug-14 Gwynedd Llandanwg SH 566 278

SW2014/280 Phocoena phocoena U 75 moderate decomposition (code 3) 15-Aug-14 Anglesey Aberffraw SH 337 684

SW2014/281 Delph/Stenella? M 220 advanced decomposition (code 4) 15-Aug-14 Swansea Rhossili SS 413 882

SW2014/282 Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 17-Aug-14 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 895

SW2014/289 Y Tursiops truncatus F 146 advanced decomposition (code 4) 18-Aug-14 Gwynedd Llwyngwril SH 583 095

SW2014/345 Phocoena phocoena F 75 slight decomposition (code 2b) 18-Aug-14 Swansea Rhossili SS 414 883


Appendix 1.


SW2014/299 Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 20-Aug-14 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ 082 843

SW2014/336 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 24-Aug-14 Bridgend Kenfig SS 780 820

SW2014/337 Phocoena phocoena F 108 advanced decomposition (code 4) 27-Aug-14 Ceredigion Aberporth SN 258 517

SW2014/338 Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 29-Aug-14 Carmarthenshire Burry Port SN 441 001

SW2014/339 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 30-Aug-14 Ceredigion Clarach SN 585 840

SW2014/340 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 30-Aug-14 Pembrokeshire Stackpole Quay SR 993 957

SW2014/341 Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 31-Aug-14 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH 315 738

SW2014/342 Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 31-Aug-14 Gwynedd Harlech SH 573 300

SW2014/343 Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 07-Sep-14 Ceredigion Tresaith SN 278 517

SW2014/344 Y Tursiops truncatus M 130 moderate decomposition (code 3) 14-Sep-14 Gwynedd Pwllheli SH 348 332

SW2014/346 Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 15-Sep-14 Denbighshire Rhyl SJ 015 823

SW2014/347 Phocoena phocoena U 100 advanced decomposition (code 4) 22-Sep-14 Anglesey Moelfre SH 516 867

SW2014/375 Grampus griseus F moderate decomposition (code 3) 26-Sep-14 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 430 590

SW2014/376 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 30-Sep-14 Pembrokeshire West Dale beach SM 798 058

SW2014/377 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 01-Oct-14 Vale of Glamorgan Llantwit Major SS 955 673

SW2014/378 Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 02-Oct-14 Vale of Glamorgan Ogmore SS 860 750

SW2014/379 Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 03-Oct-14 Gwynedd Pwllheli SH 384 342

SW2014/394 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12-Oct-14 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 527 698

SW2014/395 Phocoena phocoena U 150 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 15-Oct-14 Gwynedd Harlech SH 570 314

SW2014/396 Y Phocoena phocoena -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 19-Oct-14 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH 530 370

SW2014/397 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20-Oct-14 Swansea Rhossili SS 416 927

SW2014/398 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 24-Oct-14 Pembrokeshire Penycwm SM 844 228

SW2014/399 Phocoena phocoena F 135 advanced decomposition (code 4) 27-Oct-14 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 528 698

SW2014/417 Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 03-Nov-14 Gwynedd Porth Neigwl SH 275 269

SW2014/418 Y Delphinus delphis M -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 08-Nov-14 Anglesey Red Wharf Bay SH 570 807

SW2014/429 Phocoena phocoena F 100 moderate decomposition (code 3) 12-Nov-14 Gwynedd Pwllheli SH 380 342

SW2014/430 Y Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 14-Nov-14 Swansea Swansea SS 631 916

SW2014/431 Delphinus delphis F 209 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 14-Nov-14 Pembrokeshire Marloes Sands SM 783 073

SW2014/432 Phocoena phocoena F 121 advanced decomposition (code 4) 16-Nov-14 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 283 263

SW2014/433 Phocoena phocoena M 9 freshly dead (code 2a) 17-Nov-14 Conwy Deganwy SH 775 792

SW2014/434 Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 19-Nov-14 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 260 280

SW2014/435 Y Kogia breviceps U 200 alive- refloated (code 1) 20-Nov-14 Anglesey Newborough SH 397 634

SW2014/451 Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 21-Nov-14 Gwynedd Pwllheli SH 384 350

SW2014/482 Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 05-Dec-14 Swansea Whiteford Sands SS 433 942

SW2014/483 Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 05-Dec-14 Swansea Whiteford Sands SS 433 942

SW2014/484 Unknown Unknown U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 11-Dec-14 Gwynedd Caernarfon SH 477 631

SW2014/485 Phocoena phocoena U -9 15-Dec-14 Ceredigion New Quay SN 400 595


Appendix 1.


