www.strandings.com

Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings (Welsh Coast) Annual Report 2018

R.S.Penrose. April 2019

Marine Environmental Monitoring Penwalk Cardigan West 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. 16

5 OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK 17

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

6 SAMPLES 20

7 FUNDING 20

8 PUBLICITY 20

9 LEGISLATION 20

10 EQUIPMENT 21

11 TRAVEL 21

12 ADMINISTRATION 21

13 CAUSE OF DEATH 21

14 LIST OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES USED IN THIS REPORT 22

15 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 22

16 APPENDICES 22

2

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 2018. 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 2018. 11 Figure 8. Reported grey seal mortality on the Welsh coast. 12 Grey seal mortality by month. Figure 9. 12 Figure 10. Grey seal reports averaged over 1990 to 2018. 12 Figure 11. Location of the porpoise, recovered to the project, killed by bottlenose dolphins in 2018. 13

List of Plates.

Plate 1. Neonate bottlenose dolphin SW2018/606 near Shell island, Gwynedd. 14 Plate 2. Juvenile bottlenose dolphin SW2018/756 examined at a Bristol land-fill site. 15 Bottlenose dolphin at Broughton Bay, Gower. Plate 3. SW2018/833 15 Angel shark being collected from Saundersfoot. Plate 4. SF2018/1 18 Plate 5. Blue shark SF2018/2 at Clynnog-fawr. 19

List of Tables.

Table 1. 2018 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast). 8 Table 2. 2018 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast). 8 Table 3. 2018 Number of animals selected for post-mortem examination. 9 Table 4. Cause of death (Cetaceans). 21 Table 5. List of scientific names used in this report. 22

3

1. CRYNODEB GWEITHREDOL Caiff yr UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP - rhaglen y DU ar gyfer ymchwilio tiriadau anifeiliaid o deulu'r morfilod) ei chydlynu’n dechnegol gan Gymdeithas Söolegol Llundain (ZSL).

Teulu’r Morfilod: Derbyniodd Marine Environmental Monitoring (MEM) adroddiadau am 124 o anifeiliaid o deulu'r morfil yn 2018. O’r rhain, llamidyddion (91 ohonynt) a grybwyllwyd amlaf.

Cafwyd adroddiadau ynghylch anifeiliaid eraill o deulu'r morfil wedi tirio ar lannau Cymru yn 2018, gan gynnwys tri dolffin trwyn potel, deunaw dolffin cyffredin, pum dolffin amhenodol - rhesog neu gyffredin, tri morfil o rywogaeth amhenodol a phedwar dolffin rhesog. Cafwyd adroddiadau am aelod amhenodol o deulu’r morfilod, un dolffin cyffredin, tri llamhidydd a dau ddolffin rhesog a ddaeth i’r lan yn fyw.

Casglwyd chwech ar hugain o greaduriaid i’w harchwilio: un dolffin trwyn potel; pedwar dolffin cyffredin; 18 llamhidydd a thri dolffin rhesog.

Cafwyd un llamhidydd yn 2018 y gellid dweud ei fod ‘wedi’i ladd 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: Ni chymerwyd unrhyw samplau ychwanegol yn ystod 2018.

Morloi: Derbyniodd MEM adroddiadau am 73 morlo llwyd marw.

Crwbanod: Derbyniodd MEM adroddiad am un crwban marw wedi tirio, sef crwban môr pendew Kemp. Ni chafwyd hanes gweld unrhyw crwban byw.

Morgwn: Ni chafwyd unrhyw adroddiad yn ystod 2018 am heulforgi’n tirio. Er hynny, casglwyd un maelgi ac un morgi glas ar gyfer eu harchwilio post mortem a chofnodwyd un morgi glas arall.

Ariannu: Mae’r rhaglen yn rhedeg y tu mewn i’r cytundeb presennol, a ddyfarnwyd gan Lywodraeth Cymru/Defra ar y 16eg Hydref 2017, i fod mewn grym hyd y 15fed Hydref 2020.

4

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 twenty-four cetaceans were reported to Marine Environmental Monitoring in 2018. Harbour porpoise (n=91) was the most frequently reported cetacean.

Other cetaceans reported stranded on the Welsh coast in 2018 included three bottlenose dolphins; 18 common dolphins; five common/striped dolphins indeterminate; three cetacean sp. indeterminate and four striped dolphins. One cetacean sp. indeterminate, one common dolphin, three harbour porpoises and two striped dolphins were reported as live-stranded.

Twenty-six cetaceans were collected for examination: one bottlenose dolphin; four common dolphins; 18 harbour porpoises and three striped dolphins.

One harbour porpoise ‘killed by bottlenose dolphin’ was identified in 2018. Imposed reduced effort in recording from 2006 has made trends in this activity difficult to compare with previous years.

Samples: No additional samples were taken during 2018.

Seals: Seventy-three dead Atlantic grey seals were reported to MEM.

Turtles: One dead stranded turtle was reported to MEM, this was a Kemp’s ridley turtle. No live turtle ‘sightings’ were received.

Sharks: No basking shark strandings were reported during 2018. However, one angel shark and one blue shark were recovered for a post-mortem examination with one further blue shark recorded.

