SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE (@~~I NoB

Distribution and status of marine turtles in Scottish waters

T E 5 Langton', C L Beckett', G L King' & M J Gaywood2

1996

SCOTTISH NATURAL HERITAGE Research , Survey and Monitoring

REP 0 R T N08

Distribution and status of marine turtles in Scottish waters

1 1 1 T E S Langton , C L Beckett , G L King & MJ Gaywood2

1996

1 Herpetofauna Consultants International, Triton house, Bramfield, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 9AE. 2SNH

Nominated Officer: M J Gaywood, Designated Areas & Sites Branch Report date: 1994 Report to: Scottish Natural Heritage Contract No: SNHl081194nSB

This report should be cited as follows: Langton, T.E.S. et at 1996. Distribution and status of marine turtles in Scottish waters. Scottish Natural Heritage Research. Survey and Monitoring Report. No 8.

Scottish Natural Heritage, Scottish Natural Heritage, Publications Sedion, Research and AdviSOry Services Directorate, Battleby, Redgorton, Perth PH1 3EW, 2 Anderson Place, Edinburgh EH6 5NP, UNITED KINGDOM UNITED KINGDOM

ISSN 1350-3103

CONTENTS

1. ABSTRACT 3

2. LIST OF MAPS, TABLES AND FIGURES 5

3. BACKGROUND 7

4. INTRODUCTION 9

4.1 General ecology 9

4.2 The status of marine turtles in UK waters. 9

4.3 Conservation implications/concerns 10

5. METHODS 11

6. RESULTS 13

6.1 Source of records 13 6.1.1 Literature search 13 6.1.2 National, regional and local biological record centres 14 6.1.3 Survey for new records at source 14 6.1.4 Summary of record sources 14

6.2 Analysis of records 16 6.2.1 Proportion of different turtle species recorded 16 6.2.2 Frequency of records over time 21 6.2.3 Seasonality of records 22 6.2.4 Causes of mortality 25

6.3 An assessment of the effectiveness of the "The Turtle Code" in Scotland 27

7. CONCLUSIONS 29

7.1 Source of records and data collection. 29

7.2 Use of Scottish waters by marine turtles 29

7.3 Modern threats to marine turtles in Scottish waters 30

8. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE CONSERVATION ACTION 33

8.1 General 33

8.2 Conservation action 33

9. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 35 10. REFERENCES 39

11. ANNEXES 47

2 1. Abstract

One hundred and seventy-one records of marine turtle sightings in or at the boundary of Scottish waters (mainly, but not exclusively within the twelve mile territorial limits) are documented and mapped. There were 101 records (590/0) of leatherback turtles Oermochelys coriacea, 15 records of loggerhead turtles Caretta caretta (9%,) two records for Kemp's ridley turtles Lepidochelys kempii and one record of a green turtle Chelonia mydas collated up to November 1994. Fifty-two (30%) records could not be attributed to species but most were thought to be leatherback turtles.

There has been a distinct increase in the frequency of recorded turtle sightings this century, and a dramatic increase since the last major review of turtle records by Brongersma (1972) which lists 60 records for Scotland prior to 1971. Thirty-nine (230/0) records in this review have been made over the last 14 years.

900/0 of all leatherback turtle records were made between the months of July and October. This supports the view expressed by Brongersma (1972) that leatherback turtles exhibit a seasonal pattern of movement. There are insufficient numbers of records of other turtle species to draw any conclusions about the seasonality of their appearances.

75%) of all turtles recorded were reported to be alive at the time of sighting; 7% of these died subsequently, although there is evidence that unnecessary killing of turtles is now greatly reduced. Recommendations are made on future conservation action for marine turtles, notably the further educational activities covering the release of turtles captured during fishing practices, the recording of turtle sightings and post-mortems of turtles found. dead in Scottish waters.

3 4 2. List of Maps, Tables and Figures

Maps:

Map 1 Approximate locations of leatherback turtle (Derrnochelys coriacea) strandings and sightings (99 of 101 records plotted).

Map2 Approximate locations of loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) strandings and sightings (all records, n=15).

Map3 Approximate locations of green turtle (Chelonia mydas) and Kemp's ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempil) strandings and sightings (all records, n=1 and n=2 respectively).

Map4 Approximate locations of unidentified turtle strandings and sightings (all records, n=52).

Tables:

Table 1 Proportion of turtle records of different species in this study.

Table 2 Frequency of turtle sightings.

Table 3 Seasonality of turtle records.

Table 4 Physical condition of leatherback turtles over the months during which they were recorded.

Table 5 Physical condition of loggerhead turtles over the months during which they were recorded.

Table 6 Physical condition of unidentified turtles over the months during which they were recorded.

Table 7 Physical condition of turtles at the time of recording.

Table 8 Probable causes of mortality for turtles recorded in Scottish waters.

Figures:

Figure 1 Chart showing the approximate area within which records were examine for this study.

Figure 2 Source of records for this study.

5 6 3. Background

Herpetofauna Consultants International were contracted by Scottish Natural Heritage to undertake this study of marine turtles, in March 1994. The objectives were to collate and review information on marine turtles in Scottish waters, to suggest any appropriate conservation action, and to assess the effectiveness of ''The Turtle Code", a waterproof advisory sheet produced by the Nature Conservancy Council and Herpetofauna Consultants International in 1990, and circulated in that year to selected groups working in the marine environment. A copy of this advisory sheet is provided in Annex 1.

Five species of marine turtle have been recorded in British waters. All five species are listed on Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981), on Appendix II of the Berne Convention and Annex IV of the EC Habitats Directive. The loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta is also listed on Annex II. It is now 22 years since the extensive review of marine turtle records in European Atlantic waters by Brongersma (1972), and since then there has been no attempt to search for and collate occurrence records for these species in Scottish or other UK waters.

The species covered in this report are;

Leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea Loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta Green turtle Chelonia mydas Hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata Kemp's ridley turtle Lepidochelys kempii

This project is a preliminary investigation into the recent trends of marine turtle occurrence in Scottish waters. It considers the conservation needs of the species and possible improvements that can be made for the protection of marine turtles in Scottish waters.

For the purposes of this project, "Scottish waters" encompass the sea area up to 12 miles from the Scottish shore (the UK territorial limits). In these areas, non-UK vessels are prohibited except for certain European Community vessels by agreement. The study area also includes most of the waters up to 200 miles from shore (the Fisheries Limit), see figure 1. The two exceptions are where Scottish waters adjoin waters off the coasts of England and Northern Ireland and at the boundary with the Faroe Islands and Norwegian territorial limits. Non-EC vessels are prohibited from this 200 mile zone except through special agreement. Records of marine turtles that are part of the recent unpublished review of marine turtle records for Ireland by G.L. King (pers. comm.) have not been included in this review.

7 Figure 1. Chart showing the approximate area within which records were examined for this study

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1.00 I I J I I I 4. Introduction

Marine turtles are large reptiles with streamlined bodies and flattened limbs well adapted for sustained swimming. Of the seven species recognised world-wide, all are similar in that they leave the sea to lay eggs on sandy and muddy beaches, and may move hundreds or a thousand or more miles away from their place of birth during their lives. They can be long-lived and this, combined with widespread movements means that it has not been possible to measure their population age structure and dynamics. Much of the understanding of changes in their distribution and numbers, and their recent decline in modern times is largely theoretical although the causes are widely reported.

4.1 General ecology

There are a number of general texts on Chelonians (Order Testudines) that include comprehensive information concerning marine turtles (e.g. Pritchard 1979, Carr 1989). Amongst a vast international literature concerning the distribution and status of marine turtles and their nesting beaches, there are also a few summaries of their general biology, such as Davenport's (1992) review of leatherback turtle biology. In UK waters greatest interest has surrounded the leatherback turtle as it is now by far the most frequently recorded species. It is a very large animal, normally up to 180 cm in length and with a weight in excess of 360 kg (Pritchard 1979). Records of larger individuals exist (e.g. Davenport 1992), although not all have been authenticated as proper measurements were not always possible. Leatherback turtles lack the hard shell of the other marine turtles, but have thick insulating skin, blubber and cartilagous shell. This combined with a powerful swimming capability allows them to dive up to 1km in depth (Eckert et ale 1987) where they can feed on jelly fish and other gelatinous animals such as pyrosomas. They are endothermic reptiles and body temperatures have been reported 2-3°C warmer than their environment in tropical areas, and up to 18°C higher in controlled experimental conditions (Frair et ale 1972). Also, a counter-current heat exchanger system is present in the flippers (Greer et ale 1973).

