Marine Mammal Strandings (Welsh Coast) Annual Report 1996

www.strandings.com

R.S.Penrose. January 1997

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

REPORT DISTRIBUTION

Welsh Office. Dr H. Prosser

Natural History Museum. Dr D. George A. Muir

Institute of Zoology. P. Jepson

Countryside Council for Wales. Dr A. Richards R. Pratt H. Arnold

Environment Agency. R. Miln

University of Liverpool. Dr J.R. Baker

CONTENTS

Page 1 INTRODUCTION 4

2 MATERIALS AND METHODS 5

2.1 Live animals. 5 2.2 Dead animals. 5 2.3 Storage of animals. 6

3 RESULTS 6

3.1 Marine mammals. 6 3.2 Unusual Occurrences. 8

4 OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK 9

4.1 Turtles. 9 4.2 Fish. 9

5 BRUCELLOSIS IN SEALS AND SMALL CETACEANS 9

6 DISPOSAL OF ANIMALS / NEW UNITARY AUTHORITIES 10

7 SEA EMPRESS OIL SPILL 10

8 LIVE STRANDING SEMINAR 10

9 FUNDING 11

10 EQUIPMENT 11

11 TRAVEL 12

12 ADMINISTRATION 12

13 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 12

14 APPENDICES 13

List of Tables.

Table 1. 1996 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast). 6

Table 2. 1996 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast). 7

Table 3. 1996 Number of animals suitable for post-mortem examination. 7

Table 4. 1996 Number of animals decomposed / disposed of. (Welsh Coast). 7

1. INTRODUCTION

Little is known about disease and causes of death in marine mammals around the British Isles. Without this knowledge it is difficult to interpret the significance of sudden die-offs such as that which occurred in 1988 when approximately 17,000 seals were killed by the Phocine Distemper Virus (PDV). At present a collaborative Marine Mammal Strandings scheme for England and Wales has been funded by the Department of the Environment (DOE) since 1990 which involves post-mortem and other studies of seal and cetacean carcasses. This research is being carried out by the Institute of Zoology (IOZ) in close collaboration with the Natural History Museum (NHM) and the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU). Post-mortem examinations of Welsh strandings are carried out by the Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool and the Institute of Zoology, London. It includes studies on the correlation between contaminant levels and disease, reproduction, and immunological status. Samples taken include those for virology, bacteriology, parasitology, histopathology, measurement of heavy metals, organochlorines and radionuclides, DNA fingerprinting and fixed and frozen material for archive.

Records of live and dead strandings of cetaceans are kept by the Strandings Co-ordinator and are passed for correlation at the Natural History Museum (NHM). Since 1913 records have been, and continue to be kept, by the NHM, in co-operation with the Receiver of Wrecks and HM Coastguard.

Funding towards this project in Wales has been provided by the Welsh Office through the Natural History Museum, London, Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and the Department of the Environment through the Institute of Zoology, London. Support of certain items of equipment has been provided by the Environment Agency and the Green Seas Initiative.

4 2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 24 hour Strandings Answerphone (01348 875000), is interrogated at regular intervals. A message requests callers to leave details of the stranding and location, along with their name and contact phone number, so they can be reached if confirmation of details are required. (If the stranding is a live stranding then a message on an answer-phone informs the caller to contact the RSPCA immediately. see 2.1) A network of volunteers, rangers, wardens, coastal officers, harbour masters etc. has been formed 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.

The following criteria are applied: -

2.1 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.

2.2 Dead Animals

(Condition code 2a extremely fresh as if just died) 1 (Condition code 2b slight 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. It is placed in a body-bag then taken immediately for post-mortem examination.

(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. It is placed in a body-bag then taken to a storage facility where it is bagged, labelled and stored for later transportation or transported immediately. (see 2.3).

(Condition code 4 advanced decomposition)1 (Condition code 5 mummified carcass)1 Species identified, basic measurements and 6 teeth taken from the lower jaw if possible. Health and safety precautions being observed. Local council then contacted for safe disposal of remains.

All live and dead stranded cetaceans are reported to the NHM and are allocated a “SW” number. All dead seals are reported to the Institute of Zoology (IOZ) and are allocated a SS number. Records of all strandings in Wales are kept by the Strandings Co-ordinator and passed on to the NHM and ZSL on a regular basis.

1 Body condition based on the Institute of Zoology condition code. 5

Copies of post-mortem examination reports are sent from the Strandings Co-ordinator to the finder and others associated with the relevant stranding.

2.3 Storage of animals During 1995 the decision was taken not to store animals frozen, since as a result of freezing the following had been found:-

• Loss of micro-organisms, viruses and bacteria. • Damage to tissue for histology. • Possible loss of fluids from internal organs which may effect analysis of toxicology results. • Decrease in interpretation of normal and abnormal tissues due to haemolysis of red blood cells. • Internal organs had remained part-frozen in some animals extending and delaying the post- mortem examination.

If the animal is not to be transported immediately then storage at +40 Celsius is preferable for a maximum time period of one week.

As a result of this change of procedure, the present storage facilities kindly provided at Fishguard are no longer suitable for the storage of animals and new facilities are needed for 1996. All suitable carcasses are now transported immediately for post-mortem examination, resulting in increased mileage and reduction in cover on the Welsh strandings network. A proposal for a west Wales facility is included in Appendix 4.

3. RESULTS

3.1 Marine Mammals

Table 1.

1996 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Bottlenose dolphin 0 0 0 000000000 0 Common dolphin 000011000110 4 Risso's dolphin 000001000000 1 Striped dolphin 000000100010 2 Northern Bottlenose whale 0 0 0 000010000 1 Harbour porpoise 000147444571 37 Cetacean sp. Indent. 0 0 0 210100100 5 Total cetaceans 000369654791 50 Grey seal 030360432093483 183

Total animals 0 3 0 6 12 9 10 8 24 100 57 4 233

6 Table 2.

1996 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Common dolphin 000010000000 1 Striped dolphin 000000100000 1 Northern Bottlenose whale 0 0 0 000010000 1 Harbour porpoise 000011110100 5

Total animals 000021220100 8

Of the 50 cetacean strandings 16% live-stranded (8 animals), 2 cetaceans had live-stranded and were returned to the sea, 1 cetacean had live-stranded and subsequently died, 5 cetaceans were found dead but indicated as having live-stranded under post-mortem examination.

Table 3.

1996 Number of animals suitable for post-mortem examination.

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Common dolphin 000011000000 2 Striped dolphin 000000100010 2 Harbour porpoise 000113112221 14 Total cetaceans 000124212231 18 Grey seal 000000003320 8

Total animals 000124215551 26

Of the 233 strandings 11.1% (26 animals) were suitable for post-mortem examination.

Table 4.

1996 Number of animals decomposed / disposed of. (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Common dolphin 000000000110 2 Risso's dolphin 000001000000 1 Harbour porpoise 000024321350 20 Cetacean sp. Indet. 0 0 0 100000000 1 Total cetaceans 000125321460 24 Grey seal 03035032442233 88

Total animals 03047564546293 112

Of the 233 strandings 48% (112 animals) were decomposed and the relevant local council contacted for safe disposal of remains. Samples were taken whenever possible for NHM and muscle and blubber taken from seals for MAFF. Funding for seals again was limited throughout the year and this is reflected in the relatively high numbers of animals passed to local councils for safe disposal. 7

The remaining 40.7% (95 animals) were confirmed reports but were unable to be retrieved or disposed of due to various reasons. i.e. live and returned to the sea, no access to stranding, floating , washed away or retrospective reports. (Cetacean and seal data: Appendix 1& 2).

3.2 Unusual Occurrences

SW1996/110 a 3.2 metre Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus). Reports were received on this animal ranging from a porpoise to a whale. The stranding was on an inaccessible stretch of coastline due to tide and wind conditions and was eventually confirmed by the CCW MNR team from the sea, but weather conditions did not allow landing/species identification. Several attempts to identify the animal by myself from the cliff-top were made, but I was unable to find the carcass. Multiple reports on the same animal were received by the Coastguard, CCW and the Strandings Network as the animal re- stranded on each tide in a slightly different location. On the 10th July, 12 days after the initial report, the weather was calm enough to allow access to the animal by sea in the MNR vessel. Although not in the remit of this project to remove decomposed animals, it was thought that the recovery of this animal would be extremely difficult for the local authority. The decision was made to tow the decomposed carcass off the rocks and around to Martins Haven where it was possible to winch the remains into the trailer and deliver the animal to for incineration at Camrose, thus eliminating any further reports.

SW1996/140, a 6.7 metre Northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus), live-stranded on Tenby beach in August. This animal managed to re-float itself (perhaps due to distress caused by public interest), it was later sighted the same day further along the coast just off the beach at Amroth. Two days later six large cetaceans (reported as being larger than bottlenose dolphins) were sighted by the Tenby Lifeboat coxswain between Caldy Island and the mainland. The possibility of a sick animal calling members of its group and the resultant potential for a mass-stranding was conceivable. The whale rescue floatation pontoons were requested from MARC (see 2.1) and held locally in readiness. A hydrophone was deployed approximately one mile off Amroth and monitored for a short period, nothing was heard. No subsequent sighting or stranding was reported.