Funding: The programme is running within the existing contract, 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- 6 ordinator for the appropriate country. A network of volunteers, rangers, wardens, coastal officers, Harbour Masters etc. has been maintained who can be contacted by the Strandings Co-ordinator to confirm the stranding, assess its condition and secure the animal from the effects of the tide, predation etc. until it can be dealt with. In recent years the use of digital cameras has vastly improved the quality of reporting as species, sex, and condition of carcass can be ascertained from the e-mailed image. A dedicated email address to receive digital photographs has been created [email protected] It is hoped this will reduce the number of ‘cetacean species indeterminate’ recorded in the database.

The following criteria are applied: -

3.1 Live Animals

(Condition code 1)1 In 1994 the Marine Animal Rescue Coalition (MARC) was formed. This consists of all the major animal welfare and conservation bodies involved with marine mammals in the UK. It has been agreed that in the case of a live stranding the first point of call would be the RSPCA as they support a manned 24-hour emergency phone. The RSPCA would then contact the relevant organisations, Marine Environmental Monitoring etc.

3.2 Dead Animals

(Condition code 2a extremely fresh as if just died) 1 (Condition code 2b slight decomposition)1 (Condition code 3 moderate decomposition)1 The animal is retrieved using a 4-wheel drive vehicle and trailer. Health and safety precautions are followed with the animal being handled only with gloved hands. The carcass is usually stored frozen until delivery for post-mortem examination2. Live stranded animals that die or are 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.

2018 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 1 0 1 0 1 3 Cetacean sp. Indet. 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 Common dolphin 4 3 1 0 2 1 1 2 2 0 0 2 18 Common/striped dolphin (indeterminate)001000111001 5 Harbour porpoise 8 7 3 12 9 14 14 7 8 6 1 2 91 Minke whale 000000000000 0 Pilot whale 000000000000 0 Risso's dolphin 000000000000 0 Striped dolphin 010000111000 4 Total cetaceans 13 12 5 12 11 15 17 12 12 7 2 6 124

Grey seal 2 0 1 1 1 2 4 7 18 27 7 3 73

Total animals 15 12 6 13 12 17 21 19 30 34 9 9 197

Table 2.

2018 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. 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 Common dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Common/striped dolphin (indeterminate)000000000000 0 Harbour porpoise 000002100000 3 Minke whale 000000000000 0 Pilot whale 000000000000 0 Risso's dolphin 000000000000 0 Striped dolphin 000000110000 2 Total cetaceans 100002220000 7

Of the 124 cetacean strandings 7 animals were found live-stranded during 2018.

8

Table 3.

2018 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 1 0 0 1 Cetacean sp. Indet. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Common dolphin 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 4 Common/striped dolphin (indeterminate)000000000000 0 Harbour porpoise 141401400201 18 Minke whale 000000000000 0 Pilot whale 000000000000 0 Risso's dolphin 000000000000 0 Striped dolphin 000000111000 3 Total cetaceans 341401521302 26

Of the 124 cetacean strandings, 26 animals (20.9%) 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 21.

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

Three bottlenose dolphins were reported stranded during 2018. The first was a retrospective report from Shell Island which was unfortunately in a state of moderate decomposition when first found. The second was recovered for a full examination within the CSIP from Llanbedrog on the Lleyn Peninsula, the third was found at Broughton Bay on the Gower but unfortunately in a state of advanced decomposition. 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 2018.

10

Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena).

The harbour porpoise is the most frequently reported stranded cetacean on the Welsh coast. The black line shown running through the bar chart in Figure 5., indicates harbour porpoise neonates3 recovered in each year. This line has roughly mimicked and followed the Figure 5. Reported harbour porpoise strandings on the Welsh totals for each year coast. however, 2004 shows a marked decline in neonates compared to the reported total of porpoises for that year.

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

Due to changes in funding and restrictions placed on transport arrangements introduced in 2006/2007, the numbers of porpoises recorded since 2006, may be lower than the actual number stranded as not all carcasses were attended or identified to species. In an attempt to address this deficiency, various measures have been implemented, described in further detail in 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Page 6.

Figure 6. Harbour porpoise strandings by month. Figure 7. Harbour porpoise strandings averaged over1990 to 2018.

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 (Halichoerus grypus).

Atlantic grey seal mortality reported to Marine Environmental Monitoring was significantly higher in 2017 compared to recent years. The marked increase in reported strandings in 2017 is a result of the storms that occurred in the later part of the year starting with ex-hurricane ‘Ophelia’ 16- 17th October followed by storm ‘Brian’ 21st October and storms ‘Caroline’ and ‘Dylan’ 7th and 30th December respectively. Figure 8. Reported grey seal mortality on the Welsh coast. Unfortunately, ex-hurricane ‘Ophelia’ occurred during the pupping season stripping pups from the Pembrokeshire Islands and mainland causing a mortality of 77 seals in October alone (far exceeding the reported annual total for 2016 at 52). Previous highs shown in Figure 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 2018.

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.

Only one harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) that had died of injuries consistent with attack by one or more bottlenose dolphins (Jepson & Baker 1998), was determined as a ‘bottlenose dolphin kill’ by post-mortem examination in 2018.

The number of harbour porpoise carcasses reported to the project, identified as being “killed by bottlenose dolphins”, appear to have declined over time. However care should be used when interpreting this data as not all porpoise strandings have been examined since the beginning of 2006 due to funding changes. The stranding locations for the animals retrieved for post-mortem examination determined as being killed by bottlenose dolphins are plotted in Figure 11.