4.2 The status of marine turtles in UK waters.

Whereas marine turtles were once regarded as only occasional strays sr vagrants to UK waters they are now recognised as regular visitors. This change in perception has been brought about as a result of consideration of the status of individual turtles in UK waters, and the extent to which these turtles can be considered to be within their normal range. In the past the general belief was that healthy turtles were rare in UK waters. However, Brongersma (1972) explained how and why marine turtles are able to survive in European Atlantic waters and how the numbers of unseen turtles may far outweigh those recovered as strandings.

Despite the extensive review of turtle records by Brongersma in 1972, it was not until 1984 that a paper described how well fed and healthy leatherback and loggerhead turtles were being frequently caught in fishing nets in UK waters (Anon 1984). Leatherback turtles and loggerhead turtles are now considered native species which occur in UK waters every year, although the level of their occurrence may vary with

9 factors such as climate and weather. Langton et a/. (1993) estimated that about 180 leatherback turtles visit UK waters each year and King (pers. comm.) has recorded over 400 sightings of leatherback turtles in UK and Irish waters over the last 20 years. In recognition that turtles frequently occur in UK waters and were vulnerable to fishing practices, the five turtle species were added to Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act (1981) under the first Quinquennial Review of the Act in 198617.

There is evidence that, either leatherback turtles are increasing their use of UK waters, or that sightings are now being more frequently reported. There have been 32 sightings off Cornwall and Scilly (Penhallurick 1992) over the last 20 years of which 16 were from 1988 alone.

King (1984) approximated that 62°N, (the Faroe Islands) was the northerly limit of the European range of the leatherback turtle. He considered, however, that there were "no reasons whatsoever to assume that specimens exceeding these latitudes do not make it back to warmer waters or, indeed, do not survive the winter months in northern European waters".

4.3 Conservation implications/concerns

Four of the species that are found regularly in the UK coastal waters have very large international distributions. Only the Kemp's ridley turtle is considered rare, with breeding confined to the Gulf of Mexico where its numbers are now very low and there is grave concern for its survival. Leatherback turtles are the most common species in the Atlantic with their most northerly breeding (nesting) beaches on the eastern seaboard of south-west USA, the coast of north-west Africa (including Canary Islands) and the Mediterranean. The distribution and status of marine turtles has been reviewed in detail in the IUCN Red Data Book (Groombridge 1982). Marine turtles feed on a variety of plants and animals, particularly invertebrates, the relative proportions of which vary greatly between species and will also change during their life stages.

Marine turtles are animals of local economic significance for their eggs and meat, and are also important in international trade for their eggs, meat and shell products. They are also increasingly popular as symbols of the marine environment for eco­ tourism and have had a large amount of attention paid to their conservation needs. With a few exceptions, most 'populations' are considered to be vulnerable or endangered. Despite this, there has been little quantitative documentation of the decline in abundance of marine turtles and their ability to recover in numbers. Some steps have been taken to reduce the over-exploitation of turtle nesting oeaches and to reduce the accidental take at sea. However, both these causes of mortality are the consequences of increasing human pressure on coastal and open sea environments and are increasingly difficult to limit.

The accidental or deliberate killing and injury of marine turtles is a major conservation concern. The extent to which turtles are killed or injured by boat propellers, colliding with boats, or drowning in fishing nets or on fishing lines, especially in international waters, is hard to assess. Marine pollution is also a threat, notably marine debris which turtles can ingest and may result in the blocking of the gut of the turtle or asphyxiation. Water quality and its influence on marine turtles is a subject that appears to be largely unquantified, although floating oil pollution is known to harm turtles.

10 5. Methods

Information presented in this review was collected from a variety of sources. These were:

1. Literature - scientific books and journals, newsletters, newspapers, and informal/unpublished reports were searched for records. 2. Biological record centres - all known national, regional and local centres were approached for records. 3. Individuals and organisations - including fishermen, boatmen, naturalists, coastguards, angling centres and lighthouse operators. A telephone survey was made to over two hundred persons, with a request for them to ask colleagues about turtle sightings.

The original aim was to limit the study to categories 1 and 2, but, following telephone calls and correspondence, it rapidly became apparent that few records other than those already published (pre-1972) were available, and emphasis then switched to contacting relevant people in category 3, who were often the primary sources for data verification.

Records were checked where possible and tabulated (annex 2) using a similar format as Brongersma (1972). The records were mapped (see results section) and analysed to identify potential trends in marine turtle occurrence. Records received up to November 1994 are included in this report.

An enquiry was also conducted into the distribution, storage and use of the marine turtle advice sheet ('The Turtle Code') issued by the Nature Conservancy Council in 1990. This consisted of an investigation of how the laminated sheet was distributed to those living and working in coastal areas and how effective its distribution had been.

11 12 6. Results

6.1 Source of records

6. 1. 1 Literature search

A small number of marine turtle records are included in the herpetological guides of Smith (1951) and Frazer (1983), the former based on the early work of Taylor (1948), and the latter based on Taylor (1963) and Brongersma (1972). Stephen (1953) reviewed records from Scotland with updates in 1961 and 1963 (Stephen et al. 1963). Other literature sources make only the briefest mention of marine turtles in north-west European waters. A brief resume of records in the standard texts is given below.

Leatherback Turtle (Oermochelys coriacea) Smith (1951) mentions 5 records of Dermoche/ys coriacea (from Taylor 1948), none of which were from Scottish waters. Frazer (1983) notes that "the leatherback turtle appears off our [UK] coasts in most years .. ". He reported 18 authentic UK records up to 1962. Brongersma (1972) listed 20 authenticated leatherback turtle records, and a further two probable records from Scotland. Marquez (1990) stated that adult leatherback turtles are adapted to colder water than other marine turtles, and as a result, are the most widely distributed of all marine turtles and "easily reaches the North Sea".

Loggerhead Turtle (Caretta caretta) Smith (1951) recorded 19 strandings of Caretta caretta (from Taylor 1948 and 1963). Five of the strandings were from Scotland. Two strandings were on the west coast of the Outer Hebrides, one was on the Isle of Skye, one was on the Shetland Islands, and one was near to Banff in Grampian. Brongersma (1972) listed 10 authenticated loggerhead turtle records, and one unconfirmed record.

Green Turtle (Chelonia mydas) Frazer (1983) said that "a single specimen has been recorded from the west coast of Ireland". No standard work mentions any green turtle records from Scotland.

Kemp's Ridley Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) Smith (1951) recorded 10 strandings of Caretta [Lepidochelysj kempii (from Taylor 1948), one of which was at the Firth of Clyde in Scotland. Frazer (1983) wrote that "only young animals [of Kemp's ridley] reach our shores". He reported 11 authentic UK records up to 1962. Brongersma (1972) listed two confirmed records of Kemp's ridley turtles from Scotland.

Hawksbill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Smith (1951) recorded five strandings of Eretmochelys imbricata (from Taylor 1948), two of which were from Scotland. One was from the west coast of Orkney I the other at or close to Banff in Grampian. Brongersma (1972) listed two unconfirmed hawksbill records.

13 Unidentified Turtles A further 22 records of unidentified turtles, plus one sighting almost certainly of a turtle, are listed in Brogersma (1972).

In total, approximately half of the 171 turtle records collected for this study came from published sources. By far the largest number of records are published in Brongersma (1972), which lists 60 turtle records for Scottish waters (including those published by Taylor 1948, 1963).

A further three turtle records are listed in the appendix of "The Mammals of Orkney", by Booth & Booth (in press). Seven records were found exclusively in newspaper reports. Other records were reported in newspapers, but are presented in this report as coming from other sources. A further 16 records were found exclusively in magazines, journals and newsletters, including three from the Glasgow Naturalist and three from the Hebridean Naturalist.

