www.strandings.com

Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings (Welsh Coast) Annual Report 2019

R.S. Penrose. March 2020

Marine Environmental Monitoring Penwalk Cardigan West Wales SA43 2PS e-mail: [email protected]

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CONTENTS

Page

1 CRYNODEB GWEITHREDOL 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5

2 INTRODUCTION 6

3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 6

3.1 Live Animals. 7 3.2 Dead Animals. 7

4 RESULTS 8

4.1 Marine Mammals. 8 4.2 Bottlenose Dolphin Attacks. 14 4.3 Unusual Occurrences. 15 4.4 Live Strandings. 20 4.5 Tagging. 21

5 OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK 21

5.1 Seals. 21 5.2 Sharks. 22 5.3 Marine Turtles. 22

6 SAMPLES 23

7 FUNDING 23

8 PUBLICITY 23

9 LEGISLATION 23

10 EQUIPMENT 24

11 TRAVEL 24

12 ADMINISTRATION 24

13 CAUSE OF DEATH 24

14 LIST OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES USED IN THIS REPORT 25

15 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 26

16 APPENDICES 26

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List of Figures. page

Figure 1. Current Technical Co-ordination of the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP). 6 Figure 2. Reported bottlenose dolphin strandings on the Welsh coast. 10 Figure 3. Bottlenose dolphin strandings by month. 10 Figure 4. Bottlenose dolphin strandings averaged over 1990 to 2019. 10 Figure 5. Reported common dolphin strandings on the Welsh coast. 11 Figure 6. Common dolphin strandings by month. 11 Figure 7. Common dolphin strandings averaged over 1990 to 2019. 11 Figure 8. Reported harbour porpoise strandings on the Welsh coast. 12 Figure 9. Harbour porpoise strandings by month. 12 Figure 10. Harbour porpoise strandings averaged over 1990 to 2019. 12 Figure 11. Reported grey seal mortality on the Welsh coast. 13 Figure 12. Grey seal mortality by month. 13 Figure 13. Grey seal reports averaged over 1990 to 2019. 13 Figure 14. Location of the two porpoises and common dolphin, recovered to the project, killed by bottlenose dolphins in 2019. 14

List of Plates.

Plate 1. Sperm whale SW2019/609 live/died at Hell’s Mouth, Gwynedd. 15 Plate 2. Mass of rope found in the fundic stomach of sperm whale SW2019/609. 16 Plate 3. Pygmy sperm whale SW2019/278 being recoverd. 16 Plate 4. Minke whale SW2019/302. 17 Plate 5. Remains of the sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) found at , Ceredigion. 17 Plate 6. Blue fin tuna recovered from . 18 Plate 7. Bottlenose dolphin SW2019/327 at Dinas Dinlle. 18 Plate 8. Neonate bottlenose dolphin SW2019/477. 19 Plate 9. Bottlenose dolphin SW2019/497 at Pembrey. 19 Plate 10. Bottlenose dolphin SW2019/510 at Tywyn. 20

List of Tables. Table 1. 2019 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast). 8 Table 2. 2019 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast). 8 Table 3. 2019 Number of animals selected for post-mortem examination. 9 Table 4. Cause of death (Cetaceans). 25 Table 5. 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 (MEM) adroddiadau am 146 o anifeiliaid o deulu'r morfil yn 2019. O’r rhain, llamidyddion (90 ohonynt) a grybwyllwyd amlaf, gan eu dilyn gan ddolffiniaid cyffredin gylfinfyr yr Iwerydd (40 ohonynt).

Cafwyd adroddiadau ynghylch anifeiliaid eraill o deulu'r morfilod wedi tirio ar lannau Cymru yn 2019, gan gynnwys un morfil walbon (rhywogaeth amhenodol ); pedwar dolffin trwyn potel; un 'rhywogaeth amhenodol o deulu’r morfil’; un dolffin amhenodol rhesog/cyffredin; dau ddolffin (rhywogaeth amhenodol); un morfil pigfain; un morfil pengrwn; un morfil sbermaseti lleiaf; dau ddolffin Risso; un morfil sbermaseti ac un dolffin rhesog. Derbyniwyd adroddiadau am ddau ddolffin cyffredin, dau lamhidydd ac un morfil sbermaseti yn dod i'r lan yn fyw.

Casglwyd saith ar hugain o greaduriaid i’w harchwilio: un dolffin trwyn potel; wyth dolffin cyffredin; 14 llamhidydd, un morfil pigfain; un morfil pengrwn; ac un morfil sbermaseti.

Cafwyd dau lamhidydd ac un dolffin cyffredin gylfinfyr yn 2019 y gellid dweud eu bod ‘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 rhai'r blynyddoedd cynt.

Samplau: Codwyd croen, dannedd, bloneg, cyhyrau a milrhith o ddolffin Risso SW2019/447.

Morloi: Derbyniodd MEM adroddiadau am 136 morlo llwyd marw.

Crwbanod: Derbyniodd MEM adroddiad am un crwban marw wedi tirio, sef crwban môr pendew Kemp. Cafwyd dau adroddiad o weld crwban byw, y ddau yn grwbanod môr cefn lledr.

Morgwn: Ni chafwyd unrhyw adroddiad yn ystod 2019 am heulforgi’n tirio.

Ariannu: Y mae'r rhaglen yn rhedeg fel rhan o'r cytundeb presennol, a ddyfarnwyd ar y 16eg o Hydref 2017 gan Defra/Lywodraeth Cymru/Lywodraeth yr Alban i fod mewn grym hyd y 15fed o Hydref 2020.

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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: One hundred and forty-six cetaceans were reported to Marine Environmental Monitoring in 2019. Harbour porpoise (n=90) was the most frequently reported cetacean, followed by Atlantic short-beaked common dolphins (n=40).

Other cetaceans reported stranded on the Welsh coast in 2019 included one baleen whale (indeterminate species); four bottlenose dolphins; one cetacean sp. indeterminate; one common/striped dolphin indeterminate; two dolphin (indeterminate species); one minke whale; one pilot whale; one pygmy sperm whale; two Risso’s dolphin; one sperm whale and one striped dolphin. Two common dolphins, two harbour porpoises and one sperm whale were reported as live-stranded.

Twenty-seven cetaceans were collected for examination: one bottlenose dolphin; eight common dolphins; 14 harbour porpoises, one minke whale, one pilot whale and one sperm whale.

Two harbour porpoises and one short-beaked common dolphin ‘killed by bottlenose dolphin’ were identified in 2019. Imposed reduced effort in recording from 2006 has made trends in this activity difficult to compare with previous years.

Samples: Skin, teeth, blubber, muscle and a foetus were taken from Risso’s dolphin SW2019/447.

Seals: One hundred and thirty-six dead Atlantic grey seals were reported to MEM.

Turtles: One dead stranded turtle was reported to MEM, this was a Kemp’s ridley turtle. Two live turtle ‘sightings’ were received, these were both leatherback turtles.

Sharks: No basking shark strandings were reported during 2019.

