www.strandings.com

Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings (Welsh Coast) Annual Report 2017

R.S.Penrose. May 2018

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

1 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. 13 4.3 Unusual Occurrences. 14 4.4 Live Strandings. 16 4.5 Tagging. 17

5 OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK 17

5.1 Fish . 17 5.2 Seals. 19 5.3 Sharks. 19 5.4 Marine Turtles. 19

6 SAMPLES 21

7 FUNDING 21

8 PUBLICITY 21

9 LEGISLATION 21

10 EQUIPMENT 21

11 TRAVEL 22

12 ADMINISTRATION 22

13 CAUSE OF DEATH 22

14 LIST OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES USED IN THIS REPORT 23

15 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 23

16 APPENDICES 23

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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 2017. 10 Figure 5. Reported harbour porpoise strandings on the Welsh coast. 11 Figure 6. Harbour porpoise strandings by month. 11 Figure 7. Harbour porpoise strandings averaged over 1990 to 2017. 11 Figure 8. Reported grey seal mortality on the Welsh coast. 12 Figure 9. Grey seal mortality by month. 12 Figure 10. Grey seal reports averaged over 1990 to 2017. 12 Figure 11. Stranding locations of the three porpoises, recovered to the project, killed by bottlenose dolphins in 2017. 13

List of Plates.

Plate 1. Harbour porpoise SW2017/251 at Pembrey. 14 Plate 2. Minke whale SW2017/283 at Oxwich Bay, Swansea. 14 Plate 3. Bottlenose dolphin SW2017/512 at Barmouth. 15 Plate 4. SW2017/384 and SW2017/385. 15 Plate 5. SW2017/550 15 Plate 6. SW2017/558 16 Plate 7. The blue marlin from Freshwater East, being moved to its display tank. 18 Plate 8. The blue marlin in its display tank in bay 2 of the Hintze Hall. 18 Plate 9. Olive ridley turtle T2016/030 at Anglesey Sea Zoo prior to flight. 20

List of Tables. Table 1. 2017 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast). 8 Table 2. 2017 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast). 8 Table 3. 2017 Number of animals selected for post-mortem examination. 9 Table 4. Cause of death (Cetaceans). 22 Table 5. List of scientific names used in this report. 23

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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 148 o anifeiliaid o deulu'r morfil yn 2017. O’r rhain, llamidyddion (114 ohonynt) a grybwyllwyd amlaf.

Cafwyd adroddiadau ynghylch anifeiliaid eraill o deulu'r morfilod wedi tirio ar lannau Cymru yn 2017, gan gynnwys un dolffin trwyn potel, 23 dolffin cyffredin, tri dolffin amhenodol rhesog/cyffredin; tri o rywogaeth amhenodol; un morfil pengrwn; un dolffin Risso a dau forfil pigfain. Daeth un llamhidydd, dau ddolffin cyffredin ac un morfil pengrwn i'r lan yn fyw. Cafodd pob un o'r pedwar ei ail-lansio gan aelodau'r cyhoedd. Daeth un dolffin cyffredin i'r lan eto a marw, a chafwyd y morfil pengrwn yn farw'r drannoeth.

Dewiswyd wyth ar hugain o greaduriaid i’w harchwilio: ugain llamhidydd; chwe dolffin cyffredin; un morfil pigfain a dolffin Risso.

Cafwyd tri llamhidydd yn 2017 ‘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: Yn ogystal â'r samplau arferol a gymerwyd o anifeiliaid a gasglwyd ar gyfer archwiliad post-mortem, cymerwyd samplau hefyd o ddolffin trwyn potel.

Morloi: Derbyniodd MEM adroddiadau am 172 morlo llwyd marw.

Crwbanod: Derbyniodd MEM adroddiadau am bum crwban marw wedi tirio, pob un yn grwban môr cefn lledr. Cafwyd dau adroddiad o weld crwban môr cefn lledr byw.

Heulforgwn: Ni chafwyd unrhyw adroddiad yn ystod 2017 am heulforgi’n tirio.

Ariannu: Dyfarnodd Llywodraeth Cymru/Defra gytundeb newydd ar y 16eg Hydref 2017, i fod mewn grym hyd y 15fed 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-eight cetaceans were reported to Marine Environmental Monitoring in 2017. Harbour porpoise (n=114) was the most frequently reported cetacean.

Other cetaceans reported stranded on the Welsh coast in 2017 included one bottlenose dolphin; 23 common dolphins; three common/striped dolphins indeterminate; three sp. indeterminate; one pilot whale; one Risso’s dolphin and two minke whales. One harbour porpoise and two common dolphins and a long-finned pilot whale live-stranded. All four animals were re-floated by the public. One common dolphin re-stranded and died and the pilot whale was found dead the next day.

Twenty-eight cetaceans were collected for examination: twenty harbour porpoises; six common dolphins; one minke whale and a Risso’s dolphin.

Three harbour porpoises ‘killed by bottlenose dolphin’ were identified in 2017. 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 a bottlenose dolphin.

Seals: One hundred and seventy-two dead Atlantic grey seals were reported to MEM.

Turtles: Five dead stranded turtles were reported to MEM, all leatherback turtles. Reports of two live leatherback turtle ‘sightings’ were received.

Basking sharks: No basking shark strandings were reported during 2017.

Funding: A new contract was awarded on the 16th October 2017 by Defra/Welsh Government to run until the 15th October 2020.

5 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- 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 6 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 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.

2017 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar AprMay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Bottlenose dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 Cetacean sp. Indet. 1 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 Common dolphin 2 0 5 2 3 2 3 0 3 2 0 1 23 Common/striped dolphin (indeterminate)0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 1 3 Harbour porpoise 3 2 5 9 6 6 10 17 14 20 9 13 114 Minke whale 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 Pilot whale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Striped dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total cetaceans 6 2 10 12 12 8 13 18 0 23 9 0 148

Grey seal 6 1 2 3 3 3 2 5 15 77 52 3 172

Total animals 12 3 12 15 15 11 15 23 15 100 61 3 320

Table 2.

2017 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar AprMay 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 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 Common/striped dolphin (indeterminate)0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Harbour porpoise 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Minke whale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Pilot whale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Striped dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total cetaceans 0 0 1 0 1 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 4

Of the 148 cetacean strandings 4 animals were found live-stranded during 2017.

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Table 3.

2017 Number of animals selected for post-mortem examination.

Species Jan Feb Mar AprMay 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 1 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 1 0 1 6 Common/striped dolphin (indeterminate)0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Harbour porpoise 2 0 0 2 2 0 1 2 1 5 3 2 20 Minke whale 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Pilot whale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Striped dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total cetaceans 3 0 0 2 3 0 3 2 0 6 3 0 28

Of the 148 cetacean strandings, 28 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 22.

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

Only one bottlenose dolphin was reported stranded during 2017, the animal was examined in situ on the beach at Barmouth. Numbers of bottlenose dolphin strandings are normally low and individual cases are listed with further details under 4.3 Unusual Occurrences page 14.

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 2017.

10 Harbour porpoise (Phocoena 140 phocoena). 120 100 The harbour porpoise is the 80 most frequently reported 60

stranded cetacean on the Welsh No No reported coast. 40 The black line shown running 20 through the bar chart in Figure 0

5., indicates harbour porpoise

2012 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 neonates3 recovered in each 1990 year. This line has roughly Year mimicked and followed the totals for each year however, Figure 5. Reported harbour porpoise strandings on the Welsh 2004 shows a marked decline coast. 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 6. Harbour porpoise strandings by month. Figure 7. Harbour porpoise strandings averaged over1990 to 2017.