4

3

2

2 3

Figure 11. Location of the porpoise, recovered to the project, killed by bottlenose dolphins in 2018.

13

4.3 Unusual Occurrences.

No unusual cetacean strandings were reported throughout 2018. As stated in previous reports, bottlenose dolphins are a priority species within the programme so any information on this species over the year is included here. Three bottlenose dolphins were recorded stranded during 2018, these are shown here in more detail.

SW2018/606 was a neonate bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) which was found dead near Shell Island, Gwynedd on the 23rd August 2018. The carcass was not attended due to this being a retrospective report received on the 28th August 2018.

Plate 1. Neonate bottlenose dolphin SW2018/606 near Shell island, Gwynedd. Photo by: Paul Kuczera.

SW2018/756 was a dead juvenile bottlenose dolphin reported in surf at Abersoch, Gwynedd on the 12th October 2018 in the midst of ‘Storm Callum’. Unfortunately, due to the ferocity of the storm the carcass could not be secured and eventually washed away. On the 19th October 2018, seven days later, a juvenile male bottlenose dolphin was reported dead at Llanbedrog, Gwynedd approximately 3 miles north-east of Abersoch. The carcass was assumed to be SW2018/756 and was recovered by Gwynedd Maritime Services to the Harbour Master’s Office at Porthmadog for later collection by the Strandings Co-ordinator (SC). Unfortunately, the SC was currently in London delivering carcasses, and as the bottlenose carcass at this time externally appeared to be in a state of moderate decomposition, arrangements were made with ZSL to conduct the examination as soon as possible. The carcass was collected by the SC and a rendezvous with ZSL at a land-fill site at Bristol (to reduce driving time), where the examination could be conducted and remains disposed of, was organised. The cause of death was given as live-stranding (pending histopathology).

14

Plate 2. Juvenile bottlenose dolphin SW2018/756 examined at a Bristol land-fill site.

SW2018/833 was a dead bottlenose dolphin reported at Broughton Bay on the Gower on the 9th December 2018. Digital images showed the animal to be in a state of advanced decomposition and was not attended as previous carcasses at this location have been interfered-with with body-parts taken and indeed the head from this one disappeared shortly afterwards.

Plate 3. Bottlenose dolphin SW2018/833 at Broughton Bay, Gower. Photo by: Madison Bowden-Parry.

15

4.4 Live Strandings.

Seven live cetacean strandings were reported in 2018. These are listed below.

SW2018/50 was a cetacean reported live-stranded at Newton Bay, Porthcawl, Bridgend on the 31st January 2018. BDMLR and RSPCA were informed, however on arrival the RSPCA were told by the public that “the animal had righted itself and swum off”. No species ID could be obtained.

SW2018/432 was a harbour porpoise live-stranded at Llandonna, Anglesey on the 12th June 2018. The animal was attended by BDMLR medics and was re-floated. On the 15th June 2018 an extremely fresh porpoise was found dead close-by and assumed to be the same animal. The carcass was recovered by NRW and stored frozen at Bangor for later examination within the CSIP. Cause of death was given as: parasitism, pneumonia.

SW2018/444 was a harbour porpoise live-stranded at Whitesands Bay, Pembrokeshire on the 29th June 2018. Multiple re-floats were carried out by members of the public and a decision was made to euthanise, however the animal had disappeared when RSPCA officers arrived to carry out euthanasia.

SW2018/468 was a harbour porpoise live-stranded at Rhyl, Conwy on the 9th July 2018. A decision was made to euthanise, however the animal died on the beach before this action could be implemented. The carcass was recovered by NRW and stored frozen at Bangor for later examination within the CSIP. Cause of death was given as: starvation/hypothermia (neonate).

SW2018/526 was a striped dolphin live-stranded at Pendine, Carmarthenshire on the 31st July 2018. The animal was re-floated by staff from Quinetiq. A dead striped dolphin was recovered from Coppit Hall, Pembrokeshire on the 4th August 2018 some 10 miles across the bay and thought to be the same animal. The carcass was recovered with kind assistance from Ellie West RSPCA and stored frozen for later examination within the CSIP. Cause of death was given as: live-stranding.

SW2018/531 was a common dolphin live-stranded at Newgale beach, Pembrokeshire on the 7th August 2018. BDMLR and RSPCA attended but the animal died on the beach. The carcass was recovered by the RSPCA and transferred to the Strandings Co-ordinator the next day. The carcass was stored frozen for later examination within the CSIP. Cause of death was given as: pending histopathology.

SW2018/564 was a striped dolphin live-stranded at Aberthaw, Vale of Glamorgan on the 18th August 2018. The animal was euthanised by the RSPCA using a .38 firearm. The carcass was recovered by the RSPCA and transferred to the Strandings Co-ordinator the next day. The carcass was stored chilled for later examination within the CSIP.

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 16 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 . 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.

5. OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK.

5.1 Seals.

Seals have not been routinely investigated by the CSIP since 1994. However records of mortality of these species have been maintained and the figures for the Welsh coast can be found on page 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.

5.2 Sharks.

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

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

17

No basking sharks were reported during 2018.