Funding: The programme is running within the existing contract, awarded on the 16th October 2017 by Defra/Welsh Government/Scottish Government to run until the 15th October 2020.

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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.).

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

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 alive or dead and directs them to the correct organisation and the correct strandings co- 6 ordinator for the appropriate country. 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 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 euthanised 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 were able to access stranding data through regular updates to the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway. This has now been superseded by the NBN Atlas (https://nbnatlas.org/).

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. 7

4. RESULTS

4.1 Marine Mammals

Table 1.

2019 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Baleen whale (indeterminate spec 000000010 0 00 1 Bottlenose dolphin 000000103 0 00 4 Cetacean sp. Indet. 000000000 0 10 1 Common dolphin 131105156 7 010 40 Common/striped dolphin (indeter 001000000 0 00 1 Dolphin (indeterminate species)010000001 0 00 2 Harbour porpoise 3 0 10 7 4 5 12 14 16 6 9 4 90 Minke whale 000000100 0 00 1 Pilot whale 001000000 0 00 1 Pygmy sperm whale 000001000 0 00 1 Risso's dolphin 000000011 0 00 2 Sperm whale 000000000 1 00 1 Striped dolphin 000000000 1 00 1 Total cetaceans 4 4 13 8 4 11 15 21 27 15 10 14 146

Grey seal 273415215255796 136

Total animals 6 11 16 12 5 16 17 36 52 72 19 20 282

Table 2.

2019 Number of live strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar AprMay Jun Jul AugSep Oct NovDec TOTAL Baleen whale (indeterminate spec 000000000 0 00 0 Bottlenose dolphin 000000000 0 00 0 Cetacean sp. Indet. 000000000 0 00 0 Common dolphin 001000000 0 01 2 Common/striped dolphin (indeter 000000000 0 00 0 Dolphin (indeterminate species)000000000 0 00 0 Harbour porpoise 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 Minke whale 000000000 0 00 0 Pilot whale 000000000 0 00 0 Pygmy sperm whale 000000000 0 00 0 Risso's dolphin 000000000 0 00 0 Sperm whale 000000000 1 00 1 Striped dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total cetaceans 001100001 1 01 5

Of the 146 cetacean strandings 5 animals were found live stranded during 2019. 8

Table 3.

2019 Number of animals selected for post-mortem examination.

Species Jan Feb Mar AprMay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Baleen whale (indeterminate spec 000000000 0 00 0 Bottlenose dolphin 000000001 0 00 1 Cetacean sp. Indet. 000000000 0 00 0 Common dolphin 001000030 3 01 8 Common/striped dolphin (indeter 000000000 0 00 0 Dolphin (indeterminate species)0000000000 00 0 Harbour porpoise 103310201 2 01 14 Minke whale 000000100 0 00 1 Pilot whale 001000000 0 00 1 Pygmy sperm whale 000001000 0 00 1 Risso's dolphin 000000000 0 00 0 Sperm whale 000000000 1 00 1 Striped dolphin 000000000 0 00 0 Total cetaceans 105311332 6 02 27

Of the 146 cetacean strandings, 27 animals (18%) 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 24.

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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 Figure 2. Reported bottlenose dolphin strandings on the Welsh information on strandings of this coast. species are included in this section.

Four bottlenose dolphins were reported stranded during 2019. The first was from Dinas Dinlle, Gwynedd in July which was unfortunately in a state of advanced decomposition. The second was recovered for a full examination within the CSIP from Borth, Ceredigion. The third was found at Pembrey, Carmarthanshire but unfortunately was in a state of advanced decomposition. The fourth was reported at Tywyn, Gwynedd but unfortunately taken by a storm before it could be recovered. Numbers of bottlenose dolphin strandings are normally low and individual cases are listed with further details under 4.3 Unusual Occurrences page 15.

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 3. Bottlenose dolphin strandings by month. Figure 4. Bottlenose dolphin strandings averaged over 1990 to 2019.

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Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis).

Numbers of reported common dolphin strandings were higher than normal throughout the year with a rise to eleven animals in December alone. Large groups of common dolphins can be regularly seen some distance off Pemrokeshire towards Grassholm island and the Smalls Lighthouse. Figure 5. Reported common dolphin strandings on the Welsh coast. Unfortunately, it was not possible to recover any of the December common dolphin strandings due to decomposition, lack of storage facilities and/or annual leave. Local newspapers attributed the increase in strandings to large trawlers operating offshore Pembrokeshire. One common dolphin recovered within the CSIP and examined in January 2020 from Pembrokeshire was found to have died as a result of by-catch. Welsh Government and Natural Resources Wales have been made aware of the situation and this species will continue to be monitored through 2020.

Figure 6. Common dolphin strandings by month. Figure 7. Common dolphin strandings averaged over 1990 to 2019.

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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 8., indicates harbour porpoise neonates3 recovered in each year. This line has roughly Figure 8. Reported harbour porpoise strandings on the Welsh mimicked and followed coast. the totals for each year however, 2004 shows a marked decline in neonates compared to the reported total of porpoises for that year.

The marked increase in reported strandings in 2017 is a result of the storms that occurred in the later part of the year starting with ex-hurricane ‘Ophelia’ 16-17th October followed by storm ‘Brian’ 21st October and storms ‘Caroline’ and ‘Dylan’ 7 and 30th December respectively.

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 6.

Figure 9. Harbour porpoise strandings by month. Figure 10. Harbour porpoise strandings averaged over1990 to 2019.

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). 12

Atlantic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus).

Atlantic grey seal mortality reported to Marine Environmental Monitoring was significantly higher in 2017 compared to recent years. The marked increase in reported strandings in 2017 is a result of the storms that occurred in the later part of the year starting with ex-hurricane ‘Ophelia’ 16- 17th October followed by storm ‘Brian’ 21st October and storms ‘Caroline’ and ‘Dylan’ 7th and 30th December respectively. Figure 11. Reported grey seal mortality on the Welsh coast. Unfortunately, ex-hurricane ‘Ophelia’ occurred during the pupping season stripping pups from the Pembrokeshire Islands and mainland causing a mortality of 77 seals in October alone (far exceeding the reported annual total for 2016 at 52). Previous highs shown in Figure 11. were in 1996 and 2002. In both these years 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.

Figure 12. Grey seal mortality by month. Figure 13. Grey seal reports averaged over 1990 to 2019.

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. 13

4.2 Bottlenose Dolphin Attacks.

Two harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) and one short-beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) were found to have died of injuries consistent with attack by one or more bottlenose dolphins (Jepson & Baker 1998), by post-mortem examination in 2019.

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 due to funding changes. The stranding locations for the animals retrieved for post-mortem examination determined as being killed by bottlenose dolphins are plotted in Figure 14.

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Harbour porpoise.

Short-beaked common dolphin.

2 3

Figure 14. Location of the two porpoises and short-beaked common dolphin, recovered to the project, killed by bottlenose dolphins in 2019.

Please note, the two porpoises plotted in Figure 14. Were in the same location so appear as one symbol.