6. 1.2 National, regional and local biological record centres

Relatively few records came from biological record centres. Nine records were provided by the British Museum (Natural History London) and three by the Biological Records Centre at Monks Wood, England. The Royal Scottish Museum, Edinburgh provided two records.

6. 1.3 Survey for new records at source

The largest number of new, previously undocumented marine turtle records (a total of 71) came from individuals working in Scottish waters. Fishermen and boatmen provided the biggest proportion of records. Naturalists, birdwatchers and anglers also provided a relatively high number of records.

6.1.4 Summary of record sources

The relative proportion of each source of marine turtle records is shown in Fig. 2.

14 Figure 2. Source of marine turtle records (n = 171)

Brongersma (1972) 60 records (35 %)

Biological Record Centres 14 records (8 %)

Other literature sources 26 records (15%)

Direct enquiries to individuals and organisations 71 records (42 %) 6.2 Analysis of records

6.2.1 Proportion of different turtle species recorded

The numbers of turtle records for each species are shown in Table 1. The leatherback turtle was the most frequently recorded species of marine turtle in Scottish waters, with a total of 101 records. This figure is significantly higher than for the other turtle species recorded in Scottish waters. The loggerhead turtle was the second most frequently recorded species, with 15 records. The Kemp's ridley and the green turtle were recorded infrequently (two records and one record respectively). There are no authenticated records for the hawksbill turtle in Scottish waters. A further 52 records were of unidentified turtles which suggests that accurate species identification is often difficult.

Species No. records % of total Leatherback turtle 101 59% Loggerhead turtle 15 90/0 Green turtle 1 <10/0 Kemp's ridley turtle 2 1% Unidentified 52 30% Total 171 100%

Table 1. Proportion of turtle records of different species in this study

All turtle records (except record numbers 35 and 73 for which location details are too vague) have been mapped to the approximate locality on Maps 1 - 4. Numbers within record spots refer to the number shown to the left of each record listed in Annex 2 of this document, which presents all records chronologically for each species. A summary of the location details of all records, presented in numerical order for each species, is provided in Annex 3. Many of the records give a precise location of turtle sighting, and almost all records will be within 10km of the likely point of sighting. A small number of records are more vague about the exact location of the record.

16 l\1AP 1. APPROXIl\1ATE LOCATIONS OF LEATHERY TURTLE (DERMOCHELYS CORIACEA) STRANDINGS AND SIGHTINGS (99 OF 101 RECORDS PL.OTTED) Approx. scale: 1 : 2,700,000

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~ '. .. /l i ('1 '-\"~'-') \ -.\ l\1AP 2. APPROXIMATE LOCATIONS OF LOGGERHEAD TURTLE (CARETTA CARETTA) STRANDINGS A.ND SIGHTINGS (ALL RECORDS, N = 15) Approx. scale: 1 : 2,700,000

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( i ....\ ,.". ,.t· , . .", \-IAP 3. APPROXIMATE LOCATIONS OF GREEN TURTLE (CHELONIA MYDAS) AND KEMP'S RIDLEY TURTLE (LEPfDOCilELYS KEMPfl) STRA.~DINGS AND SIGHTINGS (ALL RECORDS, N = 1 Al'D N =2 RESPECTIVELY). Approx, scale: 1 : 2,700,000

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\. \... ,.". ". ; " --, ..,. IVIAP 4. APPROXIMATE LOCATIONS OF UNIDENTIFIED TURTLE STRANDINGS AND SIGHTINGS (ALL RECORDS, N =52) Approx. scale: 1 : 2,700,000

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r/1 . ! '. -.> 6.2.2 Frequency of records over time

The reported frequency of leatherback turtle sightings in Scottish waters has increased in the last 15 years (Table 2). Other species show no significant change in numbers. It is unlikely that many of the records are of the same animal although it is possible that this may be the case in one or two instances.

The reason or reasons for the large increase in the number of leatherback turtle records is not clear. It may be a result of the increased use of Scottish waters as indicated by the increased number of vessels at sea (A. Spencer, pers. comm.) leading to more sightings. It may also be because of the carefully targeted survey­ for-records effort made for this study. The aim of the present study was to collect as many records as possible, and one would expect to see a bias towards records from more recent years. Alternatively it may be a result of an increased use of Scottish waters by marine turtles (see conclusions).

1949& 1950- 1960- 1970- 1980- 1990- Total before 1959 1969 1979 1989 1994 Leatherback turtle 1 11 15 10 36 28 101 Loggerhead turtle 6 2 2 a 1 4 15 Green turtle a a a a 1 a 1 Kemp's ridley turtle 2 a a a a a 2 Unidentified turtle 16 9 6 2 12 7 52 Total: all species 25 22 23 12 50 39 171

Table 2. Frequency of turtle sightings

21 6.2.3 Seasonality of records

Table 3 shows the number of records made for each turtle species in each month of the year. There is a definite trend of seasonality in the 80 records of the leatherback turtle for which the month of sighting is known. There are few records from between November and June, with the majority (90°A,) from between July and October. There are insufficient numbers of records of other turtle species to draw many conclusions about the seasonality of their appearances, although the loggerhead records are from a wide period with a slight peak in winter months. These findings are consistent with the theory that leatherback turtles move into Scottish waters when the sea is at its warmest while loggerhead turtles are brought in by winter storms (Brongersma 1972).

Leatherback Loggerhead Green Kemp's Unidentified Total turtle turtle turtle ridley turtle January a 1 1 a 1 3 February 3 3 a a 1 7 March 1 0 a 0 a 1 April 1 a 0 a 1 1 May 1 0 0 a 2 3 June 1 0 0 a 1 2 July 9 1 0 a 3 13 August 26 1 0 a 7 34 September 14 1 a a 2 17 October 23 1 a 1 1 26 November 2 2 a a 6 7 December a 4 a 1 1 6 Total 80 14 1 2 23 120

Table 3. Seasonality of turtle records: This is derived from the 120 records which have the full date or the month specified. An additional 10 records have only the season specified (all were "summer"), and 41 records give no indication of month or season.

22 Tables 4 - 6 indicate the physical condition of the leatherback, loggerhead and unidentified turtles during the months when they were recorded. The column headed Alive* lists numbers of turtles which were alive when first seen but died later for a reason either known or unknown. In these cases it is suspected that most turtles were either deliberately killed, or died as a result of the lack of veterinary care or from unsuitable captive conditions.

Alive Alive* Dead Not Total known January 0 0 0 0 0 February 1 0 2 0 3 March 0 0 1 0 1 April 0 0 0 0 0 May 0 0 1 0 1 June 1 0 0 0 1 July 9 0 0 0 9 August 23 1 2 0 26 September 8 3 3 0 14 October 16 3 4 0 23 November 1 1 0 0 2 December 0 0 0 0 0 Total 59 8 13 0 80

Table 4. Physical condition of leatherback turtles over the months during which they were recorded.

Alive Alive* Dead Not Total known January 1 0 0 0 1 February 1 0 2 0 3 March 0 0 0 0 0 April 0 0 0 0 0 May 0 0 0 0 0 June 0 0 0 0 0 July 1 0 0 0 1 August 1 0 0 0 1 September 0 0 1 0 1 October 1 0 0 0 1 November 0 0 2 0 2 December 4 0 0 0 4 Total 9 0 5 0 14

Table 5. Physical condition of loggerhead turtles over the months during which they were recorded

23 Alive Alive* Dead Not Total known January 0 0 1 0 1 February 0 0 1 1 2 March 0 0 0 0 0 April 0 0 0 0 0 May 2 0 0 0 2 June 0 0 1 0 1 July 3 0 0 0 3 August 5 1 1 0 7 September 1 0 1 0 2 October 1 0 0 0 1 November 3 0 0 0 3 December 1 0 0 0 1 Total 16 1 5 1 23

Table 6. Physical condition of unidentified turtles over the months during which they were recorded

24 6.2.4 Causes of mortality

Table 7 shows the physical condition of turtles at the time each record was made. "Alive" means that the turtle was alive and apparently healthy at the time the record was made. "Alive*" means that the turtle was alive when first seen, but died later. "Dead" means that the turtle was dead when first seen.