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

Plate 4. Angel shark SF2018/1 being collected from Saundersfoot. Photo by: Lin Gander.

Also on the 27th August 2018, a dead blue shark (Prionace glauca) SF2018/2 was found stranded and recovered from Clynnog- fawr, Lleyn Peninsular by Ben Wray NRW and stored frozen at Bangor NRW Plate 5.

Another blue shark SF2018/3 was reported on the North Wales Bird & Wildlife Sightings Facebook page at Morfa Bychan, near Porthmadog on the 8th September 2018. The Porthmadog Harbour Master was contacted who attended and assessed the carcass as not suitable for examination and removed it for disposal.

Both the angel shark SF2018/1 and the blue shark SF2018/2 are to be examined by the CSIP in 2019.

18

Plate 5. Blue shark SF2018/2 at Clynnog-fawr. Photo by: Ben Wray NRW.

5.3 Marine Turtles.

2018 was a quite year for turtles. There was only one report of a stranded marine turtle and no reports of sightings of marine turtles received around the Welsh coast during 2018. The stranded turtle was a Kemp's ridley (Lepidochelys kempii.)

Turtle Strandings

T2018/013 was an advanced decomposed Kemp's ridley turtle found at Criccieth, Gwynedd on the 24th December 2018.

Turtle Sightings

There were no marine turtle sightings reported around the Welsh coast during 2018.

T2016/030 Menai, the olive ridley that was flown to Gran Canaria to hopefully speed her recovery failed to respond to the improved climate and was euthanised in January 2018. A post-mortem examination was undertaken by the Pathology Unit Veterinary Faculty of the University of Las Palmas of Gran Canaria. Severe diffuse fibrinopurulent arthritis was found in the right scapular/humeral joint with severe granulomatous multifocal pneumonia in the left lung. Further investigations are on-going to identify molecular microbiological isolates from both lung and joint.

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

19

6. SAMPLES.

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

7. FUNDING.

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

8. PUBLICITY.

The Strandings 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.

Demonstration cetacean post-mortem examinations were conducted by the CSIP for students and interested members of the public at Bangor University on the 9th January 2018 and 4th December 2018.

A talk was given to the Bangor University Marine Mammal Conference 28th April 2018 on the work of the CSIP.

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.

20

10. EQUIPMENT.

The Strandings telephone was found to be not working 17th April 2018 due to a falling tree bringing down the telephone cables. The telephone was reinstated later the same day. The Strandings vehicle was part-exchanged for a newer 2016 second-hand model in January 2018 which is hoped will be more reliable on the project. This vehicle having a Euro 6 diesel engine complies with European Regulations and will be allowed to continue entering London to deliver carcasses to ZSL.

11. TRAVEL.

In excess of 6,798 miles were covered on the project in retrieval and transportation of animals in 2018. The European Cetacean Society Conference held in La Spezia, Italy was attended 6th – 10th April 2018.

12. ADMINISTRATION.

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

13. CAUSE OF DEATH.

Again, 2018 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 22 of the 26 recovered cetaceans, shown below, in a suitable condition for necropsy in 2018 are given in Table 4. One carcass was lost due to a freezer malfunction at ZSL and the other three are stored frozen awaiting examination. 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 SW2018/6 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Tanybwlch Physical trauma, acute. SW2018/22 Delphinus delphis Anglesey Llanbadrig beach Pending SW2018/42 Phocoena phocoena Pembrokeshire Broad Haven Not established SW2018/78 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Cwmtydu Not established SW2018/79 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Aberdovey Not established SW2018/189 Phocoena phocoena Carmarthenshire Pembrey Parasitism, gastric (heavy). SW2018/302 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Cei Bach Pneumonia, mycotic (pending histopathology). SW2018/305 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Aberdovey Not established SW2018/309 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack SW2018/310 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Physical trauma. SW2018/432 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Llandonna Parasitism, pneumonia. SW2018/468 Phocoena phocoena Conwy Kinmel Bay Starvation/hypothermia (neonate). SW2018/486 Phocoena phocoena Pembrokeshire Off Ramsey Island Starvation/hypothermia. SW2018/487 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Caernarfon Starvation/hypothermia (neonate). SW2018/526 Stenella coeruleoalba Carmarthenshire Pendine sands Live stranding. SW2018/531 Delphinus delphis Pembrokeshire Newgale Pending histopathology. SW2018/564 Stenella coeruleoalba Vale of Glamorgan Aberthaw Live stranding (pending histopathology). SW2018/689 Phocoena phocoena Pembrokeshire Poppit sands Starvation/hypothermia SW2018/756 Tursiops truncatus Gwynedd Abersoch Live stranding (pending histopathology). SW2018/786 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Starvation/hypothermia. SW2018/819 Delphinus delphis Ceredigion / Live stranding (pending histopathology). SW2018/838 Phocoena phocoena Neath Port Talbot Aberavon sands Pneumonia, parasitic. 21

14. LIST OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES USED IN THIS REPORT.

Table 5.