SW1996/174, Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), was found to have been killed by bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) on post-mortem examination by Paul Jepson IoZ, the fourth recording of such activity off the Welsh coast.

Atlantic grey seal recorded mortality this year in Wales, was substantially higher than previous years (records start 1990). It must be emphasised that the data seals could appear to be misleading. 1996 data include additional mortality, 56 animals from Ramsey Island and north Pembrokeshire. Ref. RSPB/CCW pup production data for 1996 (Strong & Pratt ((in press). The remaining increase in recorded seal mortality in 1996 is probably as a result of increased observer effort through public expectation following the Sea Empress oil spill (SEOS), and severe south-westerly storms during the seal pupping season washing pups from their beaches and sea caves, causing trauma and maternal separation resulting in probable starvation/hypothermia. Various articles appeared in the media claiming connection with the SEOS or a Herpes viral infection. Results from SS1996/190 and SS1996/191 liver, muscle and blubber samples showed that total hydrocarbon concentrations (THC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s) were very low, the higher PAH’s being below the level of detection (R. Law, MAFF, pers comm..). The Herpes virus has never been recorded as a cause of death in seal populations in the wild although many seals have been found to carry herpes antibodies. The virus is transmitted through close contact, with ill or stressed pups being ideal candidates. (P. Jepson, IoZ, pers. comm..). A similar outbreak of herpes in seals has been recorded in the past, in a rehabilitation centre, where animals had presumably been held in close proximity. A press release was requested and issued to the Sea Empress Environmental Evaluation Committee (SEEEC) on the 5th November. (Appendix 5.) 8

4. OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK.

4.1 Turtles

A total of 8 leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) were reported stranded to the network. Samples from the first animal ST1996/1 were taken for MAFF. This animal was extremely fresh and appeared to have become entangled and drowned in fishing gear where it was found. The animal had twelve pilot fish (Naucrates doctor) still in attendance (see 4.2 Fish). ST1996/2 was not sampled and eventually incinerated due to the local V.I. Lab being closed for the weekend. Subsequent animals were in a state of advanced decomposition and the relevant local authorities were informed for safe disposal of remains. Funding (CCW) and procedure has been arranged for fresh animals to undergo post-mortem examination in 1997. This work to be carried out in close collaboration with Glasgow University. An aerial survey to establish numbers of animals is hoped to be conducted during September and October 1997. The recent high numbers of stranded turtles in 1995/96 coincides with the recent whelk fishery that has developed in Carmarthen Bay over 1995/96. It is not known whether the leatherback turtle is a regular visitor to our waters or if these two activities are related. It is hoped that an aerial survey will start to gather data on this species. All marine turtles are on the 1996 IUCN Red List of threatened animals, the leatherback turtle being classified as endangered. (Leatherback turtle strandings data appendix 3). (Lbt precautions appendix 10).

4.2 Fish

A 3.63 metre male basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) live-stranded on the 9th June 1996 in Tenby harbour, Pembrokeshire. The animal eventually died before it could be re-floated on the following tide. The carcass was delivered to the Carmarthen Veterinary Investigation Laboratory, by the Strandings Co-ordinator, where samples were taken for MAFF, head and reproductive organs to Jim Ellis, Swansea University and material for DNA analysis to Ken Watterson, Isle of Man.

Twelve Pilot fish (Naucrates doctor) were found accompanying a leatherback turtle ST1996/1 found offshore entangled and drowned in fishing gear. The Pilot fish remained with the turtle whilst the animal was towed to the shore. The fish were eventually picked off in the shallows by gulls, three were retrieved by the Silent World Aquarium, Tenby, where one subsequently died. This fish was stored frozen by the Strandings Co-ordinator and sent to Piers Langhelt at Cardiff Museum 11th October 1996 for verification, where it was sexed as male, and the record sent to Silja Swaby, Marine Biological Association, Plymouth.

5. BRUCELLOSIS IN SEALS AND SMALL CETACEANS.

On the 3rd of June 1996 a further directive was issued from MAFF concerning brucellosis in seals and small cetaceans. It confirmed that screening had identified this infection in marine mammals all around the UK and not just Scotland. It also confirmed that this marine strain can infect humans. (Appendix 6) The original directive was copied to all new unitary authorities with a coastal boundary and certain key organisations/individuals.

6. DISPOSAL OF ANIMALS I NEW UNITARY AUTHORITIES.

On the 1st of April 1996 the majority of local authorities in Wales underwent changes. This meant that new contacts would have to be made in each relevant department for safe disposal of carcasses unsuitable for post-mortem analysis. All new unitary authorities having a coastal boundary were written to, explaining the Collaborative UK Marine Mammal Project and requesting which department should now be contacted for the disposal of decomposed marine mammals. A list of new contacts, together with a map of new authority boundaries can be found in appendix 7. It is hoped that this list will be complete during l997.

7. SEA EMPRESS OIL SPILL.

On the 15th February the Sea Empress laden with 130.000 tonnes of Forties Blend crude oil ran aground at the entrance to Milford Haven. The subsequent spill resulted in approximately 72,000 tonnes of crude oil, 360 tonnes of heavy fuel oil, 445 tonnes of chemical dispersant and 8 tonnes of demulsifier being introduced into the sea off Pembrokeshire. It is estimated that the total oil recovered is a relatively small percentage of the spill. This disaster ranks third for tanker spills in UK waters. (Sea Empress Environmental Evaluation Committee SEEEC, Initial Report, July 1996). A final report is intended from SEBEC around autumn 1997. The area covered by the Sea Empress Oil Spill (SEOS) was just south of the main Atlantic grey seal breeding caves and beaches in Pembrokeshire. The majority of these sites survived without oiling as the wind direction held the oil spill south with only a few breeding beaches being affected. Oil pollution was reported around Skomer Island and the mainland and extended as far north as the centre of St Brides Bay. A light sheen extended as far as Ramsey Island, no pups were present at this time. Four porpoises were seen swimming in the oil slick and eighty adult and juvenile seals were recorded oiled to some extent on Skomer Island during the event. Unusually high mortality was recorded in seal pups during 1996 and this is covered in further detail under 3.2 Unusual Occurrences. Oil was reported on pup coats, but seemed to be no more than previous years. However, monitoring needs to be maintained as it is thought that if any effects are to develop as a result of the SEOS it will be in the long term. Samples from: leatherback turtle, basking shark, grey seals and cetaceans were sent to MAFF for analysis of hydrocarbons, samples of blubber and muscle from a small number of grey seal pups not suitable for post-mortem examination (moderate decomposition) have been taken and archived locally at -20 Celsius. Beaches in North Pembrokeshire and South Ceredigion were monitored for CCW by Marine Environmental Monitoring for evidence of oiled bird carcasses. If the SEOS had occurred during the pupping season with the predominant south westerly winds the majority of the pupping sites would have been affected. The seal pup coats would become contaminated and matted with oil, thus destroying the insulation properties of the coat resulting in hypothermia.

8. LIVE STRANDING SEMINAR.

A Seminar was organised by Marine Environmental Monitoring on “First Aid for Live Stranded Cetaceans” on the 17th August at the Ceredigion Council offices, to raise the level of local expertise. All interested parties, rescue groups, RSPCA, animal hospitals, Coastguard, Harbour Masters, diving clubs, local authorities, wardens, rangers and network contacts in Wales were invited. Subjects and speakers included -

10 Marine Mammals, Species, Biology and Threats: Mark Simmonds, Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society. Frequency & Health Status of Live Strandings: Paul Jepson, Institute of Zoology. First Aid Requirements of the Stranded Animal: James Barnett, Sea Life Centres. Rescue Management: Rob Macklin, Severn Area Marine Life Rescue and Chief Inspector Romain de Kerchove, RSPCA. Rescue Equipment: James Barnett.

This was followed the next day, 18th August, at the same venue by “Veterinary Management of Live Stranded Cetaceans” All coastal veterinary practices in Wales were invited to attend. Subjects and speakers included:- Pathology of Stranded Seals and Cetaceans: Dr. John Baker, University of Liverpool rtd. Clinical Management of Live Stranded Cetaceans: Paul Jepson, Institute of Zoology. Clinical Management and Rehabilitation of Seals: James Barnett, Sea Life Centres. Both events were well attended. This seminar was funded through the European Regional Development Fund. (Appendix 8).

9. FUNDING

As stated previously funding towards this project in Wales has been provided by the Welsh Office through the Natural History Museum, London, the Countryside Council for Wales and the Department of the Environment through the Institute of Zoology, London. Support of certain items of equipment has been provided by the Environment Agency and the Green Seas Initiative. Additional funding through the “Interreg” programme, part of the European Regional Development Fund, has been applied for through the Countryside Council for Wales, and is hoped to be realised sometime in early 1997. This funding will allow further essential equipment to be purchased for the project together with collaboration with the Irish Strandings Network to enable both sides of the Irish Sea to be monitored.

10. EQUIPMENT.

The strandings telephone based at Fishguard was found to be not working on the 6th August due to being destroyed by a lightening strike this was replaced on 9th August. This equipment was also found not working on 30th August, for 24 hours.