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4.3 Unusual Occurrences.

Sperm whale SW2019/609. The most unusual stranding on the Welsh coast in 2019 and the first recorded for Wales since records began by NHM in 1913 was a 6.7 metre juvenile male sperm whale (Physeter catadon) that was reported live-stranded and died at Hell’s Mouth, Gwynedd on the 29th October 2019.

Plate 1. Sperm whale SW2019/609 live/died at Hell’s Mouth, Gwynedd. Photo by: Lin Gander.

The carcass was too large to move so a field examination was conducted on site by teams from CSIP- ZSL and CSIP-MEM. The examination was curtailed by failing daylight combined with an incoming tide made even worse by treacherous slippery boulders underfoot. However, a successful pme was conducted with even the brain being accessed and collected.

Stomach contents consisted of a few squid beaks but mainly marine debris including a large ball of rope and a plastic sheet approx. 1 metre square (see Plate 2), communication with the other stomachs was not blocked.

Cause of death is pending.

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Plate 2. Mass of rope found in the fundic stomach of sperm whale SW2019/609.

Pygmy sperm whale SW2019/278. Was a 2.48 metre male pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) that was reported stranded at Ginst point, Carmarthenshire on the 11th June 2019. The animal was in a state of moderate decomposition but due to the rarity of this species on the UK coast it was recovered for a full examination within the CSIP at ZSL. The strandline was also covered with barrel jellyfish Plate 3. Pygmy sperm whale SW2019/278 being recoverd. (Rhizostoma pulmo) for as far as the eye could see. Photo by: Lin Gander.

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Minke whale SW2019/302 was a 5.1 metre female juvenile minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) that was stuck on the bow of the Dublin to Holyhead Stena ferry on the 1st July 2019. The carcass was lifted from the bow of the ship by crane after docking at Holyhead Port and delivered in a ‘bathtub’ lorry to a ‘fallen stock’ transfer station on the Island of Anglesey. Teams from CSIP-ZSL and CSIP- MEM together with NRW staff were allowed access to the transfer station to conduct a full examination of the animal. Although the carcass was in a state of moderate decomposition it was concluded that the whale was already dead at sea before being struck by the ferry. The cause of death was given as: suspected gastric impaction.

This was a major recovery job conducted by the Holyhead Port (Stena Line Ports) made trouble-free by the Holyhead Harbour Master.

Our thanks go to Stena Line Ports and Gaerwen waste transfer station for the recovery and facilitating the examination. Plate 4. Minke whale SW2019/302. Photo by: Stena Line.

Plate 5. Remains of the sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) found at Borth, Ceredigion.

Sturgeon. Whilst searching for a reported dead stranded bottlenose dolphin at Borth, Ceredigion on the 7th September 2019 the almost desiccated remains of a sturgeon (Acipenser sturio) were found on the shingle bank. The carcass was recovered and due to this being classified as a ‘Royal Fish’ the Palace was duly informed via The Receiver of Wreck. A few days later the Palace responded not requiring the sturgeon and the remains were delivered to the National Museum of Wales. Cardiff.

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Plate 6. Blue fin tuna recovered from Aberystwyth.

Blue fin tuna On the 17th September 2019, I was contacted by the RSPCA who were responding to a report of a live-stranded dolphin at Aberystwyth, Ceredigion. The public were in the water trying to stabilise the animal and refloat it. The report from the public later changed to a ‘shark’ and then ‘tuna’. On arrival the RSPCA were told that the animal had righted itself and swum off, however the inspector noted the carcass floating, dead, in the water a few metres away and it was recovered. The carcass was stored frozen and taken to ZSL for later examination.

As stated in previous reports, bottlenose dolphins are a priority species within the programme so any information on this species over the year is included here. Four bottlenose dolphins were recorded stranded during 2019, these are shown here in more detail.

SW2019/327 was a 3 metre male bottlenose dolphin reported at Dinas Dinlle, Gwynedd on the 7th July 2019. The carcass was attended on CSIP’s behalf by staff from NRW. Unfortunately, the carcass was in a state of moderate to advanced decomposition and was therefore not suitable for a full examination within the CSIP. Basic samples were taken.

Plate 7. Bottlenose dolphin SW2019/327 at Dinas Dinlle. Photo by: Charles Lindenbaum. 18

Plate 8. Neonate bottlenose dolphin SW2019/477.

SW2019/477 was a 1.32 metre neonate male bottlenose dolphin reported at Borth, Ceredigion on the 7th September 2019. Although the dead carcass had been returned to the sea by members of the public, the carcass could still be seen rolling in the surf and was recovered. Due to the slight state of decomposition the neonate was taken to ZSL unfrozen. Freezing carcasses has enabled us to reduce runs to London by storing animals until the freezer is full and delivering them in batches. This enables us to continue working within the 2007 funding cut, however, as stated in the introduction this practice results in loss of some information during the post-mortem examination process, mainly histology.

Plate 9. Bottlenose dolphin SW2019/497 at Pembrey.

SW2019/497 was an adult bottlenose dolphin reported at Pembrey, Carmarthenshire on the 7th September 2019. Unfortunately, the carcass in a state of advanced decomposition and was not attended.

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Plate 10. Bottlenose dolphin SW2019/510 at Tywyn.

SW2019/510 was a male bottlenose dolphin reported at Tywyn, Gwynedd on the 23rd September 2019. As the photograph showed it to be in a state of slight decomposition, I set off to recover the carcass with a CSIP-ZSL team arranging to meet me on-site. Unfortunately, on arrival I was met with an incoming tide powered by a storm loosely linked to Hurricane Humberto. After a search at the location given, in failing daylight, torrential rain and powerful winds, it was clear the carcass had been taken by the sea. No further reports were received of this animal.

4.4 Live Strandings.

Five live cetacean strandings were reported in 2019. These are listed below.

SW2019/68 was a 1.72 metre male common dolphin reported live stranded by the RSPCA at Tywyn Gwynedd on the 4th March 2019. Two re-floats were attempted but large surf hindered rescue. The dolphin was eventually chemically euthanised. Cause of death was given as: Live stranding (pending histopathology).

SW2019/209 was a 1.65 metre female harbour porpoise reported live stranded by BDMLR at Aberdaron, Lleyn Peninsular, Gwynedd on the 25th April 2019. The animal died on the beach. Cause of death was given as: pneumonia, parasitic and parasitism, gastric (pending histopathology).

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SW2019/495 was a harbour porpoise reported live stranded at Red Wharf Bay, Anglesey by Holyhead Coastguard on the 6th September 2019. The porpoise was taken out to sea by boat and released. No further info.

SW2019/609 was a 6.7 metre male juvenile sperm whale reported live stranded at Hell’s Mouth, Lleyn Peninsula, Gwynedd on the 29th October 2019. The animal died on the beach before any assistance could be given. Further information can be found on page 15. Cause of death is pending.