Common name. Scientific name. Angelshark Squatina squatina Atlantic grey seal Halichoerus grypus Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus Blue shark Prionace glauca Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena Kemp's Ridley turtle Lepidochelys kempii Leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea Short beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis Striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba

15. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

Marine Environmental Monitoring wishes to acknowledge the following:

Lin Gander, Ellie West, Keith Hogben, Phil Lewis, Sal Shipley, Sarah Perry, Matthew Westfield, Ceri Morris, Charles Lindenbaum, Charlotte Hawksworth, Chris Pierpoint, Emyr Richards, Barry Davies, Glyn Jones, Clive Morgan, Aline Denton, Rhodri Dafydd, Will Stockton, Ben Sampson, Chiara Giulia and Nia Haf Jones for their support with the project and help in retrieving animals.

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

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

Welsh Government & Defra for providing funds towards the project.

16. APPENDICES.

Appendix 1. Cetacean stranding data 2018. Appendix 2. Marine turtle data 2018. Appendix 3. Seal data 2018. Appendix 4. Sharks 2018.

22

Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Species (scientific) Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome Date Found County Location Grid Ref SW2018/1 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 01/01/2018 Anglesey Ynys Cwyfan SH 336 682 SW2018/5 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 02/01/2018 Ceredigion SN 513 682 SW2018/6 TRUE Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 03/01/2018 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 579 802 SW2018/44 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 04/01/2018 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 434 572 SW2018/21 TRUE Delphinus delphis U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 15/01/2018 Anglesey Newborough Warren SH 400 633 SW2018/22 TRUE Delphinus delphis M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 16/01/2018 Anglesey Llanbadrig beach SH 375 945 SW2018/45 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20/01/2018 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 579 800 SW2018/46 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 21/01/2018 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 436 567 SW2018/47 FALSE Delphinus delphis M -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 26/01/2018 Swansea Brandy Cove Gower SS 585 874 SW2018/48 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 27/01/2018 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 370 030 SW2018/49 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 28/01/2018 Gwynedd Abererch SH 410 357 SW2018/185 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 28/01/2018 Vale of Glamorgan Aberthaw ST 025 655 SW2018/50 FALSE Unknown U -9 alive- refloated (code 1) 31/01/2018 Bridgend Newton beach Porthcawl SS 836 764 SW2018/42 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 01/02/2018 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SM 860 135 SW2018/51 FALSE Delphinus delphis M -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 01/02/2018 Ceredigion New Quay SN 390 602 SW2018/52 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 02/02/2018 Conwy Rhos on Sea SH 842 806 SW2018/180 FALSE Stenella coeruleoalba U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 04/02/2018 Bridgend Newton Point Porthcawl SS 835 762 SW2018/181 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 06/02/2018 Pembrokeshire Goodwick SM 949 379 SW2018/78 TRUE Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 11/02/2018 Ceredigion Cwntydu SN 355 576 SW2018/182 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F 182 slight decomposition (code 2b) 13/02/2018 Pembrokeshire Poppit SN 144 480 SW2018/183 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 14/02/2018 Vale of Glamorgan Aberthaw ST 030 657 SW2018/79 TRUE Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 15/02/2018 Gwynedd Aberdovey SN 590 970 SW2018/77 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 16/02/2018 Pembrokeshire Wiseman's Bridge SN 147 061 SW2018/184 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 17/02/2018 Anglesey Porth Trefadog Anglesey. SH 292 861 SW2018/186 FALSE Unknown U 300 advanced decomposition (code 4) 23/02/2018 Pembrokeshire Fishguard SM 967 376 SW2018/187 FALSE Unknown U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 04/03/2018 Pembrokeshire Tenby north beach. SS 133 010 SW2018/188 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 07/03/2018 Anglesey Porth Tyn Twyn Rhosneigr SH 320 724 SW2018/189 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 19/03/2018 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SS 400 998 SW2018/190 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 29/03/2018 Anglesey Malltreath Sands Anglesey. SH 385 653 SW2018/191 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 31/03/2018 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon Port Talbot. SS 745 893 SW2018/301 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 09/04/2018 Swansea Mumbles SS 615 895 SW2018/302 TRUE Phocoena phocoena M -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 10/04/2018 Ceredigion Cei Bach SN 406 598 SW2018/303 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 18/04/2018 Gwynedd Fairbourne SH 611 123 SW2018/304 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 20/04/2018 Gwynedd Shell Island SH 550 260 SW2018/305 TRUE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 24/04/2018 Gwynedd Aberdovey SN 590 970 SW2018/418 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 27/04/2018 Gwynedd Fairbourne SH 616 150 SW2018/308 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 28/04/2018 Conwy Llanfairfechan SH 658 765 SW2018/307 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 28/04/2018 Denbighshire Rhyl SJ 030 830 SW2018/306 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 28/04/2018 Flintshire Talacre SJ 127 847 SW2018/310 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 30/04/2018 Ceredigion Mwnt SN 193 519 SW2018/311 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 30/04/2018 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 397 000 SW2018/309 TRUE Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 30/04/2018 Ceredigion Tresaith beach SN 278 516 SW2018/420 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 08/05/2018 Swansea Llangennith SS 410 910 SW2018/419 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 08/05/2018 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 915 SW2018/421 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U 121 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12/05/2018 Gwynedd Aberdovey SN 590 970 SW2018/422 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U 121 advanced decomposition (code 4) 14/05/2018 Anglesey Newborough Warren SH 400 633 SW2018/424 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 18/05/2018 Neath Port Talbot Crymlyn Burrows SS 723 929 SW2018/428 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20/05/2018 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 604 920 SW2018/427 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20/05/2018 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 603 930 SW2018/426 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20/05/2018 Swansea Rhosilli SS 413 894 SW2018/425 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20/05/2018 Swansea Rhossilli SS 414 895 SW2018/429 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 28/05/2018 Swansea Whiteford sands SS 440 950