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). 11 Atlantic grey seal 200 (Halichoerus grypus). 180 160 Atlantic grey seal mortality 140 reported to Marine 120 Environmental Monitoring was 100 significantly higher in 2017 80 compared to recent years. The No. reported No. 60 marked increase in reported 40 strandings in 2017 is a result of 20 the storms that occurred in the

later part of the year starting 0

1995 2004 2013 1991 1992 1993 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2014 2015 2016 2017 with ex-hurricane ‘Ophelia’ 16- 1990 th 17 October followed by storm Year ‘Brian’ 21st October and storms th ‘Caroline’ and ‘Dylan’ 7 and Figure 8. Reported grey seal mortality on the Welsh coast. 30th December respectively. 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 8. 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 9. Grey seal mortality by month. Figure 10. Grey seal reports averaged over 1990 to 2017.

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. 12 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 2017.

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 are plotted in Figure 11.

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2

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Figure 11. Locations of the three porpoises, recovered to the project, killed by bottlenose dolphins in 2017.

13 4.3 Unusual Occurrences.

SW2017/251 was a 1.08 metre harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) which was found at Pembrey Country Park, Carmarthenshire on the 4th May 2017. Although the carcass had been opened-up and most of the internal organs were missing the remains were collected for further examination as the blubber was torn/cut in an unusual manner. The cause of death was given as: Physical trauma, grey seal predation (probable).

Grey seal predation on grey seals is now well documented in parts of Europe and the rest of the UK and similar remains of predated grey seals have been found on the Welsh coast although seals are not routinely funded for examination in Wales. In recent years, porpoises have also been found to be on the grey seal Plate 1. Harbour porpoise SW2017/251 at Pembrey. menu with a live porpoise being Photo by: Emyr Richards, Pembrey CP. observed being attacked, killed and eaten in 2014 in Ramsey Sound, Pembrokeshire.

SW2017/283 was a 3.85 metre juvenile female minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) which was reported dead, in a rock pool at Oxwich Bay on the Gower, Swansea on the 21st May 2017. Unfortunately, the Welsh Strandings Co-ordinator was on leave over this period. ZSL/CSIP provided cover, as the animal was in a very fresh condition, and travelled down from London to conduct an on-site examination. The cause of death is provisionally given as generalised bacterial infection (Photobacterium damselae sp.), pending histopathology. Plate 2. Minke whale SW2017/283 at Oxwich Bay, Swansea. Many thanks to all the local Natural Resources Wales staff, colleagues Photo by: NRW from Swansea University, the staff of Gower Coast Adventures and Judith Oakley for their much- valued assistance during the necropsy.

14 SW2017/512 was a 3.4 metre male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) reported stranded at Barmouth, Gwynedd by Holyhead Coastguard on the 8th of September 2017. The external appearance of the carcass indicated it was in a state of moderate/advanced decomposition and it was felt that further delays in sampling the carcass ie transporting to London, would deem any samples unusable. However, on opening the carcass the internal organs were not that autolysed and a full suite of samples were collected. The remains were safely disposed of with the help of Gwynedd Maritime Services. Plate 3. Bottlenose dolphin SW2017/512 at Barmouth. Photo by: Lin Gander. Unsually high numbers of marine mammals, mostly cetaceans, were reported stranded dead in south Wales over a 91day period, 18th July – 16th October 2017. Counties involved consisted of Carmarthenshire, Swansea, Neath Port Talbot, Bridgend, Vale of Glamorgan, Cardiff and Newport. Numbers continued to be reported for a short while after 16th October but these have not been included as Storm Ophelia arrived on the 16th October Plate 4. SW2017/384 and SW2017/385 which would confound any comparison with previous years. Most carcasses were unsuitable for examination due to decomposition. However, five cetaceans were recovered during this area/period for post-mortem examination. Several carcasses exhibited signs that they had been opened-up most likely in an attempt to sink the animal. Commom dolphin SW2017/385 Plate 4. stranded at Caswell Bay on the Gower, Swansea on the 21st July, it was recovered together with SW2017/384 which had live-stranded near-by the previous day. Plate 5. SW2017/550 SW2017/385 had several cuts across the belly and a subsequent post-mortem examination determined the cause of death as bycatch. Harbour porpoise SW2017/550 Plate 5. washed in at Aberavon Sands, Neath Port Talbot on the 23rd September 2017 followed by SW2017/558 Plate 6. which washed in on the same beach on 2nd October 2017. Both carcasses showed similar injuries and were collected for examination. SW2017/558 was determined as bycatch and SW2017/550 as bycatch (probable). 15 In total, 30 cetaceans were reported stranded over this stretch of coastline for the period described above compared with 16 cetacean strandings for the previous year. Increase in stranded cetaceans over this same period was not observed on the north Devon coast. Welsh Government and Sea Fisheries were made aware.

Plate 6. SW2017/558

4.4 Live Strandings.

Four live cetacean strandings were reported in 2017. These are listed below.

SW2017/201 was a harbour porpoise reported live-stranded at Oxwich on the Gower, Swansea on the 18th March 2017. The porpoise was attended by BDMLR medics and multiple re-floats were conducted until it swam off. Milford Haven Coastguard were informed in case it should re-strand. No further info.

SW2017/253 was a juvenile common dolphin live-stranded at Pwllheli, Gwynedd on the 7th May 2017. The animal was attended by both BDMLR and RSPCA and was re-floated to what was thought to be its mother but turned out to be a slightly larger juvenile. Both animals were ushered to deeper water. No further info.

SW2017/384 was a common dolphin live-stranded at Aberavon Sands, Port Talbot on the 18th July 2017. Coastguard and RSPCA attended, photographs received from the RSPCA Inspector showed notable wasting of longissimus dorsii and psoas muscles indicating the animal to be in poor body condition. I advised euthanasia but the ever-growing crowd on the beach returned the animal to the sea. On the 20th July, 2 days later, the same animal live-stranded at Mumbles on the Gower, Swansea. BDMLR were in attendance and attempting re-floating until we managed to get a vet present, the dolphin then died under sedation prior to euthanasia.

Bacteriology revealed a Vibrio sp. in pure culture in lung, kidney and liver. Possibly also in the brain (pending final confirmation of species). Diagnosis- generalised bacterial infection (Vibrio sp.), pending histopathology

SW2017/479 was a live-stranded long-finned pilot whale calf at Rhosneigr, Anglesey on the 1st August 2017. The animal was re-floated by members of the public before expert help could arrive. The calf was retrospectively reported dead the next day on the same beach but nothing was found by a search by NRW Bangor. Presumed taken by the tide, no further info.

16 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 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.

SW2017/233 was a freshly dead harbour porpoise found floating at sea off New Quay, Ceredigion on the 13th April 2017 and tagged by Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group. (CBMWG). No further reports were received on this animal.

SS2017/423 was a grey seal stranded at Llandudno, Conwy on the 20th November with a flipper tag displaying D190. Subsequent enquiries showed this animal to have been tagged by St Andrews University. The carcass was stored frozen at NRW Bangor for later collection by St Andrews.

5. OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK.

5.1 Fish.

In the 2016 Annual Report, I reported that the main Hinze Hall at the Natural History Museum (NHM) is soon to be updated in 2017 and unfortunately ‘Dippy’ the dinosaur is to be packed away. The replacement exhibit is to be the skeleton of the massive blue whale suspended from the ceiling. I am pleased to say that the blue marlin (Makaira nigricans) that stranded on Saturday morning the 3rd September 2016 at Freshwater East, Pembrokeshire did survive to make it to one of the ‘Wonder Bays’ to be displayed alongside the blue whale. The four-metre-long blue marlin is one of the largest specimens preserved whole in glycerol in the NHM collections. All the exhibits in the main hall are now complete and fully open to the public. A NHM video on preparation and installation can be viewed here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FipvvYd-5M

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

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Plate 7. The blue marlin from Freshwater East, Pembrokeshire being moved to its display tank. Photo by: Natural History Museum, London.

Plate 8. The blue marlin in its display tank in bay 2 of the Hintze Hall. Photo by: Natural History Museum, London.

18 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 12. 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 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 (See 4.3 Unusual Occurrences). 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.

5.3 Sharks.

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

No basking sharks were reported during 2017.

5.4 Marine Turtles.

There were five reports of stranded marine turtles and two reports of sightings of marine turtles received around the Welsh coast during 2017. The stranded turtles were all leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). Both sightings were also leatherback turtles (one dead one alive). These are listed below.

Turtle Strandings

T2017/015 was an advanced decomposed (carapace only) leatherback turtle found on Harlech beach, Gwynedd on the 8th September 2017.

T2017/020 was a moderately decomposed 188cm SOL (straight overall length) leatherback turtle found dead at Mwnt, Ceredigion on the 15th September 2017. The carcass could not be removed for examination due to poor access. The head was removed the next day presumably by trophy hunters.

T2017/022 was an advanced decomposed leatherback turtle reported stranded dead at Pendine, Carmarthenshire, on the 14th October 2017. This section of beach is a firing range and has limited access, unfortunately access to the carcass could not be given due to the range being live.

T2017/023 was an advanced decomposed leatherback turtle reported stranded dead at Cable Bay,

19 Anglesey on the 17th October 2017. The carcass was passed to Anglesey County Council for disposal.

T2017/024 was an advanced decomposed leatherback turtle reported stranded dead at Aberaeron, Ceredigion on the 11th November 2017. The carcass had no limbs and was approximately 150cm SOL (straight overall length). The carcass was passed to Ceredigion County Council for disposal.

Turtle Sightings

T2017/001 was a Leatherback turtle reported dead off AberGrugog Bay near Fishguard, Pembrokeshire, on the 15th January 2017.

T2017/010 was a Leatherback turtle reported alive near Stackpole Quay, Pembrokeshire on the 27th August 2017.

Plate 9. Olive ridley turtle T2016/030 at Anglesey Sea Zoo prior to flight.

The olive ridley T2016/030 found live-stranded in the Menai Straits, Anglesey, North Wales on 12th November 2016 improved sufficiently to be flown to Gran Canaria on the 19th June 2017 to continue her rehabilitation. She was tagged with both a PIT tag and flipper tags in preparation 3rd May 2017.

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

20 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 were taken from the bottlenose dolphin SW2017/512 by the Strandings Co- ordinator on-site at Barmouth.

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 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

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 Strandings phone was found to be not working 10th April 2017. The Strandings vehicle continued to have a suspension/engine management fault randomly through 21 2017 together with a turbo failure following a MOT. The vehicle is becoming unreliable and expensive to maintain, a second-hand replacement vehicle is being investigated.

11. TRAVEL.

In excess of 5,649 miles were covered on the project in retrieval and transportation of animals in 2017.

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.

2017 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 25 selected cetaceans in a suitable condition for necropsy in 2017 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.

Table 4.

SW Number Family/Genus Species County Locality Cause of Death SW2017/9 Delphinus delphis Gwynedd Porth Ysgaden Generalised bacterial infection (Clostridium ramosum). SW2017/10 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Llanrhystud Parasitism, pulmonary (heavy). SW2017/58 Phocoena phocoena Swansea Swansea Possible generalised bacterial infection (polymicrobial). SW2017/231 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Penbryn Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack SW2017/236 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Hell's Mouth Pulmonary parasitism, heavy. SW2017/251 Phocoena phocoena Carmarthenshire Pembrey Physical trauma, grey seal predation (probable). SW2017/252 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Off New Quay Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack SW2017/283 Balaenoptera acutorostrata Swansea Oxwich Bay Generalised bacterial infection (Photobacterium damselae). SW2017/384 Delphinus delphis Swansea Mumbles Generalised bacterial infection (Vibrio sp). SW2017/385 Delphinus delphis Swansea Caswell Bay Physical trauma, by-catch SW2017/417 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Aberffraw Peritonitis (E.coli), sequential to perforated fundic stomach wall. SW2017/466 Phocoena phocoena Swansea Limeslade Bay Starvation/hypothermia (neonate). SW2017/482 Delphinus delphis Pembrokeshire Ramsey Sound Physical trauma, ship strike. SW2017/503 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Ynyslas Starvation/hypothermia. SW2017/550 Phocoena phocoena Neath Port Talbot Aberavon Bycatch (probable). SW2017/558 Phocoena phocoena Neath Port Talbot Aberavon Physical trauma, by-catch SW2017/582 Delphinus delphis Ceredigion Aberarth Generalised debilitation (pending histopathology). SW2017/607 Phocoena phocoena Denbighshire Rhyl Chronic fibrinous/fibrous pleuritis (associated with Aspergillus fumigatus). SW2017/612 Phocoena phocoena Flintshire Mostyn Physical trauma, by-catch SW2017/663 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Llanrhystud Starvation/hypothermia. SW2017/669 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Barmouth Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack (possible). SW2017/710 Grampus griseus Anglesey Porth Nobla Neonatal death. SW2017/732 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Porth Dinllaen Not established. SW2017/742 Delphinus delphis Carmarthenshire Pendine sands Live stranding. SW2017/743 Phocoena phocoena Swansea Swansea Starvation/hypothermia.

22 14. LIST OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES USED IN THIS REPORT.

Table 5.

Common name. Scientific name. Atlantic grey seal Halichoerus grypus Blue marlin Makaira nigricans Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena Leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea Long-finned pilot whale Globicephala melas Minke whale Balaenoptera acutorostrata Olive Ridley turtle Lepidochelys olivacea Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus Short beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis

15. 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, Phil Lewis, Gemma Veneruso, Rhodri Dafydd, Will Stockton, Ben Sampson, Blaise Bullimore, Katrin Lohrengel, Kathy James, Mari Williams, Sandra Davies, Frankie Hobro, Ceri Morris 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.

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 2017. Appendix 2. Marine turtle data 2017. Appendix 3. Seal data 2017.