Funding of 50% towards certain capital equipment, made available towards the end of 1995 through the Welsh Office/NHM contract, enabled a new four wheel trailer to be purchased capable of carrying heavier loads, this proved to be useful transporting the 3.2 metre Risso’s dolphin. With the help of the Green Seas Initiative (Appendix 9.), funding was added to the Welsh Office/NHM contract which allowed the purchase of a new replacement Tdi Land Rover for the project complete with towing package and winch. Both items have been sign written and used extensively on the project throughout 1996.

Due to the change in procedure as explained in 2.3 (Storage of animals), the facilities based at Fishguard are no longer suitable due to lack of available space for a cold store. Therefore, alternative premises, including a cold store, plus the facilities of mechanical handling, office/storage space and washing down facilities which were kindly afforded to the project at Fishguard, are now needed.

11 11. TRAVEL

In excess of 12,000 miles were covered by the Strandings Co-ordinator in retrieval and transportation of animals in 1996. The majority of suitable animals were taken to Liverpool University and others to the Institute of Zoology London.

12. ADMINISTRATION.

In excess of 63 copies of post-mortem examination reports were posted out to finders and associated interested parties concerning each relevant stranding.

13. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

Cardigan Sub Aqua Club, for supplying compressed air for the whale rescue pontoon inflation on the “First Aid for Live Stranded Cetaceans” training weekend.

Carmarthen and Aberystwyth Veterinary Investigation Laboratories for their help in storage of animals and safe disposal of waste material.

CCW Skomer Marine Nature Reserve team Blaise Bullimore, Phil Newman, Kate Lock and vol. Jemma Pratt for their help in retrieving the Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) SW1996/l10.

Gerry Jones, Paul Newman, Lin Gander and Jemma Pratt for their help in retrieving animals.

Green Seas Initiative, for additional funding to enable a new Landrover to be purchased.

Ian Bullock RSPB Ramsey Island reserve warden, Dave Thomas and RSPB volunteers, for their help, in retrieving and transportation by sea, of the striped dolphin SW1996/121.

Jim Poole & Tim Drew DWT, Skomer Island, for their help, in retrieving and transportation by sea, of the adult male grey seal SS1996/92.

Pembrokeshire beach cleaners, for reporting strandings and disposal of decomposed stranded animals whilst being heavily involved in the mammoth task of cleaning the coastline following the Sea Empress oil spill.

Powell Strong I Jemma Pratt, Grey seal pup production and population monitoring: Ramsey Island & Nth. Pembs., CCW/RSPB project. For supplying pup mortality data.

Robin Pratt for providing base of operation at Fishguard

Roger Miln, the Environment Agency for providing a histology microscope for the project.

Strandings Network Volunteers too numerous to mention in their help confirming, reporting and securing animals for collection.

Sue Ward RSPB, Ramsey Island, for help in retrieving, by sea, the adult female grey seal SS 1996/123 from St Justinians.

Welsh Marine Life Rescue for supplying a water pump on the “First Aid for Live Stranded Cetaceans” training weekend.

Welsh Office / Natural History Museum, Countryside Council for Wales for providing funds towards the project.

14. APPENDICES.

Appendix 1. Cetacean Stranding data for 1996. Appendix 2. Atlantic Grey Seal Stranding data for 1996. Appendix 3. Leatherback Turtle Stranding data for 1996. Appendix 4. Proposal for a Marine Laboratory. Appendix 5. Grey Seal Pup Mortality Press Release. Appendix 6. Brucellosis directive. (MAFF). Appendix 7.1. New Unitary authorities, contacts. Appendix 7.2. New Unitary authorities, boundaries. Appendix 8.1. First Aid for Live Stranded Cetaceans. Appendix 8.2. Veterinary Management of Live Stranded Cetaceans. Appendix 9. Green Seas Initiative, Introduction. Appendix 10. Vibrio directive.

13 Appendix 1. Marine Environmental Monitoring 1996 Welsh Coast Strandings (Cetaceans).

Family/Genus species Sex Length Condition Date SW Number County Locality Grid Comment Phocoena phocoena F 1.26 fresh 04-Apr-96 SW1996/071 Pembrokeshire Tenby SS125992 XT282/96 pm Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? ? 24-Apr-96 SW1996/078 Gwynedd Tywyn SH576005 nothing found. Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? moderate decomposition 30-Apr-96 SW1996/081 Pembrokeshire Frainslake SR884971 no head, dorsal fin, or tail fluke. Phocoena phocoena M ? moderate decomposition 06-May-96 SW1996/083 Gwynedd Tywyn SN583993 no head, cuts in dorsal and pectoral fins indicating by-catch. council informed for disposal. Delphinus delphis M 2.23 fresh 21-May-96 SW1996/088 Monmouthshire Chepstow ST533943 Seen swimming in river Wye previous day. pm Phocoena phocoena M 1.22 live 25-May-96 SW1996/093 Pembrokeshire Lawrenny SN019077 Live stranded on mudbank. successful release by Welsh MLR. Phocoena phocoena F 1.66 slight decomposition 26-May-96 SW1996/094 Swansea Rhossili Beach SS410912 Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? ? 27-May-96 SW1996/095 Gwynedd Tywyn SH576005 nothing found. enquiries for network contacts. Phocoena phocoena ? 1.33 advanced decomposition 30-May-96 SW1996/096 Gwynedd Menai Straits sth. Side SH570725 reported by John Ratcliff CCW, council informed for safe disposal. Delphinus delphis F 2.01 moderate decomposition 07-Jun-96 SW1996/098 Gwynedd Barmouth SH602173 Phocoena phocoena M 1.25 slight decomposition 12-Jun-96 SW1996/101 Pembrokeshire Manorbier SS060975 Phocoena phocoena F 1.38 advanced decomposition 15-Jun-96 SW1996/102 Pembrokeshire Saundersfoot SN143054 RSP1/96 taken for disposal. not pregnant. Phocoena phocoena F 0.73 advanced decomposition 17-Jun-96 SW1996/103 Gwynedd Ton Fanau SH565032 taken for disposal. Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 17-Jun-96 SW1996/104 Gwynedd Chwilog nr, Pwllheli. SH440370 reported by John Ratcliff CCW. Phocoena phocoena F 1.71 fresh 24-Jun-96 SW1996/107 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN609947 RSP2/96 pm Grampus griseus F 3.2 advanced decomposition 29-Jun-96 SW1996/110 Pembrokeshire Musslewick SM783087 sighting confirmed by CCW. Unable to find. advanced dec. on 10th July when able to retrieve. Phocoena phocoena M 0.79 slight decomposition 30-Jun-96 SW1996/111 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN603943 Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 30-Jun-96 SW1996/112 Pembrokeshire Little Haven SM852125 council informed for safe disposal. Phocoena phocoena M 0.78 moderate decomposition 06-Jul-96 SW1996/115 Ceredigion Borth SN606901 taken to London. too decomposed for useful pm. Phocoena phocoena M 0.73 advanced decomposition 07-Jul-96 SW1996/116 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN579800 Phocoena phocoena M 0.77 fresh 10-Jul-96 SW1996/118 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN580818 Stenella coeruleoalba M 2.18 slight decomposition 16-Jul-96 SW1996/121 Pembrokeshire Ramsey Island SM700242 Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? ? 18-Jul-96 SW1996/123 Denbighshire Rhyl SJ005817 Washed away. poss. neonate porpoise. Phocoena phocoena ? 0.76 advanced decomposition 22-Jul-96 SW1996/124 Pembrokeshire Freshwater East SS020979 Phocoena phocoena F 1.29 moderate decomposition 10-Aug-96 SW1996/132 Carmarthenshire MOD Pendine SN283068 RSP3/96 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 18-Aug-96 SW1996/134 Pembrokeshire Saundersfoot SN137047 (headless). Phocoena phocoena ? ? live 18-Aug-96 SW1996/134a Neath Port Talbot Aberavon SS760900 carcass washed away. Phocoena phocoena ? ? moderate decomposition 25-Aug-96 SW1996/137 Gwynedd Morffa Dyffryn SH569229 buried on beach by Jonathon Neale CCW. Hyperoodon ampullatus ? 6.7 live 30-Aug-96 SW1996/140 Pembrokeshire Tenby SN136006 animal swam away. Phocoena phocoena F ? advanced decomposition 03-Sep-96 SW1996/142 Bridgend Kenfig NNR SS780826 possible SW1996/134a, to be buried. Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 11-Sep-96 SW1996/146a Ceredigion Ynyslas SN605945 Phocoena phocoena F 0.91 fresh 12-Sep-96 SW1996/147 Ceredigion Tresaith SN278516 Extremely thin. Phocoena phocoena F 1.12 slight decomposition 29-Sep-96 SW1996/151 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN582819 Phocoena phocoena F 1.14 moderate decomposition 03-Oct-96 SW1996/153 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN605925 tagged, council informed. Phocoena phocoena M 1.39 moderate decomposition 07-Oct-96 SW1996/154 Gwynedd Tywyn SN584989 council informed for safe disposal. Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? moderate decomposition 13-Oct-96 SW1996/155 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH320730 Delphinus delphis M 2.04 advanced decomposition 16-Oct-96 SW1996/157 Carmarthenshire Llanelli Harbour SS495996 Lower jaw taken for NHM. council informed for safe disposal. Phocoena phocoena F 1.91 slight decomposition 23-Oct-96 SW1996/160 Pembrokeshire Fishguard SM959373 Phocoena phocoena M 1.12 moderate decomposition 26-Oct-96 SW1996/161 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH307744 checked by Rhianon Jones - injuries consistent with collision and prop cuts. Phocoena phocoena M 1.59 fresh 31-Oct-96 SW1996/163 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH528372 Phocoena phocoena ? 1.22 advanced decomposition 04-Nov-96 SW1996/164 Gwynedd Mouth SH173264 Phocoena phocoena M 1.68 moderate decomposition 05-Nov-96 SW1996/165 Bridgend Kenfig NNR SS785809 Delphinus delphis F 1.97 moderate decomposition 12-Nov-96 SW1996/167 Ceredigion Aberarth SN479642 removed by council. Phocoena phocoena M 0.97 advanced decomposition 15-Nov-96 SW1996/168 Ceredigion Aberarth SN468636 Stenella coeruleoalba M 1.59 fresh 17-Nov-96 SW1996/169 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SM860135 Phocoena phocoena M 1.43 fresh 20-Nov-96 SW1996/170 Anglesey Benllech SH527823 reported and taken to John Baker by John Goold. Phocoena phocoena M 1.27 moderate decomposition 26-Nov-96 SW1996/172 Ceredigion Clarach SN586839 RSP5, extensive scavenger damage, skull removed! picked up by council. Phocoena phocoena F 1.41 moderate decomposition 26-Nov-96 SW1996/173 Ceredigion Clarach SN586839 RSP6, extensive scavenger damage. picked up by council. Phocoena phocoena M 1.24 fresh 30-Nov-96 SW1996/174 Ceredigion Borth SN607893 nothing found 1st Dec. found 3rd Dec. Bnd kill? Phocoena phocoena F 1.37 fresh 09-Dec-96 SW1996/175 Pembrokeshire Nolton Haven SM857185