SW2019/671 was a neonate common dolphin live-stranded at Oxwich beach, Gower on the 4th December 2019. RSPCA attended but no adult/mother could be seen so the neonate was euthanised as per current UK guidelines. The carcass was recovered by the RSPCA and transferred to the CSIP. Cause of death is pending.

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.

1 Not allocated 6. 2 Marine Wildlife Group. (CBMWG). 3 Sea Watch . 4 Sea Trust. 5 Friends of Cardigan Bay (FoCB, Sarns Project). 6 Ermol 5.

The tag can be conveniently tied around the tailstock, 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.

5. OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK.

5.1 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 13. 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

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

21 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 blubber starting at the head and circumscribing the animal to the tail. These unusual injuries have been named helical, spiral or corkscrew cuts. As stated above, seals have not been routinely investigated in Wales, but current thinking is these spiral injuries are caused by seal on seal predation. In 2014 a seal in Ramsey Sound, Pembrokeshire was observed attacking a porpoise, killing and eating it. The first harbour porpoise identified as a probable grey seal predation case in Wales was at Pembrey, Carmarthenshire on the 4th May 2017. The grey seal population was hit particularly hard in 2017 when the ex-hurricane Ophelia made landfall during the pupping season on the Welsh coast washing most pups from their beaches on the Pembrokeshire Islands and associated mainland pupping sites, mortality went from an annual average of 71 (averaged over 1990 to 2016) to 172 in 2017.

5.2 Sharks.

As of 2007, Defra requested that stranded basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) investigations be included within the project.

No basking sharks were reported during 2019.

On the 27th August 2018, I was contacted by the Angel Shark Project: Wales and asked to recover a dead angel shark (Squatina squatina) SF2018/1 that was reported at Saundersfoot, Pembrokeshire. The shark was left on the sand by a receding tide and found by a retired fisherman who recovered it to the harbour for safe keeping and later collection.

The angel shark SF2018/1 was examined by the CSIP in 2019 at Swansea University and a full suite of samples and morphometrics were obtained for the Angel Shark Project Wales.

5.3 Marine Turtles.

2019 was a quiet year for turtles in Wales. There was only one report of a stranded marine turtle and two reports of sightings of marine turtles received around the Welsh coast during 2019. The stranded turtle was a Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii.)

Turtle Strandings

T2019/018 was a slight decomposition Kemp's ridley turtle found at Llangennith on the Gower Peninsular, Swansea on the 18th December 2019. The turtle was recovered by MEM and is currently stored frozen awaiting examination.

Turtle Sightings

There were two marine turtle sightings reported around the Welsh coast during 2019. These were both live leatherback turtles, one in August and one in December both off the Gower Peninsular.

Further marine turtle reports outside of Wales can be found in the British & Irish Marine Turtle Strandings & Sightings Annual Reports at; http://www.strandings.com/Wales.html

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6. SAMPLES.

The normal procedure for the taking of samples is from animals that have been taken for post-mortem examination.

7. FUNDING.

The Defra/Welsh Government contract ended in 2017. A new contract was awarded on the 16th October 2017 to run until the 15th October 2020.

8. PUBLICITY.

The Strandings Website 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.

Demonstration cetacean post-mortem examinations were conducted by the CSIP for the Society for Marine Mammal (SMM) students Swansea University on the 25th January 2019, the Angelshark at Swansea University 9th July 2019 and Bangor University 30th Sept-1st Oct 2019.

The UK CSIP website can be found at www.ukstrandings.org

9. LEGISLATION.

In 2007 new legislation came into 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 possess 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.

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10. EQUIPMENT.

The Strandings vehicle was severely damaged on Sunday 8th September 2019 whilst left unattended searching for a porpoise at . A member of the public had driven into the side of the vehicle, at speed, mistaking the brake pedal for the accelerator. Both front and rear door, sill and ‘B’ pillar on the driver side were badly damaged. The vehicle was fully repaired and returned for use 1st November 2019. A hire 4x4 car was supplied capable of towing the trailer to maintain cover on the Welsh coast during this period.

11. TRAVEL.

In excess of 8,135 miles were covered on the project in retrieval and transportation of animals in 2019. The World Marine Mammal Conference (combined European Cetacean Society and Society for Marine Mammalogy) held in Barcelona, Spain was attended 7th -12th December 2019.

12. ADMINISTRATION.

Copies of post-mortem examination reports were posted out to finders and associated interested parties concerning each relevant stranding.

13. CAUSE OF DEATH.

Again, 2019 saw an increase in carcasses collected for examination from the normal 20 allocation for the Welsh coast. Extra carcasses were collected due to funding becoming available from a student veterinary training budget at ZSL. The provisional causes of death for the 27 recovered cetaceans, shown below, in a suitable condition for necropsy in 2019 are given in Table 4. 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.

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Table 4. Causes of death for the 27 cetaceans recovered for examination in 2019.

SW NumberFamily/Genus Species County Locality Cause of Death SW2019/18 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Criccieth Parasitism, heavy (pulmonary arteries) (pending histopathology) SW2019/68 Delphinus delphis Gwynedd Tywyn Live stranding (pending histology). SW2019/94 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Llanddwyn Pending SW2019/84 Globicephala melas Gwynedd Criccieth Pending histopathology SW2019/134 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Siver Bay Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack SW2019/135 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Porth Drefarch Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack SW2019/206 Phocoena phocoena Pembrokeshire Freshwater East Pending SW2019/209 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Aberdaron Pneumonia, parasitic and parasitism, gastric (pending histopathology) SW2019/210 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Trearddur Bay not established - probable live stranding, chronic injury of unclear significance SW2019/228 Phocoena phocoena Conwy Conwy Pending SW2019/278 Kogia breviceps Carmarthenshire Ginst Point Pending histopathology SW2019/302 Balaenoptera acutorostrata Anglesey Holyhead Suspected gastric impaction (bones) SW2019/355 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Off Ynys Lochtyn Pending SW2019/360 Phocoena phocoena Pembrokeshire Manorbier Starvation/hypothermia SW2019/446 Delphinus delphis Swansea Swansea Pneumonia, bacterial and pyothorax (pending histopathology) SW2019/459 Delphinus delphis Pembrokeshire Nolton Haven Not established - pending histology SW2019/462 Delphinus delphis Pembrokeshire Freshwater West Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack SW2019/477 Tursiops truncatus Ceredigion Borth Live stranding (pending histology). SW2019/522 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Harlech Pneumonia Parasitic SW2019/537 Delphinus delphis Pembrokeshire Broad Haven north Pending SW2019/559 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Porth Diana Pending SW2019/586 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Criccieth Pending SW2019/600 Delphinus delphis Ceredigion Borth Pending SW2019/603 Delphinus delphis Swansea Tor Bay Pending SW2019/609 Physeter catadon Gwynedd Hell's Mouth Pending SW2019/671 Delphinus delphis Swansea Oxwich Bay Pending SW2019/680 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle Pending

14. LIST OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES USED IN THIS REPORT.

Table 5.

Common name . Scie ntific name .