23 Appendix 1.

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

SW2017/009 Y Delphinus delphis M 159 slight decomposition (code 2b) 12-Jan-17 Gwynedd Porth Ysgaden SH 219 374 SW2017/010 Y Phocoena phocoena M 141 slight decomposition (code 2b) 14-Jan-17 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 521 685 SW2017/056 N Delphinus delphis F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 22-Jan-17 Ceredigion Aberaeron SN 455 631 SW2017/057 N Unknown U -9 unknown 24-Jan-17 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven South SR 978 939 SW2017/058 Y Phocoena phocoena M 99 slight decomposition (code 2b) 25-Jan-17 Swansea Swansea SS 620 905 SW2017/059 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 28-Jan-17 Pembrokeshire Castlebeach SM 819 050 SW2017/120 N Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 06-Feb-17 Vale of Glamorgan Aberthaw ST 025 655 SW2017/121 N Phocoena phocoena U 152 unknown 28-Feb-17 Pembrokeshire Sandy Haven SM 857 085 SW2017/122 N Delphinus delphis U 150 slight decomposition (code 2b) 02-Mar-17 Gwynedd Bennar beach SH 565 230 SW2017/198 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 03-Mar-17 Pembrokeshire Porthlisky SM 731 236 SW2017/197 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 05-Mar-17 Gwynedd Shell Island SH 553 266 SW2017/199 N Phocoena phocoena M -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 16-Mar-17 Gwynedd Harlech SH 565 321 SW2017/200 N Delphinus delphis U -9 unknown 18-Mar-17 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 883 000 SW2017/201 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 alive- refloated (code 1) 18-Mar-17 Swansea Oxwich Bay SS 510 870 SW2017/207 N Phocoena phocoena M -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 21-Mar-17 Anglesey Aberffraw SH 360 680 SW2017/202 N Delphinus delphis U 160 moderate decomposition (code 3) 21-Mar-17 Vale of Glamorgan Southerndown SS 885 730 SW2017/203 N Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 24-Mar-17 Swansea Rhossili SS 413 887 SW2017/204 N Delphinus delphis F 150 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 31-Mar-17 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 604 941 SW2017/230 N Phocoena phocoena M 140 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 06-Apr-17 Ceredigion Traeth Gwyn New Quay SN 401 596 SW2017/237 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 07-Apr-17 Pembrokeshire Frainslake Sands SR 890 980 SW2017/235 N Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 09-Apr-17 Pembrokeshire Settlands SM 857 133 SW2017/231 Y Phocoena phocoena M 118 slight decomposition (code 2b) 10-Apr-17 Ceredigion Penbryn SN 285 520 SW2017/232 N Phocoena phocoena M -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 12-Apr-17 Ceredigion Wallog SN 588 855 SW2017/234 N Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 13-Apr-17 Ceredigion Off New Quay SN 376 751 SW2017/233 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 13-Apr-17 Ceredigion Off New Quay SN 260 894 SW2017/236 Y Phocoena phocoena F 118.5 slight decomposition (code 2b) 14-Apr-17 Gwynedd Hells Mouth SH 283 260 SW2017/239 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 22-Apr-17 Ceredigion Morfa Buchan SN 563 768 SW2017/238 N Unknown U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 23-Apr-17 Vale of Glamorgan Nr Nash Point SS 901 709 SW2017/248 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 26-Apr-17 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 908 SW2017/249 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 27-Apr-17 Ceredigion Traeth Gwyn New Quay SN 395 595 SW2017/250 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 02-May-17 Bridgend Trecco Bay Porthcawl SS 830 765 SW2017/251 Y Phocoena phocoena U 108.5 slight decomposition (code 2b) 04-May-17 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 384 013 SW2017/252 Y Phocoena phocoena F 107 freshly dead (code 2a) 07-May-17 Ceredigion Off New Quay SN 380 610 SW2017/253 N Delphinus delphis U -9 alive- refloated (code 1) 07-May-17 Gwynedd Pwllheli SH 436 360 SW2017/341 N Delphinus delphis U -9 unknown 10-May-17 Pembrokeshire Fishguard SM 958 378 SW2017/342 N Unknown U -9 unknown 16-May-17 Conwy Llanfairfechan SH 670 750 SW2017/343 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 16-May-17 Anglesey Newborough Warren SH 420 620 SW2017/273 N Balaenoptera acutorostrata U 243 moderate decomposition (code 3) 18-May-17 Gwynedd Criccieth SH 494 376 SW2017/344 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 19-May-17 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 386 011 SW2017/283 Y Balaenoptera acutorostrata F 385 freshly dead (code 2a) 21-May-17 Swansea Oxwich Bay SS 509 856

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetacean 2017 Page 1 Appendix 1.

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

SW2017/345 N Delphinus delphis U -9 unknown 27-May-17 Pembrokeshire Porth Lisky SM 730 237 SW2017/346 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 30-May-17 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 577 005 SW2017/347 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 07-Jun-17 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 583 820 SW2017/360 N Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 14-Jun-17 Pembrokeshire Porth Clais SM 745 241 SW2017/350 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 16-Jun-17 Bridgend Trecco Bay SS 830 765 SW2017/349 N Delphinus delphis U -9 unknown 16-Jun-17 Swansea Caswell Bay SS 592 874 SW2017/348 N Phocoena phocoena U 76 slight decomposition (code 2b) 16-Jun-17 Anglesey Cemlyn SH 334 933 SW2017/351 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 24-Jun-17 Carmarthenshire Pembrey Country Park SN 390 000 SW2017/352 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 28-Jun-17 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 577 798 SW2017/353 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 28-Jun-17 Ceredigion Aberystwyrh SN 581 818 SW2017/354 N Phocoena phocoena M -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 03-Jul-17 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 562 029 SW2017/361 N Phocoena phocoena U 75 moderate decomposition (code 3) 05-Jul-17 Anglesey Newborough Warren SH 387 644 SW2017/362 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 09-Jul-17 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 579 800 SW2017/363 N Delphinus delphis U 182 moderate decomposition (code 3) 11-Jul-17 Gwynedd Criccieth SH 496 376 SW2017/422 N Phocoena phocoena M 75 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 14-Jul-17 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 603 930 SW2017/384 Y Delphinus delphis M 205 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 20-Jul-17 Swansea Mumbles Swansea SS 615 894 SW2017/385 Y Delphinus delphis M 192 moderate decomposition (code 3) 21-Jul-17 Swansea Caswell Bay SS 593 874 SW2017/423 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 23-Jul-17 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 435 567 SW2017/424 N Phocoena phocoena U 75 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 25-Jul-17 Carmarthenshire Ginst Point SN 330 080 SW2017/417 Y Phocoena phocoena M 167 slight decomposition (code 2b) 28-Jul-17 Anglesey Aberffraw SH 339 674 SW2017/425 N Phocoena phocoena U 145 advanced decomposition (code 4) 29-Jul-17 Gwynedd Harlech SH 568 318 SW2017/426 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 30-Jul-17 Gwynedd Harlech SN 565 320 SW2017/427 N Phocoena phocoena U 75 slight decomposition (code 2b) 31-Jul-17 Bridgend Newton Beach Porthcawl SS 837 765 SW2017/466 Y Phocoena phocoena M 73 slight decomposition (code 2b) 01-Aug-17 Swansea Limeslade Bay SS 625 871 SW2017/479 N Globicephala melas U -9 alive- refloated (code 1) 01-Aug-17 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH 315 730 SW2017/480 N Phocoena phocoena F 75 slight decomposition (code 2b) 02-Aug-17 Bridgend Porthcawl SS 820 763 SW2017/481 N Phocoena phocoena U 75 moderate decomposition (code 3) 06-Aug-17 Swansea Mewslade Bay SS 422 873 SW2017/494 N Phocoena phocoena U 61 advanced decomposition (code 4) 07-Aug-17 Swansea Witford Sands SS 443 956 SW2017/497 N Phocoena phocoena F 152 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 08-Aug-17 Bridgend Trecco Bay Porthcawl SS 830 765 SW2017/495 N Phocoena phocoena U 75 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 08-Aug-17 Bridgend Trecco Bay Porthcawl SS 830 764 SW2017/496 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 08-Aug-17 Ceredigion Aberwenol Borth SN 600 883 SW2017/498 N Phocoena phocoena M 75 advanced decomposition (code 4) 09-Aug-17 Swansea Swansea SS 660 923 SW2017/499 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12-Aug-17 Gwynedd Fairbourne SH 610 132 SW2017/500 N Phocoena phocoena M -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 16-Aug-17 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon SS 735 903 SW2017/501 N Phocoena phocoena U 75 advanced decomposition (code 4) 18-Aug-17 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon SS 740 900 SW2017/502 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20-Aug-17 Swansea Brandy Cove SS 585 874 SW2017/503 Y Phocoena phocoena F 151 moderate decomposition (code 3) 24-Aug-17 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 605 945 SW2017/504 N Phocoena phocoena M 75 moderate decomposition (code 3) 26-Aug-17 Bridgend Aberavon SS 746 891 SW2017/505 N Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 30-Aug-17 Ceredigion Llanon SN 503 664 SW2017/506 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 30-Aug-17 Gwynedd Caer Daniel Caravan Park BarmouthSH 598 180

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetacean 2017 Page 2 Appendix 1.