RSP 30-Jan-97 1 Appendix 2. Marine Environmental Monitoring 1996 Welsh Coast Strandings (Grey Seals).

species Sex ead-tip to hin Condition Date SS_No County Locality Grid_ref Comment Halichoerus grypus F 1.70 fresh 03-Feb-96 SS1996/005 Gwynedd Lleyn Peninsula. SH309413 reported by Lisa Davies CCW 6th Feb. no pm due to snow. Halichoerus grypus M 1.68 decomposed 20-Feb-96 SS1996/015 Ceredigion beach SN451627 reported by Geoff Brown 23rd Feb. council informed for safe disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? decomposed 25-Feb-96 SS1996/016 Ceredigion Aberarth SN470637 head-less and tail-less. Halichoerus grypus ? ? decomposed 03-Apr-96 SS1996/018 Conwy Abergele SH945790 RSPCA report confirmed by Nicole Bennison. council informed for safe disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? decomposed 10-Apr-96 SS1996/019 Conwy Colwyn Bay SH860790 head-less animal. council informed for safe disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 25-Apr-96 SS1996/020 Conwy Deganwy SH775795 reported as pup? Halichoerus grypus ? 1.80 moderate dec. 15-May-96 SS1996/023 Gwynedd Aberdesach SH417508 council informed for safe disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? adult decomposed 22-May-96 SS1996/049 Bridgend reserve. SS801811 council informed for safe disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? adult fresh ? 27-May-96 SS1996/051 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM850215 unconfirmed Halichoerus grypus ? adult fresh ? 28-May-96 SS1996/052 Carmarthenshire MOD Pendine SN260070 council informed for safe disposal. Halichoerus grypus F ? ? ? 30-May-96 SS1996/053 Pembrokeshire Monkstone beach SN145032 reported by JRC. council informed for disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? j ? moderate dec. 31-May-96 SS1996/055 Carmarthenshire Marros beach SN205074 reported by Patsy Davies. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 02-Jul-96 SS1996/063 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN526697 Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 12-Jul-96 SS1996/064 Pembrokeshire St Justinians SM722252 reported by Lifeboat mechanic, council informed for disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? advanced dec. 25-Jul-96 SS1996/066 Ceredigion Llangranog SN312546 reported by Dave Bird. Halichoerus grypus ? ? fresh ? 27-Jul-96 SS1996/067 Ceredigion Mwnt SN194518 reported by RSPCA. Halichoerus grypus ? ? moderate dec. 15-Aug-96 SS1996/073 Anglesey Anglesey SH338684 reported by Mandy Richards CCW Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate dec. 26-Aug-96 SS1996/080 Pembrokeshire Nolton Haven SM857185 reported by police to Barry Davies. Incinerated. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate dec. 27-Aug-96 SS1996/081 Pembrokeshire Nolton Haven SM857185 reported by duty officer Pembrokeshire Council. Animal taken to Fishguard council depot. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 02-Sep-96 SS1996/083 Pembrokeshire Broadhaven SM860137 reported by RSPCA. Headless pup end of slipway. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 09-Sep-96 SS1996/085 Flintshire Point of Ayr SJ125853 reported by Steven Wyn. Council informed for disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate dec. 09-Sep-96 SS1996/086 Pembrokeshire Pwll deri SM889387 reported by Jemma. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh 10-Sep-96 SS1996/090 Pembrokeshire SM881369 reported by Jemma. Oil on coat, not excessive. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh 13-Sep-96 SS1996/091 Pembrokeshire Haven. SM736094 reported by Simon Smith. Oil visible on head. Halichoerus grypus M 2.25 fresh 15-Sep-96 SS1996/092 Pembrokeshire Haven. SM736094 reported by Jim Poole. Taken to V.I. Lab Carmarthen, samples for Robin Law. Halichoerus grypus M 1.15 fresh 21-Sep-96 SS1996/094 Pembrokeshire Jeffries Haven SM756091 RSP4/96 reported by Blaise Bullimore. Animal seen being born. Oil sheen on water. pm Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 26-Sep-96 SS1996/096 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM850210 reported by Mrs Scammel, council informed for disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 26-Sep-96 SS1996/096a Pembrokeshire Aberfelin SM706236 G220B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate dec. 27-Sep-96 SS1996/097 Pembrokeshire Pwll Dawnau SM880370 reported by Jemma. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 27-Sep-96 SS1996/097a Pembrokeshire Porth-gwyn SM748287 F200, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus M 1.14 fresh 29-Sep-96 SS1996/098 Pembrokeshire St Justinians SM723252 RSP5/96 reported by lifeboat station. pm Halichoerus grypus ? ? moderate dec. 29-Sep-96 SS1996/099 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM853210 reported by Mrs Scammel, council informed for disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 29-Sep-96 SS1996/100 Pembrokeshire Strumble Head SM903410 reported by Geoff Liles Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 29-Sep-96 SS1996/101 Pembrokeshire Strumble Head SM903410 reported by Geoff Liles Halichoerus grypus F ? fresh 29-Sep-96 SS1996/102 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM880006 reported by Tonya Forsyth N T. not found. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh 30-Sep-96 SS1996/103 Pembrokeshire Pwll deri SM887389 reported by Jemma. very small animal covered in blood. Abortive foetus? Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 30-Sep-96 SS1996/103a Pembrokeshire Aber Mawr SM700244 G030B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 30-Sep-96 SS1996/103b Pembrokeshire Porth Lleuog SM699321 G360B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 30-Sep-96 SS1996/103c Pembrokeshire Williams SM702228 G320B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh 01-Oct-96 SS1996/111 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM848218 reported by Mr Scammel, council informed for disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? Adult advanced dec. 01-Oct-96 SS1996/112 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM849217 reported by Mr Scammel, council informed for disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 01-Oct-96 SS1996/112a Pembrokeshire Aberfelin SM930402 E80B, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh 02-Oct-96 SS1996/113 Ceredigion Cwmtydu SN355576 council informed for safe disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 03-Oct-96 SS1996/114 Gwynedd Aberdesach SH424514 council informed for safe disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 03-Oct-96 SS1996/115 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM849217 reported by Mr Scammel, council informed for disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 03-Oct-96 SS1996/116 Pembrokeshire Broadhaven SM860138 reported by Pembrokeshire county council. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 04-Oct-96 SS1996/117 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN606919 council informed for safe disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 04-Oct-96 SS1996/118 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM845224 reported by Mr Scammel, council informed for disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 04-Oct-96 SS1996/118a Pembrokeshire Pwll deri SM888392 reported by Jemma. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 04-Oct-96 SS1996/118b Pembrokeshire Capel SM706243 G150B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 04-Oct-96 SS1996/118c Pembrokeshire Williams SM702228 G320B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 04-Oct-96 SS1996/118d Pembrokeshire Williams SM702228 G320B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 06-Oct-96 SS1996/119 Ceredigion Tresaith SN277516 reported by RSPCA, council informed.