Alive Alive* Dead Total Leatherback turtle 75 (74%) 9 (9%) 17 (17%) 101 Loggerhead turtle 4 (27°k) 6 (40 0k) 5 (33O/o) 15 Green turtle 0 0 1 1 Kemp's ridley turtle 1 1 0 2 % Unidentified turtle 31 (79°k) 2 (5%) 6 (15 ) 39 Total 111 (70%) 18 (11%) 29 (18O/o) 158

Table 7. Physical condition of turtles at the time of recording (where known, n=158)

The data in Table 7 shows that 129 (81 Ok} of the 158 turtles (all species) recorded in Scottish waters were alive at the time of the sighting; 18 (11 %) died subsequently. Of all turtle species, leatherback turtles were recorded alive most frequently; 84% of records were for live animals, with 9% dying or being killed subsequently.

Table 8 shows a more thorough breakdown of the reported causes of turtle mortality. Seven (27%) of the dead leatherback turtles are thought to have died from natural causes, or from human causes (such as the effects of pollution or internal injuries resulting from a boat collision) that were not obvious to the recorder. Sixteen deaths (62°k) are thought to have occurred as a result of human activities such as drowning in nets or being taken ashore as curiosities.

25 Causes of mortality Leatherback Loggerhead Unidentified

Apparently natural causes at sea 3 0 0 0 0 3 Stranded/dead on shore 4 6 0 0 6 16 Total apparent natural causes 7 (27%) 6 (55%) 0 0 6 (75%) 19 (40%)

Found dead entangled in netsl 6 0 0 0 0 6 ropes Entangled in nets died later 3 2 0 0 0 5 Takenl towed ashore/ killed 7 1 0 1 2 11 Total deaths probably resulting 16 (62%) 3 (27%) 0 1 2 (25%) 22 (47%) from human interference

Not clear 3 (12%) 2 (18%) 0(0%)

Totals (incorporating 26 11 1 1 8 47 dead & alive*)

Table 8. Probable cause of mortality categories for turtles recorded in Scottish waters

26 6.3 An assessment of the effectiveness of the "The Turtle Code" in Scotland

In August 1988, Malcolm Vincent of the Nature Conservancy Council, (NCC) initiated a plan to produce a Marine Turtle Advice Sheet for fishermen. The advice sheet (Annex 1) was designed in 1989 and had four principal aims;

1. To provide a simple illustrated identification guide to marine turtles 2. To provide details of where to send records of turtle sightings 3. To provide information on UK legislation concerning turtles 4. To provide concise instructions about what to do in the event of a turtle being captured or becoming caught up in fishing gear.

In 1990, David Morgan of the NCC organised the production of "The Turtle Code" that was prepared under contract (HF3-03-432(18» by Herpetofauna Consultants International. This consisted of a two-sided laminated sheet. It is understood that about six thousand sheets were manufactured and distributed in England, Scotland and Wales (including the Isle of Man). A total of 1,935 sheets were distributed to the following by the NCC:

86 Coastguards and Regional coastguard offices 29 Museums in coastal towns 37 NCC ARO staff in coastal counties 283 Miscellaneous organisations/individuals 400 Sea Fisheries Committees (north west England) 800 Department of Agriculture & Fisheries in Scotland 300 Remaining stock held by Dr. A. Gent at English Nature Headquarters in Peterborough

It is understood that some of the 400 copies that went out via Sea Fisheries Committees in north-west England will have gone to boat vessels using the Solway and nearby areas (A. Spencer, pers. comm.). The 800 sent out by OAFS (now SOAFD) were posted to agents, skippers, skippers agents and schools via the Fishery Officers in Scotland (R. Clarke, pers. comm.). An additional 3,800 were sent to the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in England and Wales.

As there are no Sea Fishery Committees in Scotland it is likely that a large proportion of vessel operators and their crews have not yet received a ~opy of the advice sheet. Although exact figures are not available, perhaps 750 advice sheets are likely to have been given to boat owners/operations although the number of sheets being given to skippers and crew and stored for reference in cabins is likely to be less. SOAFD (D. McGinley pers. comm.) suggest that there may be 1800 vessels over 10m and 1500 vessels under 10m in Scotland, totalling 3300 potential observing posts for marine turtles. In addition there may be 500 visiting EC or other international vessels per year within the 200 mile fishing limit around Scotland. Of the approximately 3500 Scottish vessels it is estimated that perhaps less than 20% have received the advice sheet. While there has been no instance of the advice sheet being used in a practical sense at sea, two cases of attempted use by land­ bound organisations have been determined (records for leatherback turtle 41 (1992) and unidentified turtle 44 (1990». It would appear that while the exercise conducted by NeC in 1990 is likely to have informed a wider audience about marine turtles,

27 their legal protection, identification and welfare, there is a need to expand the exercise for greatest impact, (see conclusions and recommendations).

28 7. Conclusions

This study has identified a dramatic increase in the number of records of marine turtles in Scottish waters, particularly for the leatherback turtle, one of Scotland's largest native vertebrate species. The leatherback turtle is classed as endangered by the 1994 IUCN Red List of threatened animals (IUCN 1993), and it would appear from the results of this project, that the conservation of marine turtles in Scottish waters has become an issue warranting further attention. This study has more than doubled the number of known records of marine turtles in Scottish waters, the previous collation of records being that of Brongersma (1972) as part of his wider review on the occurrence of marine turtles in the eastern Atlantic. There is now good evidence that leatherback turtles regularly occur in Scottish waters. More recently, there have been one or more caught in trawl nets, lobster and crab lines each year.

7. 1 Source of records and data collection.

Biological records centres were not a primary source of data for this project as they usually do not actively search for species records unless carrying out a periodic review of records prior to their publication. In the past, records have tended to arise as the result of newspaper reports, magazine articles or letters from those who saw a turtle or knew of a turtle sighting. These typically seem to have been sent to, or have been located by, recorders or record centres. This means that by the time many records are logged at a centre, the person who sighted a turtle may have become untraceable, and details of the sighting can be vague.

This study collated records logged at record centres and carried out a survey of organisations and individuals considered likely, through their work, to be aware of marine turtle sightings. Experienced skippers and agents along the Scottish Coast, were contacted and asked to help with a "word of mouth" investigation amongst their work colleagues. This resulted in contact with several persons who had not previously reported their turtle sightings in the way described above. This means that the apparent increase in records can be partly explained by the methods employed during this study and records that may otherwise have been forgotten have now been logged. It also suggests that marine turtles have been present in greater numbers in Scottish waters than previously supposed, and that the recent increase in the number of sightings is a result of improved communications, rather than a change in use of Scottish waters by marine turtles.

7.2 Use of Scottish waters by marine turtles

It is not the function of this report to repeat the conclusions of Brongersma (1972) but it is sufficient to state that the data confirms and reinforces many of the findings of that study. Fisheries sources (A. Spencer, pers. comm.) indicate that despite depleted fish stocks, the number of vessels in Scottish waters may have increased since 1980 by an unknown degree. The increase in the largest grouping (boats over 10m) is likely to have increased by up to 20%. The associated general increase in the probability that marine turtles are seen may help explain the recent increase in turtle sightings.

29 Brongersma (1972) suggested that the (less distinct) increase in the number of records of marine turtles in the northern Atlantic since the beginning of this century may be the result of a growing interest in natural history and easier communication. He also commented on other likely factors; the increase in numbers of people, longer holidays, increasing fisheries with more boats out at sea, and faster vessels which are more likely to surprise turtles before they dive. This suggests that the use of Scottish waters by marine turtles could be more or less constant, and does not rule out the possibility of a decline in numbers.

Any fluctuating pattern of occurrence of turtles is suggested by Brongersma (1972) to reflect seasonal variation in the temperature of surface water. Brongersma's analysis of reported dates of turtle sightings indicates that leatherback turtles can tolerate temperatures around the UK waters until November each year, after which most move south to warmer waters. They may enter UK waters following jellyfish upon which they feed, and it is interesting to note that the period 1989-92 that saw high densities of jellyfish around the British Isles (J. Davenport, pers. comm.) was a period with good numbers of turtle sightings. Brongersma (1972) stated that leatherback turtles are likely to survive in an area when the sea temperature is 11°C or higher. Loggerhead turtles however, do not feed at temperatures much below 17- 18°C (J. Davenport, pers. comm.).