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

SW2017/507 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 31-Aug-17 Bridgend Margam Sands SS 760 870 SW2017/508 N Phocoena phocoena F 115 advanced decomposition (code 4) 02-Sep-17 Denbighshire Rhyl SJ 010 821 SW2017/482 Y Delphinus delphis F 110 slight decomposition (code 2b) 05-Sep-17 Pembrokeshire Ramsey Sound SM 710 240 SW2017/509 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 05-Sep-17 Bridgend Rest Bay Porthcawl SS 796 790 SW2017/539 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 08-Sep-17 Bridgend Kenfig SS 786 812 SW2017/512 N Tursiops truncatus M 340 moderate decomposition (code 3) 08-Sep-17 Gwynedd Barmouth SH 618 154 SW2017/540 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 09-Sep-17 Carmarthenshire Pendine SN 250 075 SW2017/541 N Phocoena phocoena F 130 moderate decomposition (code 3) 09-Sep-17 Vale of Glamorgan Ogmore-by-Sea SS 863 748 SW2017/542 N Phocoena phocoena M -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 10-Sep-17 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 603 927 SW2017/543 N Unknown U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 11-Sep-17 Swansea Whiteford Sands SS 442 955 SW2017/544 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 12-Sep-17 Gwynedd Aberdovey SN 592 970 SW2017/546 N Delphinus delphis U 150 slight decomposition (code 2b) 14-Sep-17 Bridgend Porthcawl SS 815 765 SW2017/547 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 17-Sep-17 Neath Port Talbot Morfa Beach Port Talbot SS 773 845 SW2017/548 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 21-Sep-17 Pembrokeshire Wiseman's Bridge SN 145 060 SW2017/549 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 22-Sep-17 Newport Newport ST 311 825 SW2017/551 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 23-Sep-17 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 878 006 SW2017/550 Y Phocoena phocoena M 136 slight decomposition (code 2b) 23-Sep-17 Neath Port Talbot Port Talbot SS 745 893 SW2017/552 N Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 24-Sep-17 Pembrokeshire Monk Haven SM 829 063 SW2017/553 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 27-Sep-17 Newport Collister Pill ST 451 858 SW2017/559 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 29-Sep-17 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon SS 740 901 SW2017/560 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 01-Oct-17 Flintshire Talacre SJ 097 847 SW2017/561 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 02-Oct-17 Anglesey Trearddur Bay SH 256 788 SW2017/558 Y Phocoena phocoena M 135 moderate decomposition (code 3) 02-Oct-17 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon SS 740 900 SW2017/628 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 03-Oct-17 Gwynedd Harlech SH 560 330 SW2017/594 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 03-Oct-17 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 522 687 SW2017/593 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 03-Oct-17 Pembrokeshire PorthLiskey SM 730 237 SW2017/595 N Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 05-Oct-17 Vale of Glamorgan Llantwit Major SS 955 674 SW2017/582 Y Delphinus delphis F 173 moderate decomposition (code 3) 08-Oct-17 Ceredigion Aberarth SN 481 643 SW2017/596 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 08-Oct-17 Ceredigion Llangrannog SN 310 543 SW2017/592 Y Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 10-Oct-17 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 573 013 SW2017/597 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 10-Oct-17 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 524 694 SW2017/605 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 12-Oct-17 Pembrokeshire Rhoscolyn SH 259 769 SW2017/606 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 15-Oct-17 Vale of Glamorgan Llantwit Major SS 955 674 SW2017/601 Y Phocoena phocoena M -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 17-Oct-17 Anglesey Cable Bay SH 331 705 SW2017/608 N Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 17-Oct-17 Carmarthenshire Ferryside SN 366 106 SW2017/607 Y Phocoena phocoena M 144 slight decomposition (code 2b) 18-Oct-17 Denbighshire Rhyl SJ 020 824 SW2017/609 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 18-Oct-17 Gwynedd Criccieth SH 510 380 SW2017/610 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 18-Oct-17 Anglesey Trearddur Bay SH 256 788 SW2017/624 N Unknown U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 22-Oct-17 Vale of Glamorgan Gileston ST 021 660 SW2017/612 Y Phocoena phocoena M 123 slight decomposition (code 2b) 23-Oct-17 Flintshire Mostyn SJ 174 798

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetacean 2017 Page 3 Appendix 1.

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

SW2017/625 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 23-Oct-17 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 390 006 SW2017/626 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 24-Oct-17 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH 315 730 SW2017/627 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 27-Oct-17 Pembrokeshire Marloes Sands SM 785 073 SW2017/632 N Phocoena phocoena M -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 06-Nov-17 Anglesey Llanddwyn SH 400 633 SW2017/662 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 12-Nov-17 Ceredigion New Quay SN 394 596 SW2017/663 Y Phocoena phocoena F 115 slight decomposition (code 2b) 14-Nov-17 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 519 684 SW2017/664 Y Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 16-Nov-17 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 603 933 SW2017/675 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 21-Nov-17 Gwynedd Criccieth SH 495 375 SW2017/669 Y Phocoena phocoena M 146 slight decomposition (code 2b) 23-Nov-17 Gwynedd Barmouth SH 603 168 SW2017/676 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 23-Nov-17 Anglesey Trearddur Bay SH 256 789 SW2017/677 N Phocoena phocoena F 213 unknown 24-Nov-17 Gwynedd Criccieth SH 483 373 SW2017/713 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 30-Nov-17 Anglesey Trearddur Bay SH 256 788 SW2017/714 N Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 01-Dec-17 Conwy Conwy Morfa SH 760 790 SW2017/710 Y Grampus griseus M 156 slight decomposition (code 2b) 06-Dec-17 Anglesey Porth Nobla SH 330 713 SW2017/733 N Unknown U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 10-Dec-17 Neath Port Talbot Sker Beach SS 778 832 SW2017/730 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 13-Dec-17 Conwy Colwyn Bay SH 860 790 SW2017/731 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 14-Dec-17 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SR 884 992 SW2017/732 Y Phocoena phocoena F 101 slight decomposition (code 2b) 16-Dec-17 Gwynedd Porth Dinllaen SH 277 412 SW2017/745 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 21-Dec-17 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 606 946 SW2017/744 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 24-Dec-17 Gwynedd Shell Island SH 555 245 SW2017/746 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 27-Dec-17 Gwynedd Nefyn SH 300 408 SW2017/748 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 28-Dec-17 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 522 687 SW2017/750 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 28-Dec-17 Conwy Little Orme SH 821 825 SW2017/747 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 28-Dec-17 Swansea Oxwich Bay SS 507 860 SW2017/749 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 28-Dec-17 Conwy Llandulas SH 920 785 SW2017/742 Y Delphinus delphis F 202 slight decomposition (code 2b) 30-Dec-17 Carmarthenshire Pendine Sands SN 250 075 SW2017/743 Y Phocoena phocoena F 92 slight decomposition (code 2b) 31-Dec-17 Swansea Swansea SS 648 922 SW2017/751 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 31-Dec-17 Bridgend Newton beach SS 838 765

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetacean 2017 Page 4 Appendix 2.