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetaceans 2018 Page 1 Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Species (scientific) Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome Date Found County Location Grid Ref SW2018/430 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 30/05/2018 Flintshire Gronant SJ 091 847 SW2018/431 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 07/06/2018 Ceredigion SN 582 820 SW2018/432 TRUE Phocoena phocoena U -9 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 12/06/2018 Anglesey Llandonna SH 570 810 SW2018/433 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U 75 slight decomposition (code 2b) 16/06/2018 Anglesey Cemlyn Bay SH 333 932 SW2018/757 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U 75 moderate decomposition (code 3) 17/06/2018 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 583 820 SW2018/435 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M 75 freshly dead (code 2a) 18/06/2018 Vale of Glamorgan Aberthaw ST 025 654 SW2018/434 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 18/06/2018 Ceredigion SN 460 635 SW2018/437 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20/06/2018 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon SS 740 900 SW2018/436 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20/06/2018 Carmarthenshire Llanelli SN 491 006 SW2018/438 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20/06/2018 Ceredigion Upper Borth SN 600 884 SW2018/439 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 21/06/2018 Denbighshire Rhyl SJ 010 820 SW2018/441 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U 75 advanced decomposition (code 4) 23/06/2018 Anglesey Penmon SH 640 810 SW2018/440 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 23/06/2018 Ceredigion Castell Bach SN 360 580 SW2018/442 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 27/06/2018 Denbighshire Rhyl SJ 005 816 SW2018/443 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 28/06/2018 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ 060 840 SW2018/444 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 alive- refloated (code 1) 29/06/2018 Pembrokeshire Whitesands Bay SM 732 270 SW2018/445 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 02/07/2018 Anglesey Beaumaris SH 606 759 SW2018/483 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 08/07/2018 Conwy Penmaenmawr SH 733 777 SW2018/482 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 08/07/2018 Conwy Pemnaenmawr SH 712 764 SW2018/468 TRUE Phocoena phocoena M 97 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 09/07/2018 Conwy Kinmel Bay Rhyl SH 980 805 SW2018/484 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 12/07/2018 Conwy Deganwy SH 774 798 SW2018/485 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 16/07/2018 Swansea Pwlldu Bay SS 575 870 SW2018/486 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 18/07/2018 Pembrokeshire off Ramsey Island SM 700 214 SW2018/487 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F 91 freshly dead (code 2a) 19/07/2018 Gwynedd Caernarfon SH 486 641 SW2018/489 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 21/07/2018 Conwy Llanfairfechan SH 688 759 SW2018/490 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 21/07/2018 Gwynedd Bennar SH 570 224 SW2018/491 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 21/07/2018 Ceredigion Borth SN 604 920 SW2018/523 FALSE Unknown U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 29/07/2018 Pembrokeshire Lydstep SS 091 980 SW2018/521 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 29/07/2018 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 560 033 SW2018/519 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 29/07/2018 Pembrokeshire Manorbier SS 060 974 SW2018/522 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 29/07/2018 Carmarthenshire Burry Port SN 443 003 SW2018/526 TRUE Stenella coeruleoalba U -9 alive- refloated (code 1) 31/07/2018 Carmarthenshire Pendine Sands SN 260 070 SW2018/527 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M 90 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 31/07/2018 Vale of Glamorgan Ogmore by Sea SS 860 750 SW2018/529 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F 95 slight decomposition (code 2b) 03/08/2018 Gwynedd Twywn SN 580 998 SW2018/528 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M 120 slight decomposition (code 2b) 03/08/2018 Gwynedd Twywn SH 578 002 SW2018/530 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 04/08/2018 Gwynedd Llwyngwrll SH 590 103 SW2018/531 TRUE Delphinus delphis F -9 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 07/08/2018 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM 847 220 SW2018/532 FALSE Delphinus delphis F 80 moderate decomposition (code 3) 08/08/2018 Ceredigion Cwmtydu SN 355 576 SW2018/563 FALSE Unknown M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 14/08/2018 Vale of Glamorgan Southerdown SS 884 730 SW2018/564 TRUE Stenella coeruleoalba -9 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 18/08/2018 Vale of Glamorgan Aberthaw ST 025 655 SW2018/604 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 21/08/2018 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 578 003 SW2018/606 FALSE Tursiops truncatus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 23/08/2018 Gwynedd Shell Island SH 560 240 SW2018/605 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 24/08/2018 Carmarthenshire Llansteffan SN 354 105 SW2018/609 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 28/08/2018 Ceredigion Gilfach-yr-Halen SN 434 614 SW2018/608 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 30/08/2018 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 577 798 SW2018/610 FALSE Unknown U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 01/09/2018 Vale of Glamorgan Southerndown SS 885 727 SW2018/611 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M 100 advanced decomposition (code 4) 03/09/2018 Swansea Port Eynon SS 474 852 SW2018/621 FALSE Phocoena phocoena M -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 13/09/2018 Ceredigion Dolau beach New Quay SN 389 602 SW2018/622 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F 97 moderate decomposition (code 3) 14/09/2018 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 576 006 SW2018/623 TRUE Stenella coeruleoalba M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 15/09/2018 Ceredigion SN 520 685 SW2018/686 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 16/09/2018 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 575 987 SW2018/624 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 16/09/2018 Vale of Glamorgan Knap Beach Barry ST 093 667