SW2014/486 Phocoena phocoena F -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 15-Dec-14 Swansea Caswell Bay SS 592 875

SW2014/499 Phocoena phocoena U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 30-Dec-14 Pembrokeshire Newgale Beach SM 850 215

SW2014/500 Delphinus delphis F -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 31-Dec-14 Gwynedd Dyffryn Ardudwy SH 568 227


Appendix 2.

RecordKey PM SpeciesCodeSightStrandAliveDead StartDate Country County Location GridReference Notes ReportBy

T2014/002 Y KR ST DEAD 14/01/2014 WALES CARMARTHENSHIRE Pembrey Beach SN391021 Found by dog walker and beach cleaner. Collected by MEM. Held in freezer for PM. Louise Panes

T2014/004 Y LOG ST ALIVE 13/02/2014 WALES PEMBROKESHIRE Freshwater West SM882001 Found lethargic on beach , tide out. Taken to Bristol Aquarium by MEM next day. 10 ins overall length.. Named Stormy by MEM.Rob Phillips

T2014/009 LBT SEA ALIVE 28/05/2014 WALES CEREDIGION Off Ynys Lochtyn SN313552 Swimming Phil the Boatman

T2014/010 LBT SEA ALIVE 08/06/2014 WALES CEREDIGION Llangrannog SN307541 surfacing and diving, northerly direction. 40m off headland Phil Hughes FoCB

T2014/025 LBT SEA ALIVE 19/09/2014 WALES PEMBROKESHIRE Newport SN048400 Seen 25m off beach for 20 mins basking in shallow sea till disturbed by boat. It retreated to 800m offshore and stayed for 45 minsNick Mc

T2014/026 LBT SEA ALIVE 02/09/2014 WALES PEMBROKESHIRE Pwll Deri SM884386 Seen by 3 witnesses in evening, probably through bins. Graham Turner

T2014/032 LBT SEA ALIVE 10/10/2014 WALES PEMBROKESHIRE Strumble Head SM894414 Seen for 4 mins by birder Linda and Graham Rees

Marine Environmental Monitoring Turtles 2014 Page 1

Appendix 3.

National ReferenceSpecies (scientific) Date Found Location Local Authority Country Grid Ref Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome

SS2014/012 Halichoerus grypus 02/01/2014 Ynyslas Ceredigion Wales SN 603 940 U -9 unknown

SS2014/013 Halichoerus grypus 06/01/2014 Criccieth Gwynedd Wales SH 510 379 U -9 unknown

SS2014/015 Halichoerus grypus 13/01/2014 Llangennith Swansea Wales SS 413 899 U freshly dead (code 2a)

SS2014/023 Halichoerus grypus 01/02/2014 Beaumaris Anglesey Wales SH 609 763 U -9 unknown

SS2014/027 Halichoerus grypus 10/02/2014 Broad Haven Pembrokeshire Wales SM 860 138 U -9 unknown

SS2014/028 Halichoerus grypus 13/02/2014 Newgale Beach Pembrokeshire Wales SM 850 215 U 152 slight decomposition (code 2b)

SS2014/039 Halichoerus grypus 24/02/2014 Harlech Gwynedd Wales SH 561 331 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4)

SS2014/040 Halichoerus grypus 09/02/2014 Porth Nobla Anglesey Wales SH 323 721 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3)

SS2014/041 Halichoerus grypus 20/03/2014 Aberystwyth Ceredigion Wales SN 578 815 U -9 unknown

SS2014/064 Halichoerus grypus 20/05/2014 Port Talbot Neath Port Talbot Wales SS 773 845 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4)

SS2014/096 Halichoerus grypus 01/06/2014 Aberporth Ceredigion Wales SN 258 516 U -9 unknown

SS2014/097 Halichoerus grypus 04/06/2014 Talacre Flintshire Wales SJ 120 850 U -9 unknown

SS2014/098 Halichoerus grypus 07/06/2014 Penbryn Ceredigion Wales SN 292 525 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4)

SS2014/099 Halichoerus grypus 12/06/2014 Aberystwyth Ceredigion Wales SN 583 821 U -9 unknown

SS2014/126 Halichoerus grypus 03/08/2014 Gwbert Ceredigion Wales SN 160 487 F 200 slight decomposition (code 2b)

SS2014/127 Halichoerus grypus 11/08/2014 Borth Ceredigion Wales SN 604 920 U -9 unknown

SS2014/146 Halichoerus grypus 21/08/2014 Fairbourne Gwynedd Wales SH 609 137 U -9 unknown


SS2014/164 Halichoerus grypus 25/08/2014 Coybal New Quay Ceredigion Wales SN 368 590 U -9 unknown

SS2014/165 Halichoerus grypus 28/08/2014 Port Eynon Swansea Wales SS 475 855 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4)