RecordKey PM Species SightStrand AliveDead StartDate County Location Digital_LatLong Notes

T2017/001 LBT SEA DEAD 15/01/2017 PEMBROKESHIRE Aber Grugog Bay 100m from land 52.008260N+4.9373308W Seen through binoculars from cliff top. Gull predation. T2017/010 LBT SEA ALIVE 27/08/2017 PEMBROKESHIRE 600M offshore near Stackpole Quay. 51.604228N+4.9097185W Seen briefly 3m from fishing boat as it surfaced. T2017/015 LBT ST DEAD 08/09/2017 GWYNEDD Harlech Beach 52.855646N+4.1252538W Carapace only T2017/020 LBT ST DEAD 15/09/2017 CEREDIGION MWNT 52.135770N+4.6417341W NT PROPERTY, NO VEHICULAR ACCESS. T2017/022 LBT ST DEAD 14/10/2017 CARMARTHENSHIRE PENDINE 51.735404N+4.5270562W on MOD beach. Limbs appear missing in pic, head still attached. MEM unable to access beach. T2017/023 LBT ST DEAD 17/10/2017 ANGLESEY Cable bay 53.205296N+4.5004238W T2017/024 LBT ST DEAD 11/11/2017 CEREDIGION Aberaeron North Beach 52.249192N+4.2455709W Seen by walking birders in surf . Was left stranded on beach. Advanced decomposition no limbs. Appros 5ft.

Marine Environmental Monitoring Turtles 2017 Page 1 Appendix 3.

National Reference Species Date Location Local Authority Grid Ref Sex Length Condition SS2017/1 Halichoerus grypus 01/01/2017 Beaumaris Anglesey SH 615 779 U 150 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/3 Halichoerus grypus 04/01/2017 Black Rock Sands Gwynedd SH 530 370 U -9 unknown SS2017/4 Halichoerus grypus 15/01/2017 Aberaeron Ceredigion SN 460 635 U -9 unknown SS2017/5 Halichoerus grypus 16/01/2017 Conwy Conwy SH 767 792 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) SS2017/6 Halichoerus grypus 18/01/2017 Llanrhystud Ceredigion SN 520 685 F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/39 Halichoerus grypus 21/01/2017 Aberffraw Anglesey SH 379 641 F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/94 Halichoerus grypus 18/02/2017 Coppet Hall Saundersfoot.Pembrokeshire SN 141 053 U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) SS2017/95 Halichoerus grypus 03/03/2017 Oxwich Bay Swansea SS 520 877 U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) SS2017/109 Halichoerus grypus 07/03/2017 Harlech Gwynedd SH 560 333 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/118 Halichoerus grypus 09/04/2017 Trearddur Bay Anglesey SH 256 788 U 182 unknown SS2017/119 Halichoerus grypus 11/04/2017 Bracelet Bay Swansea SS 631 873 U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) SS2017/121 Halichoerus grypus 28/04/2017 Cei Bach Ceredigion SN 410 599 U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) SS2017/152 Halichoerus grypus 21/05/2017 Aberystwyth Ceredigion SN 583 820 U -9 unknown SS2017/153 Halichoerus grypus 27/05/2017 Porth Lisky Pembrokeshire SM 730 237 F -9 freshly dead (code 2a) SS2017/154 Halichoerus grypus 28/05/2017 Aberdaron Gwynedd SH 174 263 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/155 Halichoerus grypus 09/06/2017 Rhoscolyn Anglesey SH 291 752 U -9 unknown SS2017/156 Halichoerus grypus 17/06/2017 Burry Port Carmarthenshire SN 444 002 U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) SS2017/157 Halichoerus grypus 25/06/2017 Borth Ceredigion SN 608 900 U -9 unknown SS2017/159 Halichoerus grypus 09/07/2017 Llanrhystud Ceredigion SN 524 693 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/180 Halichoerus grypus 13/07/2017 Rhosilli Swansea SS 412 883 U -9 unknown SS2017/211 Halichoerus grypus 03/08/2017 Trearddur Bay Anglesey SH 254 791 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) SS2017/210 Halichoerus grypus 03/08/2017 Ferryside Carmarthenshire SN 363 100 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) SS2017/212 Halichoerus grypus 04/08/2017 Fairbourne Gwynedd SH 610 132 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) SS2017/235 Halichoerus grypus 12/08/2017 Fairbourne Gwynedd SH 610 130 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) SS2017/236 Halichoerus grypus 18/08/2017 Borth Ceredigion SN 608 890 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) SS2017/248 Halichoerus grypus 09/09/2017 Cemlyn Bay Anglesey SH 333 933 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/250 Halichoerus grypus 13/09/2017 Cei bach Ceredigion SN 410 598 U -9 unknown SS2017/249 Halichoerus grypus 13/09/2017 Newport Pembrokeshire SN 042 399 U -9 unknown SS2017/251 Halichoerus grypus 14/09/2017 Pink Bay Porthcawl Bridgend SS 797 792 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/252 Halichoerus grypus 16/09/2017 Llwyngwrll Gwynedd SH 583 100 U -9 unknown SS2017/254 Halichoerus grypus 17/09/2017 Whitesands Bay Pembrokeshire SM 732 271 U -9 unknown SS2017/253 Halichoerus grypus 17/09/2017 Whitesands Bay Pembrokeshire SM 732 270 U -9 unknown SS2017/255 Halichoerus grypus 17/09/2017 Ogmore Vale of Glamorgan SS 863 747 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/256 Halichoerus grypus 18/09/2017 Aberbach Pembrokeshire SM 883 351 U -9 unknown SS2017/257 Halichoerus grypus 18/09/2017 Sker Point Bridgend SS 788 800 U -9 unknown SS2017/258 Halichoerus grypus 19/09/2017 Harlech Gwynedd SH 567 316 U slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/259 Halichoerus grypus 23/09/2017 Patch Cardigan Ceredigion SN 161 486 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/260 Halichoerus grypus 25/09/2017 Oxwich Swansea SS 510 870 U -9 unknown SS2017/261 Halichoerus grypus 29/09/2017 Mewslade Bay Swansea SS 420 870 F moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/262 Halichoerus grypus 30/09/2017 Carmel Head Anglesey SH 293 928 F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3)

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2017 Page 1 Appendix 3.