Angelshark Squatina squatina Atlantic grey seal Halichoerus grypus Barrel jellyfish Rhizostoma pulmo Bluefin tuna Thunnus thynnus Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena Kemp's Ridley turtle Lepidochelys kempii Leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea Long-finned pilot whale Globicephala melas Minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata Pygmy sperm whale Kogia breviceps Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus Short beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis Sperm whale Physeter catadon Striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba Sturgeon Acipenser sturio

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15. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

Marine Environmental Monitoring wishes to acknowledge the following:

Lin Gander, Ellie West, Keith Hogben, Phil Lewis, Sal Shipley, Sarah Perry, Matthew Westfield, Ceri Morris, Charles Lindenbaum, Charlotte Hawksworth, Gwynedd Maritime Services, Madison Bowden- Parry, Rob Colley, Gemma Venerouso, Kathy James, Simeon Jones, Mark Barber Kate Lock, Chiara Giula, Lee Rogers N&PT, Monica Jones, Nigel Lee, Aline Denton, Anne Howells, Stena Line Ports, Gaerwen Waste Transfer station and Nia Haf 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.

Milford Haven Coastguard, Holyhead Coastguard for reporting strandings plus the many auxiliary coastguards who assisted in searching, securing carcasses and recoveries etc.

Welsh Government & Defra for providing funds towards the project.

16. APPENDICES.

Appendix 1. Cetacean stranding data 2019. Appendix 2. Marine turtle data 2019. Appendix 3. Seal data 2019.

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Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Species (scientific) Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome Date Found County Location Grid Ref SW2019/85 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 18/01/2019 Denbighshire Rhyl SJ 010 820 SW2019/86 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 20/01/2019 Pembrokeshire Fishguard SM 961 377 SW2019/18 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F 116 slight decomposition (code 2b) 22/01/2019 Gwynedd Criccieth SH 506 380 SW2019/87 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 29/01/2019 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH 315 733 SW2019/89 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 02/02/2019 Pembrokeshire Musselwick Sands SM 785 090 SW2019/88 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 03/02/2019 Pembrokeshire Poppit SN 145 490 SW2019/90 FALSE Unknown U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 10/02/2019 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM 850 216 SW2019/91 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 12/02/2019 Anglesey Cymyran beach Rhosneigr SH 305 745 SW2019/68 TRUE Delphinus delphis M 172 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 04/03/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 578 002 SW2019/138 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 10/03/2019 Gwynedd Porth y Nant SH 344 445 SW2019/92 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 11/03/2019 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH 314 740 SW2019/94 TRUE Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 14/03/2019 Anglesey Llanddwyn SH 395 635 SW2019/84 TRUE Globicephala melas F 303 freshly dead (code 2a) 14/03/2019 Gwynedd Criccieth SH 483 372 SW2019/93 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 14/03/2019 Gwynedd Barmouth SH 604 163 SW2019/95 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 15/03/2019 Pembrokeshire SM 870 346 SW2019/96 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 17/03/2019 Gwynedd Menai Strait SH 484 640 SW2019/97 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 17/03/2019 Pembrokeshire Lindsway Bay Milford Haven SM 843 066 SW2019/134 TRUE Phocoena phocoena U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 21/03/2019 Anglesey Silver Bay SH 291 753 SW2019/135 TRUE Phocoena phocoena U 106 23/03/2019 Anglesey Porth Drefarch SH 233 799 SW2019/157 FALSE Unknown U advanced decomposition (code 4) 25/03/2019 Gwynedd Gyrn Goch SH 390 480 SW2019/162 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 30/03/2019 Ceredigion off harbour wall New Quay SN 392 603 SW2019/202 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 01/04/2019 Conwy Penrhyn Bay SH 830 816 SW2019/203 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F 120 advanced decomposition (code 4) 05/04/2019 Conwy Aberconwy SH 760 785 SW2019/205 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 10/04/2019 Pembrokeshire East Angle Bay SM 871 028 SW2019/206 TRUE Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 15/04/2019 Pembrokeshire Freshwater East SS 020 978 SW2019/207 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 17/04/2019 Pembrokeshire Amroth SN 160 067 SW2019/208 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U 130 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 22/04/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 905 SW2019/209 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F 165 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 25/04/2019 Gwynedd Aberdaron SH 176 263 SW2019/210 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F 110 slight decomposition (code 2b) 26/04/2019 Anglesey Trearddur Bay SH 252 790 SW2019/227 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U 91 advanced decomposition (code 4) 11/05/2019 Bridgend Newton Point Porthcawl SS 836 763 SW2019/228 TRUE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 12/05/2019 Conwy Conwy SH 775 787 SW2019/332 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 18/05/2019 Neath Port Talbot Port Talbot SS 773 844 SW2019/333 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M 126 slight decomposition (code 2b) 31/05/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 583 989 SW2019/334 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 01/06/2019 Gwynedd Porth Ceiriad SH 310 247 SW2019/335 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 03/06/2019 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM 847 220 SW2019/278 TRUE Kogia breviceps M 248 moderate decomposition (code 3) 11/06/2019 Carmarthenshire Ginst Point SN 330 075 SW2019/307 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 17/06/2019 Gwynedd Criccieth SH 530 370 SW2019/336 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 17/06/2019 Gwynedd Aberdaron SH 180 260 SW2019/337 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F 86 slight decomposition (code 2b) 19/06/2019 Gwynedd Tonfanau SH 760 033 SW2019/338 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 20/06/2019 Ceredigion Clarach SN 586 841 SW2019/340 FALSE Delphinus delphis M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 21/06/2019 Bridgend Kenfig SS 780 825 SW2019/339 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 22/06/2019 Anglesey Trearddur bay SH 257 788 SW2019/341 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 23/06/2019 Carmarthenshire Gingst point SN 330 080