RSP 30-Jan-97 1 Appendix 2. Marine Environmental Monitoring 1996 Welsh Coast Strandings (Grey Seals).

species Sex ead-tip to hin Condition Date SS_No County Locality Grid_ref Comment Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 06-Oct-96 SS1996/119a Ceredigion Mwnt SN193518 reported by Bill & Ann. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 06-Oct-96 SS1996/120 Ceredigion Castell Bach SN359579 reported by Phebe Cooper, council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 06-Oct-96 SS1996/121 Ceredigion Castell Bach SN359579 reported by Phebe Cooper, council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? Adult ? 06-Oct-96 SS1996/122 Ceredigion Castell Bach SN359579 reported by Phebe Cooper, council informed. Halichoerus grypus F 2.10 fresh 06-Oct-96 SS1996/123 Pembrokeshire St Justinians SM722251 reported by Terry Leadbetter, pm Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 06-Oct-96 SS1996/124 Pembrokeshire Aberbach SM996387 council informed for safe disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 07-Oct-96 SS1996/124a Pembrokeshire Pwll Deri SM887387 reported by Jemma. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 07-Oct-96 SS1996/124b Pembrokeshire Aber Mawr SM700244 G030B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 07-Oct-96 SS1996/124c Pembrokeshire Aber Mawr SM700244 G030B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 07-Oct-96 SS1996/124d Pembrokeshire Trwyn Garlic SM697239 G020B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate dec. - r 07-Oct-96 SS1996/124e Pembrokeshire Trwyn Garlic SM697239 G020B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 07-Oct-96 SS1996/124f Pembrokeshire Porth Lleuog SM699321 G360B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 07-Oct-96 SS1996/124g Pembrokeshire Abermyharen SM705229 G250B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 07-Oct-96 SS1996/124h Pembrokeshire Rhossyn SM706228 G260B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 08-Oct-96 SS1996/125 Gwynedd Tywyn SN584989 reported by Peter Mc Coral. council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 08-Oct-96 SS1996/125a Pembrokeshire RW SN053423 reported by Jemma. Halichoerus grypus ? Adult moderate dec. 09-Oct-96 SS1996/147 Ceredigion Newquay SN392597 reported by Quay West Holiday Camp. council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 09-Oct-96 SS1996/147a Pembrokeshire Porth tre-wen SM775303 F120B, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 10-Oct-96 SS1996/148 Pembrokeshire Cwm-yr-Eglws SN016401 reported by Pembrokeshire council. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 10-Oct-96 SS1996/148a Pembrokeshire Trwyn Garlic SM697239 G020B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 10-Oct-96 SS1996/148b Pembrokeshire Porth Lleuog SM699321 G360B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 10-Oct-96 SS1996/148c Pembrokeshire Abermyharen SM705229 G250B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p decomposed 11-Oct-96 SS1996/150 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM852210 retrieved and frozen by Jemma Halichoerus grypus ? ? p decomposed 11-Oct-96 SS1996/151 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM852210 retrieved and frozen by Jemma Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 13-Oct-96 SS1996/152 Pembrokeshire Broadhaven SM856130 reported entangled in fishing net, council informed for disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 13-Oct-96 SS1996/153 Pembrokeshire Poppit beach SN155489 council informed for disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 14-Oct-96 SS1996/153a Pembrokeshire Aber Mawr SM700244 G030B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 14-Oct-96 SS1996/153b Pembrokeshire Aber Mawr SM700244 G030B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. - r 14-Oct-96 SS1996/153c Pembrokeshire Capel SM706243 G150B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. - r 14-Oct-96 SS1996/153d Pembrokeshire Trwyn Garlic SM697239 G020B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate dec. - r 14-Oct-96 SS1996/153e Pembrokeshire Porth Lleuog SM699321 G360B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 14-Oct-96 SS1996/153f Pembrokeshire Porth Lleuog SM699321 G360B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 14-Oct-96 SS1996/153g Pembrokeshire Porth Lleuog SM699321 G360B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate dec. - r 14-Oct-96 SS1996/153h Pembrokeshire Williams SM702228 G320B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 14-Oct-96 SS1996/153i Pembrokeshire Williams SM702228 G320B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus F 1.94 fresh 16-Oct-96 SS1996/154 Gwynedd Criccieth SH505380 Dr John Baker. pm Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 18-Oct-96 SS1996/155 Pembrokeshire Freshwater East. SS020975 reported by Pembrokeshire.CC. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate dec. - r 18-Oct-96 SS1996/155a Pembrokeshire Porth Lleuog SM699321 G360B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 18-Oct-96 SS1996/155b Pembrokeshire Porth Lleuog SM699321 G360B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 18-Oct-96 SS1996/155c Pembrokeshire Rhossyn SM706228 G260B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 19-Oct-96 SS1996/156 Pembrokeshire Broadhaven SM860138 North Haven beach. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 19-Oct-96 SS1996/157 Pembrokeshire Amroth SN167071 reported by N. Parks info centre. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 20-Oct-96 SS1996/158 Pembrokeshire Abereiddy SM796313 reported by D L Phillips. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 21-Oct-96 SS1996/158a Pembrokeshire Pwll deri SM889387 reported by Jemma. Halichoerus grypus ? ? decomposed 22-Oct-96 SS1996/159 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West. SM877007 reported by RSPCA. council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? decomposed 22-Oct-96 SS1996/160 Carmarthenshire Ferryside SN365105 reported by Norma Newbury. council informed Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 23-Oct-96 SS1996/161 Gwynedd Aberdaron SH185257 reported by RSPCA. council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 25-Oct-96 SS1996/162 Pembrokeshire Porth Lisky SM729232 reported by June DWT Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 25-Oct-96 SS1996/163 Pembrokeshire Porth Lisky SM729232 reported by June DWT Halichoerus grypus M 0.97 fresh 25-Oct-96 SS1996/164 Gwynedd Criccieth SH511377 pm Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 25-Oct-96 SS1996/164a Pembrokeshire Porth y Twlc SM750288 F190B, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 26-Oct-96 SS1996/165 Pembrokeshire Manorbier SS060974 reported by Mr Jordon. council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 26-Oct-96 SS1996/166 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM854202 reported by Mrs Scammel. council informed.

RSP 30-Jan-97 2 Appendix 2. Marine Environmental Monitoring 1996 Welsh Coast Strandings (Grey Seals).

species Sex ead-tip to hin Condition Date SS_No County Locality Grid_ref Comment Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 26-Oct-96 SS1996/167 Pembrokeshire Abereiddy SM796313 reported by Terry Rees Wright. council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 26-Oct-96 SS1996/167a Pembrokeshire Aber Mawr SM700244 G030B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 28-Oct-96 SS1996/167a Gwynedd Sands SH530370 Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 26-Oct-96 SS1996/167b Pembrokeshire Aber Mawr SM700244 G030B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 28-Oct-96 SS1996/167b Gwynedd Sands SH530370 Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 26-Oct-96 SS1996/167c Pembrokeshire Williams SM702228 G320B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 29-Oct-96 SS1996/168 Gwynedd Hellsmouth SH265275 reported by RSPCA. council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 29-Oct-96 SS1996/169 Gwynedd Hellsmouth SH265275 reported by RSPCA. council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate dec. 29-Oct-96 SS1996/171 Ceredigion Tresaith SN277515 reported by Loraine Brooks. council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 29-Oct-96 SS1996/172 Pembrokeshire Porthgwaelod SM999394 reported by Mr Morley. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 29-Oct-96 SS1996/173 Pembrokeshire Porth Maenmelyn SM888393 reported by Jemma. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 29-Oct-96 SS1996/174 Pembrokeshire Ogof March SM888386 reported by Jemma. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 29-Oct-96 SS1996/175 Pembrokeshire Martins haven SM760092 reported by Blaise Bullimore CCW. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 29-Oct-96 SS1996/175a Pembrokeshire Aber Mawr SM700244 G030B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 29-Oct-96 SS1996/175b Pembrokeshire Porth Lleuog SM699321 G360B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 29-Oct-96 SS1996/175c Pembrokeshire Porth Lleuog SM699321 G360B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 29-Oct-96 SS1996/175d Pembrokeshire Williams SM702228 G320B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 29-Oct-96 SS1996/175e Pembrokeshire Rhossyn SM706228 G260B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? moderate dec. 31-Oct-96 SS1996/176 Pembrokeshire Westdale beach SM798058 reported by Terry Leadbetter. council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 31-Oct-96 SS1996/177 Pembrokeshire rock SM859135 reported by June DWT. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 31-Oct-96 SS1996/178 Pembrokeshire rock SM859135 reported by June DWT. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 31-Oct-96 SS1996/179 Pembrokeshire Texaco SM901038 reported by David Harries. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 31-Oct-96 SS1996/180 Gwynedd Pwllheli SH385350 reported by Robbie Humpfries, Porthmadog Harbour Master. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 31-Oct-96 SS1996/181 Gwynedd Pwllheli SH385350 reported by Robbie Humpfries, Porthmadog Harbour Master. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 31-Oct-96 SS1996/182 Gwynedd Pwllheli SH385350 reported by Robbie Humpfries, Porthmadog Harbour Master. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 31-Oct-96 SS1996/183 Gwynedd Pwllheli SH385350 reported by Robbie Humpfries, Porthmadog Harbour Master. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 01-Nov-96 SS1996/184 Gwynedd Dyffryn SH568227 reported by Mervyn Edwards, Gwynedd CC. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 01-Nov-96 SS1996/185 Pembrokeshire Aberbach SM883351 reported by Jonothon Hughes NT. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 01-Nov-96 SS1996/186 Pembrokeshire Aberbach SM883351 reported by Jonothon Hughes NT. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 01-Nov-96 SS1996/187 Pembrokeshire Abermawr SM872346 reported by Jonothon Hughes NT. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 01-Nov-96 SS1996/188 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM852210 reported by Mr Scammel. Pebles Cafe, council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 01-Nov-96 SS1996/188a Pembrokeshire The Waterings SM705239 G190B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 02-Nov-96 SS1996/189 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM848218 reported by Mr Scammel. Road Junction, council informed. Halichoerus grypus M 2.13 fresh 02-Nov-96 SS1996/190 Pembrokeshire Abereiddy SM796311 reported by Ann Leadbetter. pm Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh 02-Nov-96 SS1996/191 Pembrokeshire Abereiddy SM796311 reported by Ann Leadbetter. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 02-Nov-96 SS1996/192 Pembrokeshire Druidstone beach SH385350 reported by Mr Woodehouse, council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 02-Nov-96 SS1996/193 Pembrokeshire Druidstone beach SH385350 reported by Mr Woodehouse, council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? j ? 02-Nov-96 SS1996/194 Gwynedd Sands. SH530370 reported by Mr Johnson. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate 03-Nov-96 SS1996/195 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM848218 reported by Mr Scammal, bagged by Rod Jones. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 04-Nov-96 SS1996/196 Swansea cliffs. SS538876 reported by David Painter CCW. 3 cliffs. Halichoerus grypus ? Adult ? 04-Nov-96 SS1996/197 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM848218 not found. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 04-Nov-96 SS1996/198 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM848218 council informed for disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 05-Nov-96 SS1996/200 Anglesey Anglesey reported by Holyhead C.G. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 05-Nov-96 SS1996/201 Swansea Enyon. SS475854 salt house, Port Eynon. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 05-Nov-96 SS1996/202 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN603930 reported by Mike Bailey CCW. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 05-Nov-96 SS1996/203 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN603928 reported by Mike Bailey CCW. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 05-Nov-96 SS1996/204 Ceredigion Gwbert SN162495 reported by June DWT. not found. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 05-Nov-96 SS1996/205 Pembrokeshire Pwll deri SM889387 reported by Jemma. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 05-Nov-96 SS1996/205a Pembrokeshire Aber Mawr SM700244 G030B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 05-Nov-96 SS1996/205b Pembrokeshire Rhossyn SM706228 G260B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 07-Nov-96 SS1996/206 Pembrokeshire St Justinians SM723251 reported by M Baines. not found. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 07-Nov-96 SS1996/206a Pembrokeshire Marloes sands SM785073 reported by Kate, Skomer MNR Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 07-Nov-96 SS1996/206b Pembrokeshire Marloes sands SM785073 reported by Kate, Skomer MNR