SS2014/166 Halichoerus grypus 02/09/2014 Aberystwyth Ceredigion Wales SN 583 826 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3)

SS2014/167 Halichoerus grypus 04/09/2014 Tenby Pembrokeshire Wales SN 134 008 U -9 unknown

SS2014/168 Halichoerus grypus 04/09/2014 Penmon Anglesey Wales SH 631 800 U -9 unknown

SS2014/169 Halichoerus grypus 21/09/2014 Abercastle Pembrokeshire Wales SM 852 338 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3)

SS2014/190 Halichoerus grypus 02/10/2014 Pwllheli Gwynedd Wales SH 380 342 U freshly dead (code 2a)

SS2014/191 Halichoerus grypus 09/10/2014 Marloes Sands Pembrokeshire Wales SM 780 075 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4)

SS2014/194 Halichoerus grypus 12/10/2014 Freshwater West Pembrokeshire Wales SM 880 005 U -9 freshly dead (code 2a)

SS2014/195 Halichoerus grypus 12/10/2014 Freshwater West Pembrokeshire Wales SM 884 000 U -9 freshly dead (code 2a)

SS2014/196 Halichoerus grypus 22/10/2014 Harlech Gwynedd Wales SH 569 313 U -9 freshly dead (code 2a)

SS2014/197 Halichoerus grypus 24/10/2014 Tal-y-bont Gwynedd Wales SH 580 210 U -9 freshly dead (code 2a)

SS2014/198 Halichoerus grypus 25/10/2014 Borth Ceredigion Wales SN 607 892 U -9 unknown

SS2014/208 Halichoerus grypus 27/10/2014 Marloes Sands Pembrokeshire Wales SM 783 073 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b)

SS2014/209 Halichoerus grypus 28/10/2014 Porth Meigan Pembrokeshire Wales SM 727 279 U -9 unknown

SS2014/210 Halichoerus grypus 28/10/2014 Porth Meigan Pembrokeshire Wales SM 727 279 U -9 unknown

SS2014/211 Halichoerus grypus 28/10/2014 Whitesands Pembrokeshire Wales SM 732 270 U -9 unknown

SS2014/212.1 Halichoerus grypus 28/10/2014 Borth Ceredigion Wales SN 607 892 U -9 unknown



Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2014 Page 1

Appendix 3.

National ReferenceSpecies (scientific) Date Found Location Local Authority Country Grid Ref Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome


SS2014/213 Halichoerus grypus 30/11/2014 Southerndown Vale of Glamorgan Wales SS 884 730 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3)

SS2014/214.1 Halichoerus grypus 03/11/2014 Porth Neigwl Gwynedd Wales SH 275 269 U -9 unknown

SS2014/214.2 Halichoerus grypus 03/11/2014 Porth Neigwl Gwynedd Wales SH 275 269 U -9 unknown

SS2014/215 Halichoerus grypus 04/11/2014 Dale Pembrokeshire Wales SM 812 957 F -9 freshly dead (code 2a)

SS2014/244 Halichoerus grypus 10/11/2014 Criccieth Gwynedd Wales SH 505 380 U -9 unknown

SS2014/245 Halichoerus grypus 10/11/2014 Tywyn Gwynedd Wales SN 585 985 U -9 unknown

SS2014/246 Halichoerus grypus 10/11/2014 Porthcawl Bridgend Wales SS 825 765 U -9 unknown

SS2014/247 Halichoerus grypus 14/11/2014 Marloes Sands Pembrokeshire Wales SM 781 075 M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b)

SS2014/248 Halichoerus grypus 14/11/2014 Marloes Sands Pembrokeshire Wales SM 780 075 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4)

SS2014/249 Halichoerus grypus 17/11/2014 Caer Bwdy Bay Pembrokeshire Wales SM 766 243 F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b)

SS2014/268 Halichoerus grypus 27/11/2014 Oxwich Bay Swansea Wales SS 528 877 U -9 unknown

SS2014/319 Halichoerus grypus 11/12/2014 Gwbert Ceredigion Wales SN 164 485 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3)

SS2014/320 Halichoerus grypus 12/12/2014 Harlech Gwynedd Wales SH 569 313 U 91 freshly dead (code 2a)




SS2014/341 Halichoerus grypus 27/12/2014 Llanelli Carmarthenshire Wales SS 495 995 U -9 unknown


Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2014 Page 2

Documents

Marine Mammal Strandings active/2014 Marine Mammal Strandin… · 2 INTRODUCTION 8 3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 8 3.1 Live Animals. 9 3.2 Dead Animals. 9 4 RESULTS 10 4.1 Marine Mammals