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetaceans 2019 Page 1 Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Species (scientific) Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome Date Found County Location Grid Ref SW2019/342 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 24/06/2019 Pembrokeshire Barafundle SR 991 950 SW2019/351 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 unknown 01/07/2019 Pembrokeshire Stackpole Quay SR 993 957 SW2019/302 TRUE Balaenoptera acutorostraF 510 moderate decomposition (code 3) 01/07/2019 Anglesey Holyhead SW2019/327 FALSE Tursiops truncatus 312 advanced decomposition (code 4) 07/07/2019 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 436 562 SW2019/352 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 08/07/2019 Swansea Rhossili SS 414 887 SW2019/355 TRUE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 09/07/2019 Ceredigion Off Ynys Lochtyn SN 315 560 SW2019/353 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 09/07/2019 Anglesey Traeth Llydan SH 320 725 SW2019/354 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 09/07/2019 Swansea Owwich Point SS 513 850 SW2019/356 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U 55 advanced decomposition (code 4) 14/07/2019 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ 048 834 SW2019/357 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M 123 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20/07/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 581 996 SW2019/358 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 23/07/2019 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon Sands SS 745 895 SW2019/359 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M 75 moderate decomposition (code 3) 25/07/2019 Ceredigion SN 604 920 SW2019/360 TRUE Phocoena phocoena M 99 slight decomposition (code 2b) 26/07/2019 Pembrokeshire Manorbier SS 060 974 SW2019/416 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 28/07/2019 Pembrokeshire Fort Popton SM 892 035 SW2019/415 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 28/07/2019 Ceredigion Aberaeron SN 470 637 SW2019/433 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 28/07/2019 Carmarthenshire Ferryside SN 364 100 SW2019/426 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 02/08/2019 Swansea Whiteford Sands SS 441 950 SW2019/420 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 03/08/2019 Vale of Glamorgan Knap beach Barry ST 100 662 SW2019/417 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 04/08/2019 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 260 280 SW2019/419 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 05/08/2019 Gwynedd Llanbedrog SH 338 321 SW2019/422 FALSE Delphinus delphis M 213 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 06/08/2019 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon Sands SS 732 908 SW2019/429 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F 152 slight decomposition (code 2b) 13/08/2019 Carmarthenshire Ferryside SN 367 106 SW2019/430 FALSE Unknown M 1250 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 14/08/2019 Pembrokeshire Between Freshwater West andSM 851 014 SW2019/432 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 17/08/2019 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 604 925 SW2019/431 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 17/08/2019 Bridgend Between Porthcawl and OgmoSS 853 767 SW2019/434 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20/08/2019 Ceredigion Aberaeron SN 454 629 SW2019/448 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 22/08/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 573 014 SW2019/446 TRUE Delphinus delphis M 191 freshly dead (code 2a) 22/08/2019 Swansea Swansea SS 664 922 SW2019/449 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 23/08/2019 Anglesey Newborough Warren SH 440 620 SW2019/447 FALSE Grampus griseus F 317 moderate decomposition (code 3) 23/08/2019 Gwynedd Barmouth SH 603 168 SW2019/450 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M 142 advanced decomposition (code 4) 23/08/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 582 994 SW2019/451 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 23/08/2019 Pembrokeshire Manorbier SS 050 975 SW2019/452 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 27/08/2019 Gwynedd Shell Island SH 560 240 SW2019/459 TRUE Delphinus delphis M 121 freshly dead (code 2a) 29/08/2019 Pembrokeshire Nolton Haven SM 858 185 SW2019/491 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 30/08/2019 Swansea Whiteford Sands SS 447 965 SW2019/461 FALSE Delphinus delphis -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 31/08/2019 Swansea Caswell Bay SS 590 875 SW2019/462 TRUE Delphinus delphis M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 31/08/2019 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 882 002 SW2019/490 FALSE Delphinus delphis U 290 advanced decomposition (code 4) 01/09/2019 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SS 435 998 SW2019/496 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 04/09/2019 Pembrokeshire Druidstone SM 860 173 SW2019/493 FALSE Delphinus delphis M 113 moderate decomposition (code 3) 04/09/2019 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 434 560 SW2019/492 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 04/09/2019 Swansea Rhossili SS 413 883 SW2019/494 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 04/09/2019 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 434 561 SW2019/495 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 alive- refloated (code 1) 06/09/2019 Anglesey Red Wharf Bay SH 529 808

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetaceans 2019 Page 2 Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Species (scientific) Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome Date Found County Location Grid Ref SW2019/498 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 07/09/2019 Ceredigion Cwmtydu SN 355 575 SW2019/500 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 07/09/2019 Gwynedd Bennar beach Barmouth SH 570 226 SW2019/477 TRUE Tursiops truncatus M 132 slight decomposition (code 2b) 07/09/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 895 SW2019/503 FALSE Grampus griseus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 07/09/2019 Gwynedd Nant Gwrtheyrn beach SH 342 440 SW2019/499 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 07/09/2019 Gwynedd Bennar beach Barmouth SH 570 225 SW2019/497 FALSE Tursiops truncatus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 07/09/2019 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SS 433 933 SW2019/501 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 08/09/2019 Carmarthenshire Burry Port SN 435 002 SW2019/502 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 08/09/2019 Ceredigion Aberaeron SN 460 636 SW2019/505 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 10/09/2019 Swansea Broughton Bay SS 420 933 SW2019/504 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 10/09/2019 Ceredigion Traeth Gwyn New Quay SN 400 596 SW2019/506 FALSE Delphinus delphis M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12/09/2019 Vale of Glamorgan Ogmore SS 849 770 SW2019/507 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 15/09/2019 Anglesey Aberffraw SH 355 676 SW2019/508 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 16/09/2019 Gwynedd Harlech beach SH 573 300 SW2019/510 FALSE Tursiops truncatus M 396 slight decomposition (code 2b) 23/09/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 562 030 SW2019/531 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 27/09/2019 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM 852 210 SW2019/533 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U 120 unknown 28/09/2019 Gwynedd Llanaber SH 598 178 SW2019/532 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 28/09/2019 Vale of Glamorgan Nash Point SS 912 688 SW2019/522 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F 149 slight decomposition (code 2b) 29/09/2019 Gwynedd Harlech beach SH 572 304 SW2019/535 FALSE Unknown U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 29/09/2019 Pembrokeshire Marloes sands SM 781 076 SW2019/536 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 29/09/2019 Ceredigion SN 521 686 SW2019/534 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 29/09/2019 Vale of Glamorgan Whitmore bay ST 115 664 SW2019/537 TRUE Delphinus delphis M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 06/10/2019 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven north. SM 857 135 SW2019/559 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 10/10/2019 Anglesey Porth Diana SH 253 784 SW2019/581 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12/10/2019 Anglesey Cymyran Beach SH 308 741 SW2019/582 FALSE Delphinus delphis U 121 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 905 SW2019/583 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 14/10/2019 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 260 280 SW2019/584 FALSE Stenella coeruleoalba U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 14/10/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 584 986 SW2019/585 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 14/10/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 584 986 SW2019/586 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 17/10/2019 Gwynedd Criccieth SH 496 375 SW2019/601 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 17/10/2019 Anglesey Silver Bay SH 291 752 SW2019/600 TRUE Delphinus delphis M -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 19/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 896 SW2019/602 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 22/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 905 SW2019/603 TRUE Delphinus delphis F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 24/10/2019 Swansea Tor Bay SS 528 878 SW2019/604 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 26/10/2019 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 579 811 SW2019/695 FALSE Delphinus delphis M 150 unknown 26/10/2019 Pembrokeshire North Haven Slipway Skomer SM 735 095 SW2019/609 TRUE Physeter catodon M 670 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 29/10/2019 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 238 278 SW2019/696 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 05/11/2019 Anglesey Traeth bychan SH 516 848 SW2019/697 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 05/11/2019 Anglesey Penmon SH 622 792 SW2019/698 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 13/11/2019 Gwynedd Porth Colman SH 194 344 SW2019/701 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 13/11/2019 Gwynedd In Menai Strait SH 520 675 SW2019/699 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 16/11/2019 Ceredigion Cei Bach SN 412 598 SW2019/700 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 20/11/2019 Gwynedd Abersoch SH 324 300 SW2019/707 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 27/11/2019 Gwynedd Abersoch SH 325 300