In summary, an as yet unknown proportion of Atlantic marine turtles appear to use Scottish (and UK) waters as a turning point at the north east edge of their natural range and, in the case of leatherback turtles, as feeding grounds. The time spent by turtles in UK waters will depend on sea temperatures, but in stormy winter weather, turtles may be driven and stranded on the UK coastline. This means that Scottish and other UK waters may vary from being optimal to sub-optimal habitat for turtles depending on season and weather, and there can be little doubt that in summer, marine turtles are a natural part of UK marine ecosystems.

The conclusion of this study, that leatherback and to some degree loggerhead turtles are UK species, has wider implications. All of the European Community member states with Atlantic waters to the south and west of the UK (including Eire, France, Spain, and Portugal) that share Atlantic coastal responsibilities will now have an increased duty under EC legislation to take steps to prevent the avoidable killing of or injury to these species from fishing practices and to reduce marine pollution that is likely to harm turtles.

7.3 Modern threats to marine turtles in Scottish waters

An analysis of the causes of mortality shows that at least half of leatherback turtle deaths recorded are as a direct result of human activities. However, of the twelve leatherback turtle records since 1981 that involved "capture" in nets or by line entanglement, only two involved the death of a turtle, while ten appeared to result in the safe release of live turtles. Of course it may be that a messy entanglement of a turtle involving its injury or death is less likely to be reported, and the approach and activities of non-UK fleets may vary from that of Scottish fishermen, but it would seem that the tendency for turtles to die following "capture" has reduced. This is probably because there is less tendency for turtles to be brought ashore as curiosities and sold or sent to museums (see also Brongersma 1972). This may be a

30 reflection of an improvement in general awareness of the need to protect marine turtles.

Of the four other dead leatherback turtles recorded since 1981 one is reported to have been cut by boat propellers. In all cases the cause of death was not subject to a post-mortem. Ingestion of marine debris, including plastics, oils and tar by marine turtles has been a concern for some time. There are at least two cases from England and Wales of marine turtles being found dead with plastic bags compacted in their guts. Brongersma (1972) indicates that the fate of recorded marine turtles prior to 1972 varied from the northern (UK and Ireland) and central (French and Spanish) regions. In UK waters, a captured turtle was reported to have about a 60% chance of survival, whereas in France and Spain it had only an 18% chance of survival, reflecting the different attitudes to taking and killing turtles between these areas. It would be interesting to conduct a modem comparison of the fate of marine turtles since 1972 in both these regions.

In this study, a high proportion (82%) of all known leatherback turtles recorded were alive at the time at which they were sighted, although 9% died subsequently. An analysis of the causes of mortality shows that more than half of leatherback turtle deaths recorded are a direct result of interference from humans with indirect effects likely, though not proven, to playa part in many others.

The results of this study show that leatherback turtles enter Scottish waters on the most regular basis. The loggerhead turtle, although considerably less recorded, is also using Scottish waters. Records for other species of turtle are rarely authenticated, although there are 2 records of Kemp's ridley turtles, and one record of a green turtle in Scottish waters.

The frequency of reported turtle sightings has been higher in the 1980s and 1990s than it has been in any other period. The reasons for the increase in the number of turtle records over the last 15 years are unclear, and worthy of further consideration.

The correct identification of the cause of death of turtles may be important in helping to determine actions needed to reduce numbers of turtle deaths from human activities.

Further effort will be required to record marine turtle occurrences in Scotland and the rest of its Atlantic European range. There is a need to disseminate guidelines to marine workers regarding the conservation needs for these protected species.

31 32 8. Recommendations for future conservation action

8.1 General

1. An exercise to check for recent records (post-1972) could be extended for the whole of the United Kingdom and Ireland, France, Spain and Portugal by way of a comprehensive study. A comparative exercise for France, Spain, Portugal and other EC countries would set the problems in a wider context and co-ordinated multi-national liaison might enable a widespread effort to reduce the avoidable deaths of marine turtles.

2. The results of this study should be passed on to record centres and other interested parties.

3. The possibility of tagging marine turtles has been considered, although the method has been criticised as a conservation tool (Mrosovsky 1983). Setting out to catch turtles or attending incidental catches is unlikely to be cost effective. Information being gained from satellite radio-tracking in the western Atlantic is improving information on the nature ~f marine turtle movements. As capturing by net and tagging marine turtles would risk injury, and because their recapture is so unlikely with the probably very low sample size, this method cannot be recommended as a conservation activity.

8.2 Conservation action

1. The information on safe and sensitive handling of turtles caught in fishing gear, including nets, ropes or on line, should be promoted more widely. These could have a seasonal (July - October) emphasis to inform people at a time when turtle sightings are most likely. An education pack for boat operators, skippers and crews covering the points raised in the original "Turtle Code" should be developed.

2. Increased efforts are needed to enforce agreements that aim to reduce the disposal of rubbish at sea, especially plastic bags.

3. It is recommended that thorough post-mortem analysis be carried out (by a qualified vet) on all dead turtle carcases found in, or stranded around Scottish waters. This should be carried out in a similar way as post mortems undertaken on stranded cetaceans at Veterinary Investigation Centres, as a result of the UK's participation with ASCOBANS (Agreement on the conservation of small cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas). Post-mortem examination for the ingestion of marine debris, particularly plastiCS in the intestines of turtles, and toxicology and disease investigations are all considered to be important. At present it is likely that about one carcase per year may require a post-mortem. This measure also applies to the whole of the UK and is likely to cost in the region of £700 (1994 prices).

33

9. Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank all those individuals and organisations who helped supply information for this report, most of whom should be listed below. In addition we would like to thank Ms. R.Clarke and Mr. D.McGinley (Inspectorate of Sea Fisheries, Scotland), Mr. A.Spencer M.B.E. (retired); Association of Sea Fisheries Committees and Mr. R.J.Reid, Scottish Strandings Coordinator. SNH would also like to express their gratitude to those who have continued to send turtle records even though it has not been possible to include the most recent ones within this report. Valuable comments were made on the manuscript by Prof. J.Davenport, Dr. V.Fleming and Dr. A.Gent. Thanks also go to lain Young, Natalie Barnett and Kerryanne Thomson in the preparation of the manuscript.

Adair, Uel - Portballintrae Boatman Dumfries & Galloway Tourist Board Anderson, Bob - Ranger Dundee Art Gallery & Museum Anderson, Neil - Whale Group, Shetland Dunstaffenage Marine Laboratory Angus, Stewart - SNH Stornoway Easingwood, Billy - Fisherman Ayrshire Tourist Board Easingwood, Gordon - Fisherman/Boatman Bert, Tom - Naturalist Evans, Peter - Seawatch Biological Records Centre, Monks Wood Fairbairns, Richard - Sea Life Surveys, Dervaig Biological Research Station, Millport Faircloth, Keith - R.S.P.B. Orkney Bird, David - Ex-warden R.S.P .B. Falkirk Museums Black, Billy - Portstewart Boatman Fife Nature, Fife House, Glenrothes Bondor, Mrs. - Skye Anglers Association Fisheries Radiological Lab. Whitehaven Booth, Chris - Author/naturalist Fishermen's Co-op, Maryport Brenner, Norrie, Wick Fishery Officer Lossiemouth British Museum, London Fishing News British Petroleum, Aberdeen Fort William Tourist Board Burrett, Ian - Fisherman/Boatman, Drumore Frazer, Bill Caithness Tourist Board Gairloch Watersports Centre Calder, Clair - Fisherman/Boatman Gault, William - Wick Fisherman Cameron, Neil- Angler Gibson, Jack - Scottish Nat. Hist. Lib. Cape Wrath Hotel Sea Angling Gilbert, Ronnie - Crinan Loch Cape Wrath Lighthouse Glasgow Museums & Art Galleries Carlisle Museum Gordon, Douglas - Fisherman/Boatman Castledaly Sea Angling Centre Green, Martin - Boatman Cecil, Tommy - Rathlin Island diver Greer, Maurice - Portballintrae Boatman Clyde Fishermen's Association Gray, Martin - Birdwatcher/Naturalist Cochrane, Billy - Portballintrae Boatman Gulliver, Richard - Kilchatten Cormacks Fish Agents H.M. Coastguard Aberdeen Cox, Valerie - Lochgilphead H.M. Coastguard Clyde Cumbria Sea Fisheries H.Q. H.M. Coastguard Kirkwall Cunningham, Thomas - Greencastle Boatman H.M. Coastguard Lerwick Currie, Colin - Fisherman H.M. Coastguard Stornowa D.A.F.S. Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen Harbour Master, Anstrutter Davidson, Trevor Harbour Master, Invergordon Deep Sea World Harbour Master, Leith Dinsmore, John - Warrenpoint Boatman Harbour Master, Lochinver Dinsmore, Oliver - Warrenpoint Boatman Heggie, Robert - Fisherman, Kildary Dobson, David - Fisheries Protection Henderson, Jim - Fisherman,Scrabster Donovan , Terry, Oban Hewitt, Peter - Boatman, Maryport Duffey Fish Agents Hobbs, Ian