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetaceans 2018 Page 2 Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Species (scientific) Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome Date Found County Location Grid Ref SW2018/625 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 17/09/2018 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH 545 365 SW2018/627 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 18/09/2018 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon SS 730 910 SW2018/626 FALSE Delphinus delphis U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 18/09/2018 Pembrokeshire Saundersfoot SN 140 050 SW2018/687 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 21/09/2018 Gwynedd Aberdovey SN 590 970 SW2018/688 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 22/09/2018 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 605 947 SW2018/689 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 01/10/2018 Pembrokeshire Poppit Sands SN 155 487 SW2018/758 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 07/10/2018 Anglesey Traeth Cymyran SH 305 745 SW2018/756 TRUE Tursiops truncatus M 274 slight decomposition (code 2b) 12/10/2018 Gwynedd Abersoch (see notes) SH 315 285 SW2018/759 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U 100 slight decomposition (code 2b) 13/10/2018 Gwynedd Hells Mouth SH 282 263 SW2018/760 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 19/10/2018 Ceredigion Llanina SN 406 599 SW2018/828 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 23/10/2018 Anglesey Benllech SH 525 825 SW2018/786 TRUE Phocoena phocoena -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 26/10/2018 Ceredigion Llangrannog SN 310 542 SW2018/846 FALSE Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 06/11/2018 Anglesey Benllech SH 530 820 SW2018/832 FALSE Unknown U -9 unknown 26/11/2018 Anglesey South Stack SH 212 799 SW2018/819 TRUE Delphinus delphis M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 09/12/2018 Ceredigion Borth/Ynyslas SN 606 916 SW2018/833 FALSE Tursiops truncatus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 09/12/2018 Swansea Broughton Bay Gower SS 424 934 SW2018/834 FALSE Delphinus delphis U 213 slight decomposition (code 2b) 10/12/2018 Swansea Whiteford Bay SS 454 962 SW2018/835 FALSE Phocoena phocoena U 91 slight decomposition (code 2b) 13/12/2018 Pembrokeshire Freshwater East SS 020 980 SW2018/838 TRUE Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 19/12/2018 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon Sands SS 740 900 SW2018/845 FALSE Unknown U 182 advanced decomposition (code 4) 28/12/2018 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 390 007

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetaceans 2018 Page 3 Appendix 2.

RecordKey SpeciesCode SightStrand AliveDead StartDate Country County Location Digital_LatLong Notes

T2018/13 KR ST DEAD 24/12/2018 WALES GWYNYDD Criccieth 52.916971N+4.230659W Reported via Peter Richardson MCS 27th Dec.

Marine Environmental Monitoring. Turtles 2018 Page 1 Appendix 3.

SW Number PM Species (scientific) Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome Date Found County Location Grid Ref SS2018/53 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 08/01/2018 Anglesey Traeth Bychan SH 515 846 SS2018/54 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 11/01/2018 Conwy Angel Bay SH 823 820 SS2018/114 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 16/03/2018 Swansea Swansea SS 650 922 SS2018/143 FALSE Halichoerus grypus M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 21/04/2018 Anglesey Menai Strait SH 532 710 SS2018/184 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 25/05/2018 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ 040 830 SS2018/185 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 22/06/2018 Pembrokeshire Manorbier SS 060 974 SS2018/186 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 23/06/2018 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 577 798 SS2018/203 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 06/07/2018 Gwynedd Tal-y-bont Bangor SH 610 724 SS2018/202 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 06/07/2018 Conwy Llandudno SH 783 827 SS2018/204 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 10/07/2018 Flintshire Talacre SJ 105 847 SS2018/205 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 15/07/2018 Conwy Angel Bay SH 818 827 SS2018/238 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 02/08/2018 Ceredigion Borth SN 604 927 SS2018/262 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 152 slight decomposition (code 2b) 10/08/2018 Anglesey Cymyran beach SH 300 750 SS2018/263 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 14/08/2018 Gwynedd Abererch SH 403 358 SS2018/264 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 15/08/2018 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 579 814 SS2018/265 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 100 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20/08/2018 Gwynedd Penmaen beach SH 720 770 SS2018/278 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 26/08/2018 Ceredigion Cei Bach SN 410 598 SS2018/279 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 29/08/2018 Anglesey Porth Nobla SH 330 713 SS2018/280 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 04/09/2018 Flintshire Talacre SJ 110 850 SS2018/281 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 05/09/2018 Pembrokeshire Amroth SN 170 070 SS2018/282 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 07/09/2018 Ceredigion Tresaith SN 277 516 SS2018/284 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 10/09/2018 Conwy Pigeons Cove Great Orme Llandudno SH 777 838 SS2018/283 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 10/09/2018 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM 850 215 SS2018/285 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 11/09/2018 Pembrokeshire Pembroke Dock SM 967 041 SS2018/291.2 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 17/09/2018 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM 850 210 SS2018/291.1 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 17/09/2018 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM 850 210 SS2018/291.3 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 17/09/2018 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM 850 210 SS2018/293 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 19/09/2018 Gwynedd Hafen yr Mor SH 437 360 SS2018/312 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 22/09/2018 Gwynedd Tal y bont SH 575 215 SS2018/313.1 FALSE Halichoerus grypus F -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3 24/09/2018 Anglesey Traeth Cymyran SH 305 747 SS2018/313.2 FALSE Halichoerus grypus F -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3 24/09/2018 Anglesey Traeth Cymyran SH 305 747 SS2018/315 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 27/09/2018 Gwynedd Afon Wen SH 442 369 SS2018/314 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 27/09/2018 Pembrokeshire Caerfai Bay SM 760 243 SS2018/317 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 28/09/2018 Ceredigion SN 259 517 SS2018/316 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 28/09/2018 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM 850 210 SS2018/318 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 150 advanced decomposition (code 4) 30/09/2018 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SR 884 999 SS2018/352 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 04/10/2018 Pembrokeshire Pwllgwaelod SN 004 399 SS2018/354 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 05/10/2018 Anglesey Cable Bay SH 333 707 SS2018/353 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 05/10/2018 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM 847 223 SS2018/355 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 152 moderate decomposition (code 3) 09/10/2018 Ceredigion Llanon SN 507 673 SS2018/356 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 09/10/2018 Anglesey Porth Drefarch SH 233 799 SS2018/357 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 152 advanced decomposition (code 4) 10/10/2018 Pembrokeshire Tenby north beach SN 134 010 SS2018/358 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 10/10/2018 Vale of Glamorgan Aberthaw ST 025 655 SS2018/359 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 11/10/2018 Pembrokeshire Freshwater East SS 020 980 SS2018/360 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 14/10/2018 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SM 860 137 SS2018/361 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 150 advanced decomposition (code 4) 16/10/2018 Carmarthenshire Telpyn beach SN 175 072 SS2018/362 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 60 advanced decomposition (code 4) 16/10/2018 Pembrokeshire Freshwater East SS 020 980 SS2018/363 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 21/10/2018 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM 849 217