National Reference Species Date Location Local Authority Grid Ref Sex Length Condition SS2017/264 Halichoerus grypus 01/10/2017 Newgale Beach Pembrokeshire SM 848 218 U -9 unknown SS2017/263 Halichoerus grypus 01/10/2017 Newgale Beach Pembrokeshire SM 848 218 U -9 unknown SS2017/265 Halichoerus grypus 02/10/2017 Aberavon Neath Port Talbot SS 730 910 F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/295 Halichoerus grypus 04/10/2017 Barmouth Gwynedd SH 606 163 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/292 Halichoerus grypus 04/10/2017 Penrhos beach Anglesey SH 388 640 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/294 Halichoerus grypus 04/10/2017 Llanddwyn beach Anglesey SH 396 634 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/293 Halichoerus grypus 04/10/2017 Penrhos beach Anglesey SH 388 640 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/297 Halichoerus grypus 06/10/2017 Poppit sands Pembrokeshire SN 155 488 U -9 unknown SS2017/296 Halichoerus grypus 06/10/2017 Newport Pembrokeshire SN 052 404 U -9 unknown SS2017/301 Halichoerus grypus 08/10/2017 Llanrhystud Ceredigion SN 523 692 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/299 Halichoerus grypus 08/10/2017 Llanrhystud Ceredigion SN 523 690 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/298 Halichoerus grypus 08/10/2017 New Quay Ceredigion SN 390 602 U -9 unknown SS2017/300 Halichoerus grypus 08/10/2017 Llanrhystud Ceredigion SN 523 691 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/305 Halichoerus grypus 09/10/2017 Llanon Ceredigion SN 505 668 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/302 Halichoerus grypus 09/10/2017 Borth Ceredigion SN 607 890 U -9 unknown SS2017/304 Halichoerus grypus 09/10/2017 Borth Ceredigion SN 607 892 U -9 unknown SS2017/303 Halichoerus grypus 09/10/2017 Borth Ceredigion SN 607 891 U -9 unknown SS2017/306 Halichoerus grypus 10/10/2017 Yntslas Ceredigion SN 605 942 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/309 Halichoerus grypus 10/10/2017 Aberystwyth Ceredigion SN 583 823 F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/307 Halichoerus grypus 10/10/2017 Ynyslas Ceredigion SN 605 943 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/308 Halichoerus grypus 10/10/2017 Ynyslas Ceredigion SN 605 944 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/311 Halichoerus grypus 11/10/2017 Aberdovey Gwynedd SN 590 970 U -9 unknown SS2017/310 Halichoerus grypus 11/10/2017 Holyhead Anglesey SH 293 807 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/312 Halichoerus grypus 11/10/2017 Marloes sands Pembrokeshire SM 784 073 U -9 unknown SS2017/315 Halichoerus grypus 12/10/2017 Whitesands Bay Pembrokeshire SM 732 271 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/313 Halichoerus grypus 12/10/2017 Abereiddy Pembrokeshire SM 796 313 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/322 Halichoerus grypus 12/10/2017 Aberystwyth Ceredigion SN 578 815 F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/314 Halichoerus grypus 12/10/2017 Whitesands Bay Pembrokeshire SM 732 270 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/321 Halichoerus grypus 14/10/2017 Abereiddy Pembrokeshire SM 796 313 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/320 Halichoerus grypus 14/10/2017 Abereiddy Pembrokeshire SM 796 312 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/319 Halichoerus grypus 15/10/2017 Newgale Pembrokeshire SM 852 210 U -9 unknown SS2017/316 Halichoerus grypus 15/10/2017 Manorbier Pembrokeshire SS 060 973 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/325.2 Halichoerus grypus 15/10/2017 Freshwater West Pembrokeshire SM 882 000 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/325.1 Halichoerus grypus 15/10/2017 Freshwater West Pembrokeshire SM 882 000 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/318 Halichoerus grypus 15/10/2017 Manorbier Pembrokeshire SS 060 975 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/317 Halichoerus grypus 15/10/2017 Manorbier Pembrokeshire SS 060 974 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/323.2 Halichoerus grypus 16/10/2017 Hell's Mouth Gwynedd SH 260 280 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/324 Halichoerus grypus 16/10/2017 Abereiddy Pembrokeshire SM 797 313 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/326.1 Halichoerus grypus 16/10/2017 Tywyn Gwynedd SH 577 005 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/323.3 Halichoerus grypus 16/10/2017 Hell's Mouth Gwynedd SH 260 280 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b)

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2017 Page 2 Appendix 3.

National Reference Species Date Location Local Authority Grid Ref Sex Length Condition SS2017/326.2 Halichoerus grypus 16/10/2017 Tywyn Gwynedd SH 577 005 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/323.1 Halichoerus grypus 16/10/2017 Hell's Mouth Gwynedd SH 260 280 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/327.1 Halichoerus grypus 17/10/2017 Newport Sands Pembrokeshire SN 053 405 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/328 Halichoerus grypus 17/10/2017 Aberystwyth Ceredigion SN 579 806 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/327.2 Halichoerus grypus 17/10/2017 Newport Sands Pembrokeshire SN 053 405 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/329.1 Halichoerus grypus 18/10/2017 Criccieth Gwynedd SH 510 380 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/329.4 Halichoerus grypus 18/10/2017 Criccieth Gwynedd SH 510 380 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/329.2 Halichoerus grypus 18/10/2017 Criccieth Gwynedd SH 510 380 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/329.5 Halichoerus grypus 18/10/2017 Criccieth Gwynedd SH 510 380 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/329.3 Halichoerus grypus 18/10/2017 Criccieth Gwynedd SH 510 380 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/341 Halichoerus grypus 20/10/2017 Frainslake Sands Pembrokeshire SR 890 980 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/342 Halichoerus grypus 21/10/2017 Sandy Haven Pembrokeshire SM 855 073 U -9 unknown SS2017/343 Halichoerus grypus 22/10/2017 Broad Haven Pembrokeshire SM 860 135 U -9 unknown SS2017/345.1 Halichoerus grypus 23/10/2017 Caerfai Pembrokeshire SM 760 243 U -9 unknown SS2017/344 Halichoerus grypus 23/10/2017 Newgale Pembrokeshire SM 850 213 U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) SS2017/345.2 Halichoerus grypus 23/10/2017 Caerfai Pembrokeshire SM 760 243 U -9 unknown SS2017/345.3 Halichoerus grypus 23/10/2017 Caerfai Pembrokeshire SM 760 243 U -9 unknown SS2017/347 Halichoerus grypus 24/10/2017 Oxwich Bay Swansea SS 510 870 U -9 unknown SS2017/346 Halichoerus grypus 24/10/2017 Llanelli Carmarthenshire SS 496 995 U -9 unknown SS2017/348 Halichoerus grypus 25/10/2017 Aberystwyth Ceredigion SN 583 824 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/349 Halichoerus grypus 26/10/2017 Llangennith Swansea SS 410 910 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/414 Halichoerus grypus 27/10/2017 Pwlldu Bay Swansea SS 575 870 U -9 unknown SS2017/351.6 Halichoerus grypus 27/10/2017 Marloes Sands Pembrokeshire SM 785 073 U -9 unknown SS2017/351.1 Halichoerus grypus 27/10/2017 Marloes Sands Pembrokeshire SM 785 073 U -9 unknown SS2017/351.4 Halichoerus grypus 27/10/2017 Marloes Sands Pembrokeshire SM 785 073 U -9 unknown SS2017/351.2 Halichoerus grypus 27/10/2017 Marloes Sands Pembrokeshire SM 785 073 U -9 unknown SS2017/351.3 Halichoerus grypus 27/10/2017 Marloes Sands Pembrokeshire SM 785 073 U -9 unknown SS2017/350 Halichoerus grypus 27/10/2017 Threecliff Bay Swansea SS 535 880 U -9 unknown SS2017/351.5 Halichoerus grypus 27/10/2017 Marloes Sands Pembrokeshire SM 785 073 U -9 unknown SS2017/352 Halichoerus grypus 28/10/2017 Penbryn Ceredigion SN 295 528 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/353.2 Halichoerus grypus 29/10/2017 Broad Haven Pembrokeshire SM 860 136 U -9 unknown SS2017/353.1 Halichoerus grypus 29/10/2017 Broad Haven Pembrokeshire SM 860 136 U -9 unknown SS2017/354 Halichoerus grypus 30/10/2017 Frainslake Sands Pembrokeshire SR 890 980 U -9 unknown SS2017/355.3 Halichoerus grypus 31/10/2017 Threecliff Bay Swansea SS 535 880 U -9 unknown SS2017/355.1 Halichoerus grypus 31/10/2017 Threecliff Bay Swansea SS 535 880 U -9 unknown SS2017/355.4 Halichoerus grypus 31/10/2017 Threecliff Bay Swansea SS 535 880 U -9 unknown SS2017/355.2 Halichoerus grypus 31/10/2017 Threecliff Bay Swansea SS 535 880 U -9 unknown SS2017/359 Halichoerus grypus 03/11/2017 Pontllyfni Gwynedd SH 430 525 U 150 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/357.1 Halichoerus grypus 03/11/2017 Whitesands Bay Pembrokeshire SM 732 270 U -9 unknown SS2017/358 Halichoerus grypus 03/11/2017 Penrhyn Anglesey SH 287 837 U -9 unknown

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2017 Page 3 Appendix 3.