35 Hyskeir Lighthouse Mills, Craig - Fisherman Insite, c/o swr, Edinburgh Moore, Ivor - Ballintoy Boatman Inverness Museum Moore, John Inverness Museum & Art Gallery Morrisson, Murdo - Postman & Coastguard Isla Field Centre Natural History Museum Islander Cruises Newman, Keith - Fisherman, Kirkudbright, Isle of Arran Tourist Board Northern Highlands Environmental Record Centre Isle of Skye Tourist Board Northern Lighthouse Board Janye & Ronnie, Oban Angling O'Connell, David Jappy, Alec - Fisherman, Hemsdale O'Neill, Patrick J. - Warrenpoint Boatman John 0' Groats Journal Oban Sea Life Centre Johnson, Peter - Broomhill, Reawick Ogilvie, Dr. Malcolm -Isle of Islay Johnson, Robert - Fisherman Orkney Field Centre Johnston, Jim - Teacher & Naturalist Orkney Tourist Office Joyce, Alan - Naturalist Paisley Museum & Art Galleries Kilmarnock Museums Service Peacock, Mike, Islay Kirk, Bill - Scrabster Fisherman Perth Museum & Art Gallery Kjennerud, Johanne, Curator Zoo. Mus. of Bergen Post Office, Gairloch Knight, Andy, Islay Potts, Proff. - Lancaster University Kyle, William - Fisherman, Portavogie Proudfoot, David - Scrabster Fisherman/Boatman Leicester Museum R.S.P.B. - Belfast Lennon, Billy - Donaghadee Boatman R.S.P.B. - North Scotland Lerwick Museum R.S.P.B. Headquarters, Sandy Lindsay, Douglas - Oban, Argyll R.S.P.B. - Kinross Love, John - SNH Stilligarry R.S.P.B., south-west Scotland Macaulay, lain A. - Fisherman, Ranger Centre, NTS, Isle of Arran Macaulay, Neil- Fisherman, Hebrides Rod and Gun, Portpatrick MacCusbie, Morna - Isle of Harris Rogers, Des - Portaferry Boatman MacKay, Duncan - Fisherman Ronnie - Boatman MacKenna, Dr. - Dun Alasdair, Tarbert Ross & Cromarty Tourist Board MacKenzie, John - Angler Ross, Duncan MAFF, Whitehaven Ross-Smith, Claire, R.S.P.B. Shetlands Mallinson, Jenny - University of Southampton Rothwell, Alison - R.S.P.B. Lewis Mann, William - Lame Boatman Royal Aircraft Establishment Mathieson, Peter - Angler Royal Scottish Museum Maynard, Jeff - Scrabster Fisherman/Angler Royal Zoological Society of Scotland McAvoy, John - Fisherman, Maryport, Cumbria Samuels, Vickie & Haydn - Isle of Skye McCelland, Jim - Portballintrae Boatman Scottish Fishermen's Association McCormick, Billy - Annalong Boatman Scottish Fishermen's Federation McCusbie, Morna Scottish Natural Heritage McFoII, Liam - Fisherman, Rathlin Islands Scottish Stranding Network McGaughan, Christopher - Ballycastle Boatman Scottish Wildlife Trust McGuigan, Christy - Warrenpoint Boatman Sea Angler Magazine McGwyr, Martin - Portwilliam Sea Life Surveys - Dervaig, Isle of Mull, McKee, Fisherman, Kildown, Co. Down. Seaton, Andy - Portrush Boatman McKergan, John - Portstewart Boatman Sharp, Eoghan - Angler McKinlay, John - Fisherman/Boatman Shaw, Murray McLaughlin, Tom - East Antrim Coast Boatman Shearer, Donny - Fish Agents, Wick McLeod, Donny - Fisherman Shetland Times McMahon, Jim - Ayr Sea Angling Centre Simpson, James - Angler McMullan, East Antrim Coast Boatman Simpson, Lee McNicol, Ross - Fisherman/Boatman Simpson, Nick - Retired Fisherman Meharg, Brian - Bangor Boatman Sinclair, John - Fisherman/Angler

36 Skye Environmental Centre Tyerman, Brian - Boatman Smith Art Gallery & Museum, Stirling Ullapool Seafari Smith, Douglas - Maryport, Cumbria Ullrick, Peter - Cumbria Bird Club, Smythe, David - Camlough Boatman Vane Farm Nature Centre, R.S.P.B. Stewart, Jim - Portrush Boatman Vemer, Willie - Portballintrae Boatman Stirling University Biological Records Wheatcroft, Bob - Fisherman/Angler Strain, Ronnie - Engineer White, Ray - Portrush Boatman Strangford Loch Mngmt. Committee Wick Angling Association Summer Island Cruises Williams, Howard - Angler Sutherland, Lionel - Fishennan/Boatman Wright, Peter - Bangor Boatman Tannahill, Irvine - Portrush Boatman Wright. Peter - Portaferry Boatman The Sports Shop, Stranraer Zynch, David - Fisherman, Ardglass Tongue & Distrid Angling Association

37 I I I I I I I I I I

38 10. References

The reference list includes records of turtle sightings as well as general publications relating to marine turtles in Scottish/UK waters. In some cases the references were provided to us without complete citations. It was not within the scope of this study to check the full details of all these citations but they have been included here to provide researchers with information which may prove to be of future value.

ANGUS,S.,1987. Turtles in the Western Isles. Hebridean Naturalist, 9: 16.

ANGUS, S. & JOHNSON, A., 1990. Noteworthy vertebrate records. Hebridean Naturalist, 10: 83-85.

ANON.,1947. Turtle off Kintyre, unusual visitor seen by fishermen. The Fishing News 1793: 8.

ANON., 1961. Turtle records. Scott. Fish. Bull., 16: 17.

ANON., 1962a. Another turtle. Scott. Fish. Bull., 17: 2a.

ANON., 1962b. Another turtle. Scott. Fish. Bull., 18: 26-27.

ANON., 1967. Large turtle. Scott. Fish. Bull., 28: 28.

ANON., 1984. The turtle that needs protection in Britain, Oryx, 18: 195-196.

ANON., 1988. Leathery turtle. Porcupine Newsletter, 4, 2: 32.

ANON., 1993. Am Bratach, November 1993: 3.

BABCOCK, H.L., 1919. The turtles of New England. Mem. Boston Soc. Nat. Hist. 8,3: 323- 431.

BECHSTEIN, J.M., 1800. Hem de la cepede's naturgeschichte deramphibien oderder eyerlegenden vierfOssigen thiere und der schlangen. Eine fortsetzunk von bOffon's naturgeschichte. Aus dem franzOsischen Obersetzt und mit anmerkungen und zusatzen versehen, 1. Weimar, Industrie-Comptoir, 524pp.

BELL, T., 1849. A history of British reptiles. London, J. v. Voorst.