RSP 30-Jan-97 3 Appendix 2. Marine Environmental Monitoring 1996 Welsh Coast Strandings (Grey Seals).

species Sex ead-tip to hin Condition Date SS_No County Locality Grid_ref Comment Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 07-Nov-96 SS1996/206c Pembrokeshire Marloes sands SM785073 reported by Kate, Skomer MNR Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate 07-Nov-96 SS1996/207 Vale of Glamorgan Ogmore by Sea SS868742 reported by Belinda Ashong, ranger. Oil on coat, photo taken, blubber & muscle taken, stored -20C Fishguard. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 08-Nov-96 SS1996/208 Pembrokeshire beach SM730263 unable to investigate due to incoming tide. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 08-Nov-96 SS1996/208a Pembrokeshire Porth Lleuog SM699321 G360B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh - r 08-Nov-96 SS1996/208b Pembrokeshire Williams SM702228 G320B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate dec. - r 08-Nov-96 SS1996/208c Pembrokeshire The Waterings SM705239 G190B Ramsey Island, reported by Powell. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 09-Nov-96 SS1996/209 Pembrokeshire Pwll Dyni SM880370 reported by Jemma. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 09-Nov-96 SS1996/210 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM852210 Nolton end Halichoerus grypus ? Adult ? 10-Nov-96 SS1996/211 Ceredigion Castell bach SN359480 reported by Jean Bryant. not found. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 11-Nov-96 SS1996/212 Gwynedd Tywyn SN582996 reported by Milford Haven C.G. checked by Peter McCoral. council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 11-Nov-96 SS1996/213 Gwynedd Tywyn SN582996 reported by Milford Haven C.G. checked by Peter McCoral. council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 11-Nov-96 SS1996/214 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM846224 reported by Mr Scammel. Village end. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 11-Nov-96 SS1996/214a Gwynedd Tywyn SN582996 reported by council. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 13-Nov-96 SS1996/219 Gwynedd Tywyn SN576005 reported by Mrs Edwards. council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 14-Nov-96 SS1996/220 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM847223 reported by Mr Scammel. council informed.Village end. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 15-Nov-96 SS1996/221 Ceredigion Mwnt SN194519 Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced dec. 15-Nov-96 SS1996/222 Ceredigion Mwnt SN194519 Halichoerus grypus ? ? moderate 21-Nov-96 SS1996/224 Pembrokeshire Broad haven SM860135 reported by Mr Slater. council informed. Halichoerus grypus ? ? advanced dec. 22-Nov-96 SS1996/225 Carmarthenshire Llansteffan SN350110 reported by Ron Morgan Carmarthen CC. to be burnt on beach. Halichoerus grypus ? ? fresh 22-Nov-96 SS1996/226 Carmarthenshire RAF Pembrey SN362055 reported by RAF Pembrey, unable to attend due to tide. nothing found 23rd nov.96. Halichoerus grypus ? ? fresh 25-Nov-96 SS1996/230 Ceredigion beach. SN583826 reported by Env. Health Aberystwyth, nothing found. Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 03-Dec-96 SS1996/231 Pembrokeshire Poppit beach SN150488 reported by Liz Allen, Heritage coast. council informed for disposal. (headless) Halichoerus grypus F Adult moderate 20-Dec-96 SS1996/232 Ceredigion Llanon SN502671 reported by Liz Allen, muscle + blubber samples taken, council informed for disposal. Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 22-Dec-96 SS1996/233 Gwynedd reported by Aled Davies EA, council informed for disposal.

RSP 30-Jan-97 4 Appendix 3. Marine Environmental Monitoring 1996 Welsh Coast Strandings (Leatherback Turtles).

Species Sex Length Condition Date ST_No. County Location GridRef Notes Dermochelys coriacea M 2.38 fresh Thursday, September 12, 1996 ST1996/1 PEMBROKESHIRE Off Tenby SN137003 ENTANGLED AND DROWNED IN FISHING GEAR. ACCOMPANIED BY PILOT FISH Dermochelys coriacea M 2.43 moderate decomposition Friday, September 27, 1996 ST1996/2 PEMBROKESHIRE TENBY, 2ND POINT SN135014 V.I. LAB CLOSED AND ANIMAL EVENTUALLY INCINERATED Dermochelys coriacea ? 1.8 decomposed Saturday, September 28, 1996 ST1996/3 GWYNEDD RHOSNEIGR, ANGLESEY SH317732 MEASUREMENTS TAKEN BY JANINE GUEST Dermochelys coriacea ? ? ? Tuesday, October 01, 1996 ST1996/4 CARMARTHENSHIRE Off Saundersfoot Reported by Castlemartin range boat and S/foot HM. Dermochelys coriacea ? 1.98 advanced decomposition Tuesday, October 01, 1996 CARMARTHENSHIRE CEFN SIDAN BEACH, PEMBREY COUNTRY PARK SN420991 Same animal ST1996/4 ? Buried on beach. Dermochelys coriacea M 2.1 advanced decomposition Wednesday, October 02, 1996 ST1996/5 CARMARTHENSHIRE RAF PEMBREY SN365035 Buried on beach. Dermochelys coriacea M 1.8 advanced decomposition Wednesday, October 02, 1996 ST1996/6 CARMARTHENSHIRE MARROS BEACH SN219071 Tagged with biohaz label. Head removed by Dr Carl Jones. Dermochelys coriacea M 2.29 moderate decomposition Wednesday, October 16, 1996 ST1996/7 PEMBROKESHIRE AMROTH SN170070 Marks on front left flipper consistant with rope entanglement. Dermochelys coriacea F ? 1.91 moderate/advanced decomp. Sunday, October 27, 1996 ST1996/8 PEMBROKESHIRE SKRINKLE HAVEN SS080974 Possible rope marks on remains of front flippers.

RSP 10-Jan-97 1 Appendix 4.

13th November 1996

PROPOSAL FOR A WEST WALES FACILITY. (Marine Laboratory)

INTRODUCTION.

With reference to the Marine Mammal Strandings (Welsh Coast) Annual Report 1995, Section 2.3 Storage of animals, 0 refers to the fact that storage of marine mammals in a frozen condition ( -2O Celsius ) was no longer acceptable prior to post-mortem examination. The freezing of carcasses causes the following:

• Loss of micro-organisms, particularly viruses and bacteria. • Damage to tissue for histological examination. • Difficulties in interpretation of normal and abnormal tissues due to haemolysis of red blood cells. • Internal organs had remained part-frozen in some animals extending and delaying the post-mortem examination.