National Reference Species Date Location Local Authority Grid Ref Sex Length Condition SS2017/357.2 Halichoerus grypus 03/11/2017 Whitesands Bay Pembrokeshire SM 732 270 U -9 unknown SS2017/361 Halichoerus grypus 05/11/2017 Aberystwyth Ceredigion SN 581 820 U -9 unknown SS2017/360 Halichoerus grypus 05/11/2017 Aberarth Ceredigion SN 478 640 U -9 unknown SS2017/364.2 Halichoerus grypus 06/11/2017 Aberarth Ceredigion SN 475 639 U -9 unknown SS2017/363.1 Halichoerus grypus 06/11/2017 Aberystwyth nth beach Ceredigion SN 583 825 U -9 unknown SS2017/365.1 Halichoerus grypus 06/11/2017 St Brides Haven Pembrokeshire SM 802 109 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/363.2 Halichoerus grypus 06/11/2017 Aberystwyth nth beach Ceredigion SN 583 825 U -9 unknown SS2017/362 Halichoerus grypus 06/11/2017 Llanrhystud Ceredigion SN 530 700 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) SS2017/365.2 Halichoerus grypus 06/11/2017 St Brides Haven Pembrokeshire SM 802 109 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/364.1 Halichoerus grypus 06/11/2017 Aberarth Ceredigion SN 475 639 U -9 unknown SS2017/403 Halichoerus grypus 07/11/2017 Poppit Sands Pembrokeshire SN 150 489 U -9 unknown SS2017/405 Halichoerus grypus 08/11/2017 Pembrey Carmarthenshire SN 380 015 U -9 unknown SS2017/404 Halichoerus grypus 08/11/2017 Broad Haven Pembrokeshire SM 860 140 U -9 unknown SS2017/406 Halichoerus grypus 09/11/2017 Tan y Bwlch Ceredigion SN 579 508 U -9 unknown SS2017/408 Halichoerus grypus 10/11/2017 Borth Ceredigion SN 605 910 U 60 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/407.1 Halichoerus grypus 10/11/2017 Aberystwyth Ceredigion SN 583 824 U -9 unknown SS2017/407.2 Halichoerus grypus 10/11/2017 Aberystwyth Ceredigion SN 583 824 U -9 unknown SS2017/413 Halichoerus grypus 11/11/2017 Rhossili Swansea SS 414 890 U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/411.2 Halichoerus grypus 11/11/2017 Aberaeron Ceredigion SN 465 636 U -9 unknown SS2017/409 Halichoerus grypus 11/11/2017 nr Point Lynas Anglesey SH 478 931 U -9 unknown SS2017/411.1 Halichoerus grypus 11/11/2017 Aberaeron Ceredigion SN 465 636 U -9 unknown SS2017/412 Halichoerus grypus 11/11/2017 Penbryn Ceredigion SN 293 526 U -9 unknown SS2017/410 Halichoerus grypus 11/11/2017 Newgale beach Pembrokeshire SM 849 215 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/411.3 Halichoerus grypus 11/11/2017 Aberaeron Ceredigion SN 465 636 U -9 unknown SS2017/416.1 Halichoerus grypus 12/11/2017 Newport Sands Pembrokeshire SN 052 404 U -9 unknown SS2017/416.2 Halichoerus grypus 12/11/2017 Newport Sands Pembrokeshire SN 052 404 U -9 unknown SS2017/415 Halichoerus grypus 12/11/2017 Pembrey Carmarthenshire SN 380 010 F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/416.3 Halichoerus grypus 12/11/2017 Newport Sands Pembrokeshire SN 052 404 U -9 unknown SS2017/417.6 Halichoerus grypus 13/11/2017 Llanrhystud Ceredigion SN 519 684 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) SS2017/417.3 Halichoerus grypus 13/11/2017 Llanrhystud Ceredigion SN 519 684 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) SS2017/417.2 Halichoerus grypus 13/11/2017 Llanrhystud Ceredigion SN 519 684 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) SS2017/417.5 Halichoerus grypus 13/11/2017 Llanrhystud Ceredigion SN 519 684 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) SS2017/417.4 Halichoerus grypus 13/11/2017 Llanrhystud Ceredigion SN 519 684 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) SS2017/417.7 Halichoerus grypus 13/11/2017 Llanrhystud Ceredigion SN 519 684 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) SS2017/417.1 Halichoerus grypus 13/11/2017 Llanrhystud Ceredigion SN 519 684 U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) SS2017/419.3 Halichoerus grypus 15/11/2017 Aberarth Ceredigion SN 490 650 U -9 unknown SS2017/418.3 Halichoerus grypus 15/11/2017 Pwllgwaelod Pembrokeshire SN 003 399 U -9 unknown SS2017/420 Halichoerus grypus 15/11/2017 Broad Haven Pembrokeshire SM 860 136 U -9 unknown SS2017/418.1 Halichoerus grypus 15/11/2017 Pwllgwaelod Pembrokeshire SN 003 399 U -9 unknown SS2017/419.1 Halichoerus grypus 15/11/2017 Aberarth Ceredigion SN 490 650 U -9 unknown

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2017 Page 4 Appendix 3.

National Reference Species Date Location Local Authority Grid Ref Sex Length Condition SS2017/418.2 Halichoerus grypus 15/11/2017 Pwllgwaelod Pembrokeshire SN 003 399 U -9 unknown SS2017/419.2 Halichoerus grypus 15/11/2017 Aberarth Ceredigion SN 490 650 U -9 unknown SS2017/421 Halichoerus grypus 16/11/2017 Ynyslas Ceredigion SN 603 933 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/423 Halichoerus grypus 17/11/2017 Llandudno Conwy SH 783 826 M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) SS2017/424 Halichoerus grypus 23/11/2017 Barmouth Gwynedd SH 610 155 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/425 Halichoerus grypus 24/11/2017 Ynyslas Ceredigion SN 603 940 U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) SS2017/426 Halichoerus grypus 25/11/2017 Langland Bay Swansea SS 607 873 U -9 unknown SS2017/427 Halichoerus grypus 26/11/2017 Harlech Gwynedd SH 570 310 U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) SS2017/428 Halichoerus grypus 26/11/2017 Pendine Carmarthenshire SN 234 077 U -9 unknown SS2017/505 Halichoerus grypus 22/12/2017 Rotherslade Bay Swansea SS 610 873 U freshly dead (code 2a) SS2017/506 Halichoerus grypus 29/12/2017 Tal-y-bont Gwynedd SH 580 210 U -9 unknown SS2017/507 Halichoerus grypus 30/12/2017 Deganwy Conwy SH 774 800 U -9 unknown

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2017 Page 5