BELL, T., 1861. Note on the hawk's-bill turtle (Testudo impricata). Zoologist, 19: 7759.

BOOTH, C., 1991. Turtle. Orkney Field Club Bulletin, 1991: 33.

BOOTH, C.J., 1987. Rare turtle is sighted offWestray. Nature Notes, The Orca dian, 15 October.

BOOTH, C.J., 1992. Turtle record. Orkney Field Club Bulletin, Biological Records Supplement, 1992: 8.

BOOTH, C.J. & J., 1995. Mammals of Orkney.

BRAND, J., 1809. A brief description of Orkney, Zetland, Pightland-Firth and Caithness. Edinburgh, George Mosan.

39 BRIDGEWATER, C., 1967. Marine monsters. Nautical Magazine, 197: 207-208.

BRONGERSMA, L.D., 1961. Notes upon some sea turtles. Zoo. Verh. Leiden, 51,2: 1-46.

BRONGERSMA, L.D., 1967. What you should do if you see or catch a turtle. The Fishing News, 2839: 7.

BRONGERSMA, L.D., 1968a. Turtles. Marine Observer, 38: 28-34.

BRONGERSMA, L.D., 1968b. The Soay beast. Beaufortia, 15, 184: 33-46.

BRONGERSMA, L.D., 1968c. The great sea serpent and the leathery turtle I-II. Proc. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wet., Amsterdam, C 71, 3: 209-228.

BRONGERSMA, L.D., 1968d. De grote zeeslang en de lederschildpad. Versl. gew. Verg. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wet., Afd. Natuurk., Amsterdam, 77, 5: 72-74.

BRONGERSMA, L.D., 1969. Miscellaneous notes on turtles II. Proc. Kon. Ned. Akad. Wet., Amsterdam, C 72, I: 76-102.

BRONGERSMA, L.D., 1972. European Atlantic turtles. Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie, Leiden, The Netherlands, 318pp.

BUCKLEY, T.E. & HARVIE-BROWN, J.A., 1891. A vertebrate fauna of the Orkney Islands. Edinburgh, David Douglas, 314pp.

BURDON-JONES, C., 1961. Atlantic leatherback turtles in Wales. Nature in Wales, 7, 2: 38-42.

BURTON, M., 1960. The Soay beast. //Iustr. London News, 4 June: 972-973.

BURTON, M., 1961a. Was the Soay beast a tourist? lIIustr. London News, 14 October: 632.

CARR, A., 1989. Handbook of turtles. Ithaca and London, Cornell University Press.

COOKE, M.C., 1893. Our reptiles and batrachians. A plain and easy account of the lizards, snakes, newts, toads, frogs and tortoises indigenous to Great Britain. London, W.H. Allen & Co., Ltd.

CUMBRIA BIRD CLUB NEWSLETIER, 1990.

DAVIS, P.S., 1980. Leathery turtles on the north east coast. The Vasculum, 65,4: 66.

DAVENPORT, J., 1992. Biology of the leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea (Vandelli, 1761). BCG Testudo 3, 3: 24-33.

DYCE, R., 1861. Description of a reptile, the Chelonia caretta a loggerhead turtle, new to the British fauna. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist., 8, 46: 351.

ECKERT, S., PONGANIS, P., ECKERT, K. & KOOYMAN, G., 1987. Foraging and diving behaviour of the leatherback sea turtle (D. coriacea). Abstract of papers given to the jOint annual meeting of the Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles/Herpetologists League, Veracruz, Mexico.

EDITORS, 1956. Remains of turtle washed ashore in Shetland. Scottish Naturalist, 68, 3: 175.

40 EDWARD, T., 1861. Occurrence of the hawk's-bill turtle (Testudo imbricata) at Banff. Zoologist 19: 7713-7715.

EVANS, A.H. & BUCKLEY, T.E., 1899. A vertebrate fauna of the Shetland Islands. Edinburgh, David Douglas, 248pp.

FLEMING, J., 1842. A history of British animals, (2nd ed.). London, Duncan & Malcolm, 565pp.

FRAIR, W., ACKMAN, R.G. & MROSOVSKY, N., 1972. Body temperature of Derrnochelys coriacea warm turtle from cold water. Science 177: 791-793.

FRASER, F.C. & PARKER, H. W., 1949. Guide for the identification and reporting of stranded whales, dolphins, porpoises and turtles on the British coasts. London, Brit. Mus. (Nat. Hist.), 42pp.

FRAZER, D., 1983. Reptiles and amphibians in Britain. Collins, London, 256 pp.

GADOW, H., 1901. Amphibia and reptiles, 8. Cambridge, The Cambridge Natural History, 668pp.

GIBSON, J.A., 1950. Records of turtles in Clyde waters and other parts of the West of Scotland. Transactions of the Paisley Naturalists' Society, 5: 84-85.

GIBSON, J.A., 1960. Further records of Clyde turtles. Transactions of the Paisley Naturalists' Society, 6: 53-54.

GIBSON, J.A., 1976. The reptiles and amphibians of the Clyde area. Western Naturalist, 5: 53-66.

GIBSON, J.A., 1978. Leathery turtle on Jura. Western Naturalist, 7: 101.

GIBSON, J.A., 1981. Leathery turtle in Firth of Clyde. Western Naturalist, 10: 24.

GIBSON, J.A., 1982. The freshwater and terrestrial fauna of the Clyde sea area. Part V: Reptiles and amphibians of the Clyde faunal area. Glasgow Naturalist, 20: 211-227.

GIBSON, J.A., 1985. Another leathery turtle in the Clyde area. Scottish Naturalist, 1985: 83.

GIBSON, J.A., 1986. Recent changes in the status of some Clyde vertebrates. Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, 90B: 451-467.

GIBSON, J.A., 1990. The leathery turtle in Buteshire waters. Transactions of the Buteshire Natural History Society, 23: 53-56.

GIBSON, J.A. & COLVILLE, D., 1972. The reptiles and amphibians of Kintyre. Western Naturalist, 1: 36-41.

GRAY, M., 1981. Green turtle. Orkney Field Club Bulletin, 1: 9.

GREER, A.E., LAZELL, J.D. & WRIGHT, R.M., 1973. Anatomical evidence for a counter current heat exchanger in the leatherback turtle (Derrnochelys coriacea). Nature, 244: 181.

GROUNDWATER, W.G., 1965. Turtles. The Orcadian, 25 February.

GUPPY, H.B., 1916. Plants, seeds and currents in the West Indies and Azores. The results of investigations carried out in those regions between 1906 and 1914. London, Williams & Norgate, 531 pp.

41 HARVIE-BROWN, J.A. & BUCKLEY, T.E., 1895. A vertebrate fauna of the Moray Basin, 2. Edinburgh, D. Douglas, 310pp.

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HOLIDAY, F.W., 1966a. Only a worm in Loeh Ness? The Field, 228,5943: 1216.

HOLIDAY, F.W., 1966b. Turtles and great worms. The Field, 228,5945: 1305.

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42 LA CEPEDE, DE, 1856. Histoire naturelle de lacepede, comprenant les cetaces, les quadrupedes ovipares, les serpents et les poissons. Nouvelle edition, precedee de /'e/oge de lacepede par cuvier avec des notes et la nouvelle classification de M. A. -G. Desmarest, 1. Paris, Adolphe Delahays, 654pp.

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LYELL, C., 1875. Principles of geology or the modern changes of the earth and its inhabitants, considered as illustrative of geology, 2 (12th ed.). London, John Murray, 652pp.

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NECKER DE SAUSSURE, L.A., 1821. Voyage en Ecosse etaux lies Hebrides, 2. Geneve, Paris, J.J. Paschoud, 512pp.

PEEL, C.V.A., 1899. Occurrence of the loggerhead turtle in North Uist. Annals of Scottish Nat. His., 30: 115.

PEEL, C.V.A., 1900. Flotsam round the Outer Hebrides. The Field, 2460: 213 ..

PEEL, C.V.A., 1901. Wild sport in the Outer Hebrides. London, F.E. Robinson & Co., 133pp

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PENNANT, TH., 1774. A tourin Scotland and voyage to the Hebrides MDCCLXXII. Part I. Chester, J. Monk, 439pp.