However, storage at +40 Celsius is acceptable for a maximum period of one week. As a result of this change of procedure the present storage facilities generously provided at Fishguard are no longer suitable for the storage of animals and new facilities are now required.

Equipment, at present, used on the marine mammal strandings project (Wales) is held at various locations, due to inadequate space at any one site, and ideally needs to be brought together under one roof. 0 A +4 Celsius 8’* 12’ cold store has been offered to the project by the Environment Agency, but requires a suitable additional location.

The Bottlenose Dolphin (Tursiops truncatus), Harbour Porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and Atlantic Grey Seal (Halichoerus grypus) are listed in Annex 2 of the “Habitats Directive” (Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora), as species requiring special protection. Marine Special Areas of Conservation (SACs) on the Welsh coast are now being implemented for some of these species. The need for fast tissue processing and laboratory facilities to determine cause of death, or identify any other problems, is essential for these internationally important populations.

In the event of a mass mortality on the Welsh coast, no such post-mortem laboratory exists. The existing Veterinary Investigation Laboratories at Carmarthen and Aberystwyth have been helpful in the past but operate only during working hours and are normally working to capacity with terrestrial species. To maintain consistency of findings it is important that all work should be carried out using standardised methodology by experienced pathologists.

In recent months two major mortality events would have particularly benefited from a local facility.

• Mortality in Leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea) on the Welsh coast, a species internationally protected and requiring further investigation. • High mortality in Atlantic Grey Seal pups during 1996 on the Welsh coast. Although following severe weather conditions, possible connection with the Sea Empress Oil Spill (SEOS) disaster cannot yet be ruled out. As was shown with the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill (EVOS), the lengthy time between death and sampling, made it difficult to ascertain cause of death. With regard to SEOS, the time taken to transport carcasses to post-mortem facilities in either Liverpool or London has a major influence on the condition of tissues needed to determine the possible effects of hydrocarbon toxicity.

1 Appendix 4.

PROPOSAL.

A marine laboratory is required on the Welsh coast to assist in investigating and establishing causes of death and other factors involved in marine mortality including the event of a mass mortality. Facilities should include washing down, cold storage and office space, post-mortem examination room and associated laboratory which can be used for marine mammal post-mortem examination, and separate offices and laboratory which can be offered to other organisations i.e. Environmental Agency, Universities etc. The building should also house a library to centrally archive material on the species and their habitats being monitored. The conclusions made from the EVOS were that despite all the preparation, there will always be problems in assembling an expert scientific team on such short notice and the need for fast tissue processing on fresh carcasses to determine if chemicals are having an effect on animals. This laboratory would provide a hub for various scientific organisations and the facility to carry-out immediate post-mortem examinations with appropriate tissue storage facilities enabling further essential laboratory analysis to be conducted.

The laboratory would have to be a dedicated facility and as such would need to be designed built and located close to good road links but at a discreet location. Please note that this facility is intended as a research laboratory only with no tourism aspect.

The enclosed plan is to provide a “ball-park figure” only. Consultation with the Development Board for Rural Wales (DBRW) has produced a figure of £200,000 for construction.

Rod Penrose. Strandings Co-ordinator (Wales).

2 Appendix 4.

Draft proposal for Welsh Marine Lab.

Appendix 5.

To Tim Kirby,

5th November 1996.

Atlantic Grey Seal mortality this year, in Wales, would appear to be higher than previous years (records start 1990). In my opinion, two main factors having a significant effect on these data are increased observer effort and severe weather conditions throughout October, the main pupping period being September, October and November. Beaches and caves have been pounded by constant rough seas stirred up by south westerly winds, including the tail end of hurricane Lilli. Pups have been washed from their breeding sites causing high mortality.

The area covered by the Sea Empress disaster was just south of the of the main Atlantic Grey Seal breeding caves and beaches in Pembrokeshire. The majority of these survived without oiling as the unusual wind direction held the oil south with only a few breeding beaches being affected. Oil pollution was reported around Skomer Island and the mainland and extended as far north as the centre of St Brides Bay. A light sheen extended as far as Ramsey Island, no pups were present at this time.

However, a major oil spillage of 72,000 tons in such close proximity cannot be ignored and samples of grey seals and cetaceans found stranded freshly dead have been removed by Marine Environmental Monitoring and taken for post-mortem examination within the Collaborative UK Marine Mammal Project. Samples from these animals have been sent to MAFF for tests on the presence of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons.

Rod Penrose. Strandings Co-ordinator (Wales).

ANNEX

NOTES ON THE PREVENTION OF INFECTION FROM DISEASES OF SEA MAMMALS

1. Sea mammals in common with any animal species may harbour or be infected by diseases which are transmissible to humans. Such diseases are known as zoonoses.

2. The possibility of infection from sea mammals has been highlighted by a number of isolations of a Brucella species from dolphins and seals. It is now known that this particular species of Brucella is infectious to humans, as other Brucellae are, and it may pose an increased risk for those coming into close contact with sea mammals.

3. It is very unlikely that casual contact would result in infection but members of the public, shooters and fishermen etc. should be advised to avoid contact with these animals.

4. Where contact cannot be avoided i.e., because people have to work with these animals as part of their job then the following advice should be followed:

4.1 Contact and handling of the animals should be kept to a minimum and be limited only to those persons required to do the job.

4.2 Ensure a high standard of personal hygiene. Thoroughly wash all cuts and abrasions with soap and water and cover with waterproof dressing. Wash hands thoroughly before eating, drinking and smoking and keep other exposed skin clean.

4.3 Protective clothing such as overalls, wellington boots and sturdy gloves should be worn when handling animals. Depending on the level of involvement additional clothing such as visors and waterproof aprons may be required. All protective clothing should always be thoroughly cleaned after use.

4.4 Procedures which produce aerosols should be avoided.

4.5 Anyone who is ill should tell their doctor of their involvement with animals as this may help in diagnosing and treating the illness.

4.6 Workers who regularly come into contact with, or work with, sea mammals should consult their own Health and Safety representative/officer/section etc. for more specific advice related to their own activities. Other advice and information can be obtained from the relevant Agriculture Departments or the Health and Safety Executive.

Precautions for those involved in post mortem work

5. Brucellae are Hazard group 3 pathogens and it is therefore important that those working with potentially infected sea mammals follow good microbiological practice. Further advice can be obtained from Health and Safety Officers but the following general points may be of assistance to those involved.

5.1 Normal post-mortem protective clothing should be worn i.e., wellingtons, overalls, waterproof gown and gloves and a suitable disposable mask and visor or airstream helmet.

5.2 The production of aerosols should be avoided, so material for scientific investigation can be taken from the organs in situ and not removed to other sites. Alternatively, tissues can be removed and transported immediately to a microbiological safety cabinet (Glass I and II) for further handling. (This is necessary to enhance the recovery of brucellae from lymph glands etc.).

5.3 Only those directly involved in post-mortem and associated activities should be allowed access to the working area.

5.4 After the post-mortem work, waste material should be removed and disposed of safely, either by incineration on site or having been made safe then removed for incineration by a responsible person who is aware of the potential risks of the material. Proper cleansing and disinfection procedures should be followed in the work area. Instruments, equipment and protective clothing should be cleaned and sterilised or disposed of as applicable (local guidance should be sought from Health and Safety Officers).