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetaceans 2019 Page 3 Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Species (scientific) Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome Date Found County Location Grid Ref SW2019/702 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U 120 advanced decomposition (code 4) 27/11/2019 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 434 570 SW2019/706 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 27/11/2019 Gwynedd Abersoch SH 324 300 SW2019/710 FALSE Unknown U -9 indeterminate (code 5) 28/11/2019 Gwynedd Plas Beriton Estate SH 491 644 SW2019/671 TRUE Delphinus delphis -9 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 04/12/2019 Swansea Oxwich Bay Swansea SS 510 870 SW2019/713 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 09/12/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 580 998 SW2019/716 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 09/12/2019 Gwynedd Morfa Nefyn SH 280 410 SW2019/717 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 15/12/2019 Pembrokeshire West Angle Bay SM 853 032 SW2019/680 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 15/12/2019 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 434 568 SW2019/719 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 16/12/2019 Vale of Glamorgan Dunraven Bay SS 884 730 SW2019/720 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 17/12/2019 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 882 001 SW2019/721 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20/12/2019 Pembrokeshire Monk Haven SM 828 063 SW2019/724 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 23/12/2019 Anglesey Llanddwyn Island SH 389 632 SW2019/723 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 23/12/2019 Pembrokeshire Little Haven SM 854 129 SW2019/726 FALSE Delphinus delphis U 152 slight decomposition (code 2b) 26/12/2019 Carmarthenshire Pendine SN 250 074 SW2019/728 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 27/12/2019 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 396 002 SW2019/729 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 30/12/2019 Anglesey Porth Cwyfan SH 337 682 SW2019/730 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 31/12/2019 Gwynedd Hafan Y Mor SH 437 365

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetaceans 2019 Page 4 Appendix 2.

RecordKey SpeciesCode SightStrand AliveDead StartDate Country County Location Digital_LatLong Notes

T2019/05 LBT SEA ALIVE 09/06/2019 WALES VALE OF GLAMORGAN Off Lavernack Point between St51.39623N+3.1656625W Possible sighting T2019/09 LBT SEA ALIVE 26/08/2019 WALES SWANSEA Off Gower. 51.529667N+4.33825W Observed feeding on barrel jellyfish from Gower Coast Adventures RIB "Sea Serpent". T2019/18 KR ST DEAD 18/12/2019 WALES SWANSEA Llangennith 51.595008N+4.2946807W Recovered by MEM for examination within the CSIP.

Marine Environmental Monitoring Turtles 2019 Page 1. Appendix 3.

SS Number PM Species (scientific) Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome Date Found County Location Grid Ref SS2019/66 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 13/01/2019 Pembrokeshire Martin's Haven SM 760 091 SS2019/67 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 17/01/2019 Gwynedd Fairbourne SH 614 145 SS2019/68 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 121 advanced decomposition (code 4) 06/02/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 576 007 SS2019/69 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 08/02/2019 Denbighshire Rhyl SH 970 800 SS2019/70 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 18/02/2019 Anglesey Rhoscolyn SH 273 750 SS2019/72 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 21/02/2019 Swansea Swansea SS 643 921 SS2019/71 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 21/02/2019 Pembrokeshire Amroth SN 160 068 SS2019/73 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 21/02/2019 Conwy Conwy SH 797 770 SS2019/74 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 91 freshly dead (code 2a) 27/02/2019 Swansea Swansea SS 635 919 SS2019/75 FALSE Halichoerus grypus F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 07/03/2019 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH 297 751 SS2019/76 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 08/03/2019 Pembrokeshire Morfa Buchan Pendine SN 224 075 SS2019/156 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 29/03/2019 Anglesey nr Silver Bay SH 281 749 SS2019/178 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 03/04/2019 Gwynedd Llanbedr SH 560 274 SS2019/179 FALSE Halichoerus grypus M -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 06/04/2019 Anglesey Rhoscolyn SH 289 749 SS2019/180 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 12/04/2019 Gwynedd Abersoch SH 316 289 SS2019/181 FALSE Halichoerus grypus F 100 freshly dead (code 2a) 26/04/2019 Anglesey Rhoscolyn SH 282 750 SS2019/259 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 28/05/2019 Ceredigion Aberaeron SN 453 628 SS2019/260 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 04/06/2019 Gwynedd Abererch SH 400 358 SS2019/261 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 06/06/2019 Pembrokeshire Monk Haven SM 828 063 SS2019/262 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 167 freshly dead (code 2a) 06/06/2019 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 260 280 SS2019/264 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 24/06/2019 Anglesey Trearddur bay SH 256 790 SS2019/263 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 24/06/2019 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 260 280 SS2019/268 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 100 advanced decomposition (code 4) 14/07/2019 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 525 695 SS2019/313 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 29/07/2019 Ceredigion Borth/Ynyslas SN 604 925 SS2019/314 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 76 advanced decomposition (code 4) 03/08/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 571 016 SS2019/317 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 06/08/2019 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 603 930 SS2019/318 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 06/08/2019 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 579 807 SS2019/319 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 07/08/2019 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 577 816 SS2019/320 FALSE Halichoerus grypus F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 07/08/2019 Gwynedd Llwyngwril SH 590 103 SS2019/322 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 08/08/2019 Conwy Towyn SH 975 802 SS2019/324 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 150 freshly dead (code 2a) 10/08/2019 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 002 882 SS2019/325 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 15/08/2019 Swansea Swansea SS 650 922 SS2019/326 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 17/08/2019 Ceredigion SN 160 499 SS2019/328 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 17/08/2019 Gwynedd Barmouth SH 607 160 SS2019/329 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 24/08/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 577 005 SS2019/330 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 24/08/2019 Swansea Three Cliffs Bay SS 535 878 SS2019/331 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 200 unknown 25/08/2019 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 882 004 SS2019/332 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 26/08/2019 Pembrokeshire Porthselau SM 726 260 SS2019/357 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 26/08/2019 Pembrokeshire Marloes Sands SM 784 073 SS2019/359 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 150 advanced decomposition (code 4) 01/09/2019 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 577 797 SS2019/358 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 01/09/2019 Gwynedd Harlech beach SH 563 323 SS2019/360 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 04/09/2019 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 525 697 SS2019/366 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 07/09/2019 Pembrokeshire Pwllstrodur SM 866 339

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2019 Page 1 Appendix 3.