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2018 Page 1 Appendix 3.

SW Number PM Species (scientific) Sex Length Condition Found / Stranding Outcome Date Found County Location Grid Ref SS2018/438 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 23/10/2018 Ceredigion Mwnt SN 194 519 SS2018/439 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 23/10/2018 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH 315 730 SS2018/440 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 24/10/2018 Pembrokeshire Poppit Sands SN 153 488 SS2018/441 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 26/10/2018 Ceredigion Cwmtydu SN 355 576 SS2018/443 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 26/10/2018 Ceredigion SN 588 856 SS2018/442 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 26/10/2018 Pembrokeshire Newport Sands SN 052 405 SS2018/444 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 73 slight decomposition (code 2b) 27/10/2018 Pembrokeshire Little Haven SM 857 129 SS2018/445 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 28/10/2018 Anglesey Porth Diana SH 254 784 SS2018/447 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 29/10/2018 Pembrokeshire Dale SM 813 057 SS2018/451 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 29/10/2018 Pembrokeshire St Brides SM 801 110 SS2018/449 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 29/10/2018 Ceredigion Aberporth SN 257 517 SS2018/450 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 29/10/2018 Pembrokeshire St Brides SM 801 110 SS2018/448 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 29/10/2018 Pembrokeshire Dale SM 813 057 SS2018/446 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 91 unknown 29/10/2018 Gwynedd Pontllyfni SH 431 527 SS2018/452 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 31/10/2018 Conwy Llanddulas SH 910 788 SS2018/454 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 04/11/2018 Anglesey Wylfa Power Station SH 351 943 SS2018/453 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 04/11/2018 Pembrokeshire Freshwater East SS 020 980 SS2018/456 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 13/11/2018 Conwy Llandulas SH 920 784 SS2018/457 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 17/11/2018 Gwynedd Criccieth SH 505 380 SS2018/458.1 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 21/11/2018 Pembrokeshire Goodwick SM 950 380 SS2018/458.2 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 21/11/2018 Pembrokeshire Goodwick SM 950 380 SS2018/458.3 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 21/11/2018 Pembrokeshire Goodwick SM 950 380 SS2018/459 FALSE Halichoerus grypus F -9 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 08/12/2018 Anglesey Traeth Llydan SH 320 724 SS2018/460 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 09/12/2018 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 577 006 SS2018/467 FALSE Halichoerus grypus U 100 freshly dead (code 2a) 23/12/2018 Anglesey Trearddur Bay SH 256 790

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2018 Page 2 Appendix 4.

SF Number Date Species Length Sex Location County Condition Status Outcome Comments SF2018/1 27th Aug 2018 angel shark (Squatina squatina) tbc ? Saundersfoot Pembrokeshire slight decomposition dead recovered to CSIP Recovered for the Angel shark project - Wales. SF2018/2 27th Aug 2018 blue shark (Prionace glauca) tbc ? Clynnog-fawr Gwynedd slight decomposition dead recovered to CSIP SF2018/3 08th Sep 2018 blue shark (Prionace glauca) na ? Morfa Buchan Gwynedd moderate decomposition dead LA contacted for disposal.

Marine Environmental Monitoring Sharks 2018 Page 1