5.5 Rigorous personal hygiene should be maintained e.g., hand washing, not eating food in the work areas etc.

2 Appendix 7.1. Disposal of Decomposed Marine Carcasses.

Coastline Council, base County Dept Name Code Number ext. ? - ? Cardiff Cardiff 01222 822000 ? - ? Carmarthen Carmarthenshire Technical Services Ron Morgan office 01267 234567 ext. 4865 Carmarthenshire Technical Services ext. 4866 Carmarthenshire Out of Hours number 01267 7232993 Cardigan - Ynyslas Aberaeron Ceredigion Richard Edwards 01545 570382 Ceredigion Cardigan/Penrhos Phil Merritt 01239 851255 Ceredigion Cardigan/Penrhos Dyfrig Davies 01239 851255 Ceredigion Aberystwyth Gareth Roberts office 01970 624961 Ceredigion Aberystwyth Gareth Roberts fax 01970 625756 Ceredigion Aberystwyth, contracts Steve Davies 01970 624961 Ceredigion Environmental Health Brian Davies office 01545 570881 ext. 4372 Ceredigion Heritage Coast Paul office 01545 570881 ext. 4313 Ceredigion Heritage Coast Paul Ceredigion Nth Out of Hours-Emergency 01970 625277 Ceredigion Sth Out of Hours-Emergency 01239 851604 ? - ? Conwy Technical Services 01492 574000 ? - ? Ruthin Denbighshire Pollution Control Mr A E Lewis office 01824 706088 Denbighshire Out of Hours-Emergency 01745 351205 Gronant - Dee Estuary Ewloe Flintshire Dir. Public Protection Roger Hebden office 01352 703369 Flintshire Public Protection office 01244 545993 Flintshire Public Protection office 01352 703350 Cardiff ? - Llanelli ? Glamorgan ? Alan Harvey office 01639 641121 ext. 261 ? - ? Caernarfon Gwynedd Dir. Technical Services Peter Evans office 01286 672255 ext. 2321 Aberdovey - Porthmadog Meirionydd Dolgellau Gwynedd Technical Services Malcolm Thorpe office 01341 422341 ext. 4412 Lleyn Penninsula Dwyfor Pwllheli Gwynedd Technical Services Gwilym Roberts office 01758 613131 ext. 4062 Lleyn Penninsula Dwyfor Pwllheli Gwynedd Maritime Officer Barry Davies office 01758 613131 Arfon Caernarfon Gwynedd Technical Services Alun Wyn Jones office 01286 672255 ext. 2330 Gwynedd Out of Hours number ? ? - ? Llanelli Llanelli Shirley Jones office 01554 741100 ext. 2278 ? - ? Monmouthshire Environmental Protection Mr B Tyson office 01633 832216 ext. 2216 Monmouthshire Out of Hours-Emergency 01495 762311 ? - ? Neath office 01639 641121 ? - ? Ogwr office 01656 662141 ? - ? Haverfordwest Pembrokeshire Technical Services Novello Parry/Jill office 01437 775418 ? - ? Haverfordwest Pembrokeshire Technical Services Phil Leggit office 01437 775385 Pembrokeshire Out of Hours-Emergency 01437 775522 ? - ? Swansea Swansea Pollution Control office 01792 635652 Swansea Out of Hours number 01792 636000 ? - ? Vale of Glamorgan 01446 700111 Anglesey Ynys Mon Environmental Health Jane Waltham office 01248 750057 752820

10-Jan-97 1 Marine Environmental Monitoring

Appendix 8.1.

First Aid for Live Stranded Cetaceans. Ceredigion Council Offices ‘Penmorfa’, Aberaeron, West Wales. Saturday 17th August 1996.

10.30 am Registration and Coffee.

11.00 am Welcome Rod Penrose Strandings Co-ordinator (Wales). Marine Environmental Monitoring.

Introduction Rob Mackim, Severn Area Marine Life Rescue & Marine Life Rescue UK.

11.10 am Marine Mammals Species, Biology & Threats. Mark Simmonds, Whale & Dolphin Conservation Society & Chairman, Marine Animal Rescue Coalition.

12.00 noon Frequency & Health Status of Live Strandings Paul Jepson B.V.M.S., M.R.C.V.S, Strandings Co-ordinator, (England & Wales), Institute of Zoology, London.

12.45 pm Break

1.45 pm First Aid Requirements of the Stranded Animal James Barnett B.Sc., B.V.Sc., M.R.C.V.S Company Veterinary Surgeon, Sea Life Centres & National Seal Sanctuary, Gweek.

3.00 pm Rescue Management Rob Macklin. SAMLR, MLR UK. Inspector Romain de Kerchove, RSPCA.

4.00 pm Tea

4.15 pm Rescue Equipment James Bamett B.Sc., B.V.Sc., M.R.C.V.S

4.45 pm Open Forum, Summary & Close of Formal Meeting

5.30 pm Demonstration of Inflatable floatation pontoons with Rob Macklin.

Marine Environmental Monitoring, Collaborative UK & Celtic Marine Mammal Project is supported in Wales by: The European Regional Development Fund. The Welsh Office through The Natural History Museum, London. The D.o.E. through The Institute of Zoology, London. The Countryside Council for Wales. The Green Seas Initiative. The Environment Agency.

VAT registered no. 650 8485 21 Appendix 8.1.

In the event of a Live Stranding contact the RSPCA immediately. The RSPCA will contact a veterinary surgeon and a local Rescue Group to assist.

Whilst waiting keep the animal calm, cool and wet. Be careful when pouring water over the animal not to get water in the blowhole.

RSPCA 0990 555 999.

All reports of Live or Dead Strandings of Cetaceans, Seals, Turtles and Sharks on the Welsh coastline should be sent to the Strandings Co-ordinator.

Strandings Co-ordinator 01348 875000. Marine Environmental Monitoring Penwalk Llechryd Cardigan CEREDIGION SA43 2PS

Many thanks to

Cardigan Sub Aqua Club for supplying compressed air for pontoon inflation. Welsh Marine Life Rescue for supplying water pump for filling the ‘Whale’. 2 Appendix 8.2.

Veterinary Management of Live Stranded Cetaceans. Ceredigion Council Offices ‘Penmorfa’, Aberaeron, West Wales. Sunday 18th August 1996.

10.30 am Registration and Coffee.

11.00 am Welcome Rod Penrose Strandings Co-ordinator (Wales). Marine Environmental Monitoring.

11.05 am Pathology of Stranded Seals and Cetaceans. John R Baker B.V.Sc., Ph.D., F.A.Scot., M.I.Biol., M.R.C.V.S The Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool. rtd.

12.00 pm Clinical Management of Live Stranded Cetaceans. Paul Jepson B.V.M.S., M.R.C.V.S Strandings co-ordinator, (England & Wales) Collaborative UK Marine Mammal Project, Institute of Zoology, London.

1.00 pm Break

1.45 pm Clinical Management and Rehabilitation of Seals. James Barnett B.Sc., B.V.Sc., M.R.C.V.S Company Veterinary Surgeon, Sea Life Centres & National Seal Sanctuary, Gweek.

2.45 pm Tea & Questions.

3.30 pm Demonstration of Inflatable floatation pontoons with Rob Macklin.

VAT registered no.650 8485 21 Appendix 9.

GREEN SEA - MÔR GLAS ______

INTRODUCING GREEN SEA

The Green Sea Initiative is supported by an informal partnership of bodies committed to safeguarding and improving the quality of the coastal environment of Wales. The initiative has developed following Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water’s commitment to improving sewage treatment plants discharging into the sea to a level where the water quality around the coast of Wales reaches the EC guideline standard rather than the lesser mandatory standard. Green Sea aims to ensure that the benefits to Wales resulting from the improved water quality are maximized

The Objectives of the partnership are:

To achieve greater and better co-ordinated practical action to improve dramatically the quality of our coastal environment.

To publicise this effort and its achievements for the benefits of communities, tourism, the Welsh economy and the public’s understanding and enjoyment of these environments.

To create an all-Wales working partnership between the organisations having an interest in improving the coastal environment.

Through that partnership to secure an ongoing commitment and agreed strategy to work to further improve the coastal environment of Wales.

To achieve fifty Blue Flag award beaches in Wales.

However, it is expected that individual organisations will continue to pursue their individual interests and objectives.

GREEN SEA DIRECTORY

The Green Sea Directory is intended to facilitate the co-ordination of projects being undertaken by different organisations which are aimed at safeguarding and improving the quality of the coastal environment, in accordance with the objectives of the initiative.

The entries give brief details of organisations which may be able to help in the arrangement, implementation or funding of schemes around the coastline of Wales. Projects could range from beach clean-ups to improvements to access and facilities.

Please note that although the information in the Directory will be updated periodically, the producers cannot guarantee the accuracy of the entries. Entries are provided by the organisations concerned and do not necessarily reflect the views of the other partner bodies.

If you have any queries regarding the Green Sea Directory please write to:

The Development Planning Department, Wales Tourist Board, Brunel House, 2 Fitzalan Road CARDIFF, CF2 lUY. Appendix 10.

USE PROTECTION!, OR A CASE OF VIBRIO INFECTION FROM A SEA TURTLE

John A. Keinath

Virginia Institute of Marine Science, School of Marine Science, College of William and Mary, Gloucester Pt., VA 23062

Approximately 200 sea turtles strand annually in Virginia. The majority of the fresh carcasses are necropsied by members of the VIMS Sea Turtle Research Project to determine sex, sample gut contents, and to try to determine cause of death. On the morning of 24 May a fresh dead loggerhead was brought to VIMS. I, as usual, necropsied the animal without gloves, which I find cumbersome. Early the following morning (3 am) I awoke with a large (3 cm diameter) pustule on the right front index finger, accompanied by intense pain and swelling. In addition, a secondary infection of the lymph system was progressing toward the elbow. A physician initially prescribed Lincocin injection and Augmentin tablets, and amputation of the finger was discussed as a possibility. By 3 pm the pustule had become larger, and the lymph infection had progressed passed the elbow. The physician became very concerned, since this was now a life threatening situation. Because time was a major factor, there was no culture to determine the exact infective agent, it was determined that the primary infection was Vibrio most likely Vibrio vulnificus, a virus ubiquitous in the marine environment. Seftin and Rocephin was administered for the next several days, along with Darvon for pain. The infection abated and the wound healed, however a fair (sic) amount of anxiety was involved! Although I have necropsied several hundred sea turtles without gloves, I will not do so in the future. Although infection from Vibrio vulnificus is rare, it infected individuals had a death rate in Virginia of 7 - 22%! (Schmidt and Hoyt, 1985)

PLEASE USE PROTECTION!

LITERATURE CITED

Schmidt, S. and R. Hoyt. 1985. Potential risk of Vibrio infection in Virginia. Va. Sea Grant Mar. Res. Advisory #29.