SS Number PM Species (scientific) Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome Date Found County Location Grid Ref SS2019/361 FALSE Halichoerus grypus M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 07/09/2019 Anglesey Traeth Llydan SH 322 723 SS2019/362 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 08/09/2019 Gwynedd Porth Howell SH 335 438 SS2019/363 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 08/09/2019 Gwynedd Porth Howell SH 335 438 SS2019/364 FALSE Halichoerus grypus -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 09/09/2019 Gwynedd Harlech SH 560 330 SS2019/365 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 100 unknown 11/09/2019 Pembrokeshire Trefin SM 833 325 SS2019/367 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 13/09/2019 Vale of GlamorganOgmore SS 835 764 SS2019/369 FALSE Halichoerus grypus M -9 unknown 14/09/2019 Anglesey Aberffraw SH 360 680 SS2019/368 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 14/09/2019 Ceredigion SN 278 516 SS2019/370 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 20/09/2019 Pembrokeshire Newport SN 054 409 SS2019/372 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 60 moderate decomposition (code 3) 21/09/2019 Pembrokeshire Tenby SN 134 007 SS2019/371 FALSE Halichoerus grypus M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 21/09/2019 Gwynedd Harlech SH 570 311 SS2019/373 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U unknown 25/09/2019 Pembrokeshire Pwllgwaelod SN 004 398 SS2019/384 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 27/09/2019 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 260 280 SS2019/385 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 27/09/2019 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM 852 210 SS2019/383 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 27/09/2019 Pembrokeshire Caerfai bay SM 760 242 SS2019/386 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 28/09/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 920 SS2019/388 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U unknown 28/09/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 905 SS2019/387 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 28/09/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 911 SS2019/389 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 150 moderate decomposition (code 3) 29/09/2019 Anglesey Aberffraw SH 356 676 SS2019/390 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 29/09/2019 Pembrokeshire Newport beach SN 053 408 SS2019/391 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 30/09/2019 Pembrokeshire Angle SM 869 028 SS2019/392 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 05/10/2019 Bridgend Kenfig SS 784 810 SS2019/393 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 121 moderate decomposition (code 3) 07/10/2019 Pembrokeshire West Angle Bay SM 853 032 SS2019/415 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 117 moderate decomposition (code 3) 08/10/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 576 006 SS2019/438 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 09/10/2019 Carmarthenshire Ferryside SN 364 100 SS2019/416 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 110 advanced decomposition (code 4) 09/10/2019 Gwynedd Aberdyfi SN 596 960 SS2019/443 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 150 advanced decomposition (code 4) 10/10/2019 Swansea Pwlldu bay SS 575 870 SS2019/441 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 10/10/2019 Pembrokeshire West Angle Bay SM 853 031 SS2019/442 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 10/10/2019 Ceredigion Llanina point SN 405 600 SS2019/439 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 10/10/2019 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SR 883 998 SS2019/417 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 60 unknown 10/10/2019 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 524 693 SS2019/440 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 10/10/2019 Pembrokeshire West Angle Bay SM 853 032 SS2019/444 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 11/10/2019 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 434 567 SS2019/461 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 914 SS2019/452 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 891 SS2019/455 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 908 SS2019/450 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 12/10/2019 Bridgend Kenfig SS 784 810 SS2019/447 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 577 797 SS2019/458 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 911 SS2019/449 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 12/10/2019 Anglesey Church Bay SH 301 893 SS2019/463 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 916 SS2019/446 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 576 797 SS2019/453 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 891

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2019 Page 2 Appendix 3.

SS Number PM Species (scientific) Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome Date Found County Location Grid Ref SS2019/456 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 909 SS2019/459 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 912 SS2019/462 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 915 SS2019/445 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12/10/2019 Gwynedd Llandanwg SH 568 285 SS2019/457 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 910 SS2019/454 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 891 SS2019/460 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 913 SS2019/451 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 12/10/2019 Bridgend Kenfig SS 784 810 SS2019/448 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 12/10/2019 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 577 797 SS2019/468 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 13/10/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 592 967 SS2019/471 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 13/10/2019 Carmarthenshire Cefn Sidan Sands SN 360 040 SS2019/465 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 13/10/2019 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SR 884 997 SS2019/466 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 13/10/2019 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SR 884 997 SS2019/467 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 13/10/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 578 002 SS2019/470 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 13/10/2019 Carmarthenshire Cefn Sidan Sands SN 370 030 SS2019/464 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 150 unknown 13/10/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 582 995 SS2019/469 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 13/10/2019 Gwynedd Morfa Nefyn SH 280 410 SS2019/472 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 14/10/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SV 002 024 SS2019/473 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 14/10/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 583 989 SS2019/475 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 17/10/2019 Gwynedd Criccieth SH 496 375 SS2019/474 FALSE Halichoerus grypus F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 17/10/2019 Gwynedd Criccieth SH 496 375 SS2019/488 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 20/10/2019 Ceredigion SN 258 517 SS2019/490 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 21/10/2019 Pembrokeshire Newport SN 050 397 SS2019/489 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 21/10/2019 Carmarthenshire Ferryside SN 364 105 SS2019/492 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 22/10/2019 Gwynedd Fairbourne SH 610 141 SS2019/494 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 82 moderate decomposition (code 3) 22/10/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 588 980 SS2019/493 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 22/10/2019 Gwynedd Fairbourne SH 611 143 SS2019/491 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 22/10/2019 Gwynedd Fairbourne SH 610 140 SS2019/496 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 24/10/2019 Pembrokeshire Druidstone SM 860 170 SS2019/495 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 25/10/2019 Pembrokeshire Dale Fort SM 824 051 SS2019/652 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 26/10/2019 Anglesey Trearddur beach SH 256 788 SS2019/654 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 27/10/2019 Pembrokeshire Gelllliswick Bay SM 887 056 SS2019/653 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 27/10/2019 Ceredigion SN 475 638 SS2019/655 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 28/10/2019 Anglesey Borthwen SH 273 751 SS2019/656 FALSE Halichoerus grypus F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 28/10/2019 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH 315 736 SS2019/658 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 06/11/2019 Ceredigion SN 509 675 SS2019/659 FALSE Halichoerus grypus F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 06/11/2019 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SM 859 136 SS2019/660 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 200 moderate decomposition (code 3) 17/11/2019 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 576 006 SS2019/573 TRUE Halichoerus grypus F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 18/11/2019 Conwy Penrhyn Bay SH 823 819 SS2019/661 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 20/11/2019 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven south. SR 980 940 SS2019/662 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20/11/2019 Anglesey Rhoscolyn SH 273 750 SS2019/663 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 23/11/2019 Swansea Three Cliffs Bay SS 535 880 SS2019/664 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 182 unknown 28/11/2019 Anglesey Penrhos beach Hoilyhead SH 262 815

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2019 Page 3 Appendix 3.

SS Number PM Species (scientific) Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome Date Found County Location Grid Ref SS2019/665 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 29/11/2019 Anglesey Aberffraw SH 360 680 SS2019/667 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 09/12/2019 Pembrokeshire Newport SN 053 405 SS2019/666 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 91 unknown 09/12/2019 Anglesey Newborough SH 420 620 SS2019/668 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 15/12/2019 Anglesey Trearddur Bay SH 256 788 SS2019/669 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 21/12/2019 Ceredigion South beach Aberystwyth SN 578 812 SS2019/671 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 30/12/2019 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 604 930 SS2019/670 FALSE Halichoerus grypus F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 30/12/2019 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 890

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2019 Page 4