PENNANT, TH., 1777. A sketch of Caledonian zoology. In: Lightfoot, J., Flora Scotica, ora systematic arrangement, in the Linnean method, of the native plants of Scotland and the Hebrides. London, White, pp 1- 66.

43 PENNANT, TH., 1789. In: Lightfoot, J., Flora Scotica, or a systematic arrangement, in the Linnean method, of the native plants of Scot/and and the Hebrides (2nd ed.). London, R. Foulder, 530pp.

PIRIE, A., 1972. Scott. Fish. Bull., 38.

PIRIE, S.F., 1969. Another leathery turtle. Scott. Fish. Bull., 31: 31.

POLLEN, W. H., 1960. A turtle in the Hebrides. The Field, 215, 5596: 380.

POTIINGER, R., 1974. Coastguard, 13 April: 70.

PRITCHARD, P.C.H., 1979. Encyclopedia of turtles. Neptune City, T.H.F. Publications Inc., 895pp.

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RAE, B.B., 1959. Rare fishes and turtles. Scott. Fish. Bull., 12: 21-22.

RAE, B.B., 1968. Turtles. Scott. Fish. Bull., 29: 25-26.

RITCHIE, J., 1924a. The loggerhead turtle in Scotland. Scottish Naturalist, 148: 99-103.

RITCHIE, J., 1924b. Occurrences of loggerhead turtle in Scotland. Scottish Naturalist, 149: 165.

RITCHIE, J., 1924c. Turtle barnacles in Scottish waters. Scottish Naturalist, 149: 166.

SCHLEGEL, H., 1838. Les chtfJloniens. In: Temminck, C.J. & Schlegel, H., Fauna Japonica, Reptilia. Leiden, La Lau, pp1-80.

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SHETLAND BIRD CLUB ANNUAL REPORT, 1992.

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44 STEPHEN, A.C., 1952. Loggerhead on Scottish coasts. The Scotsman (ca. 27 October 1952).

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WlLLGOHS, J.F., 1956. Nye funn av laerskilpadde i Nordsjoen, og litt om artens utbredelse og levevis. Naturen, 9: 532-544.

WILLGOHS, J.F., 1957. Occurrence of the leathery turtle in the northern North Sea and off western Norway. Nature, 179,4551: 163-164.

WILSON, D. P., 1947. The Portuguese man-of-war, Physalia physalis L., in British and adjacent seas. J. Mar. BioI. Assoc. U.K., 27: 139-172.

45 II

-II II II • I I I I I I I I

46 11. ANNEXES

Annex 1. 'The Turtle Code' advice sheet

Annex 2. Chronological records for marine turtles in Scottish waters (provisional list).

Annex 3. Summary of marine turtle records, arranged in numerical order for each species.

47 48 THE TURTLE CODE

Turtles under threat Entangled turtles - what to do Sea turtles are under threat throughout the world. They Occasionally turtles become entangled in fishing gear ar have suffered from loss of and from damage to their may suffer shock, which can kill them. You can help by nesting beaches, and from oil and ~her chemical taking appropriate action: pollution. Plastic bags may be mistaken by Leathery When turtles become entangled in fishing gear turtles for the jellyfish upon which they feed; these can offshore, it will take patience and time to release them. It choke and kill them. is best done at the surface of the water so that the effecti~ weight is less. If the turtle is caught in a trawl or drift net do not lift it out of the water on to the deck if it appears to Turtles in British waters be active and alert, as it may suffer respiratory collapse ( cardiac arrest. Never tow a turtle to harbour if this can bE Five of the world's seven species of sea turtles occur in avoided. Always ensure that all net and line has been British waters. Leathery turtles are usually seen in late removed from the turtle before releasing it. summer and are the most commonly sighted species. The Turtles have powerful flippers and care should be tak~ other species of turtle are mainly seen in winter. Most are when handling them to avoid personal injury. If hopeless Loggerhead turtles that probably originate from North and fouled in a crab or lobster line, carry out the release on tl Central American coasts. The next most frequent are edge of the shore but not on dry land. Leathery turtles Cc Kemp's ridley turtles, which breed only in the Gulf of be very heavy and pulling them over land can cause Mexico and are the most endangered turtle species. lacerations. Hawksbill and Green turtles are very rarely seen. Turtles found stranded on beaches are sometimes already dead, but may be injured. Look for wounds such Turtles and the law as those made by boat propellers or sharks. Young turtle in particular may be exhausted, disorientated or shockel Because populations are declining it is important to by low water temperatures. A local veterinary practice protect any turtles that come into British waters and to may be able to offer advice and treatment and seal learn more about their movements at sea by recording sanctuaries may offer suitable facilities for their recover; sightings of each species. All sea turtles are fully Dead turtles found floating or stranded and in good protected in British waters under the Wildlife and condition can be preserved by freezing; they may be of Countryside Act 1981. This means that: value for research or as musem specimens. • turtles may not be deliberately killed; • live turtles may not be landed unless for the purposes of Addresses tending them for subsequent release; • dead turtles or shells may not be possessed unless the For advice concerning live stranded or fouled sea turtle animals died accidentally; they should not be displayed for commercial purposes or sold. Species Advice Branch, Nature Conservancy Council A licence is needed to import any live or dead turtles Northminster House, Peterborough PE 1 1UA from outside British territorial waters. Apply to: Telephone 0733 40345. Endangered Species Branch, Dept of the Environment, Tollgate House, Houlton Street, Bristol BS2 9DJ, Telephone Send recordings of sea turtle sightings, strandings and 0272218202. entanglings to: The Natural History Museum Turtle sightings Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD Telephone 01 938 9292. - When you see a turtle, record its colour, shape and shell pattern, and compare them with the illustrations overleaf. Details of turtle sightings should be sent to the Natural History Museum at the address below. Researchers of turtle biology sometimes attach a tag to a turtle's flipper when it is on its breeding beach. Details of the tag should be sent to the address given on it and these should be Produced by the Nature Conservancy Council with the copied with details of the sighting to the Natural History assistance of Herpetofauna Consultants Internation.al. Museum. Illustration by Simon Thomas at Middlesex Polytechnic.

NATURE CONSERVANCY* COUNCIL BERPETOFAUNA CONSULTANTS INTERNATIONAL Kemp's ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) Length: up to 0.8 metre, but usually only young animals reach OUI shores. Colour: grey/olive green

Leathery turtle or Luth (Dermochelys corzacea) Length: up to 2 metres Colour: black spotted with white Hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) Length: up to 0.9 - 1 metre Colour: pattern of reddish brown/amber yellow and black

Loggerhead turtle Green turtle (Caretta caretta) (Chelonia mydas) Length: up to 1.5 metres Length: up to 1 metre Colour: reddish brown Colour: dark olive brown ANNEX 2. CHRONOLOGICAL RECORDS FOR MARINE TURTLES IN SCOTTISH WATERS (PROVISIONAL LIST).

alive* =alive at time of sighting, but died subsequently. date c =approximate date of record.

LEATHERBACK TURTLE

12. NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

8. 1875 (Not known) Campbeltown Courier alive*

Sound of Kilbrannan. Recorded in the Campbeltown Courier, 4 September 1875. Gibson (1950: pp.84-85; 1976: pp.53-66; 1982: p.218; 1986: pp.451-467), Gibson & Colville (1972: pp.36-41).

1. 1950-1960 (Not known) Ernie McKee alive

8 - 14 miles off Whitehaven. Sightings each year (G.King pers. comm) (Kilkeel, 2 Feb 1986).

88. 1951 (15-0ct-1951) Brongersma alive*

Devil's Hole, North Sea, 56 10 N, 0 W. Captured by fishermen and presented to the Aarhus Museum.

70. 1955 (30-Aug-1955) Brongersma alive

4 miles off Noss Head, Shetland. Sighted by fishing boat "Twinkling Star", 5 foot long and 3 foot broad.

69. 1956 ( 5-Sep-1956) Brongersma alive

40 miles north-east of Flugga . Harpooned by Norwegian fishermen, but later thrown back into the sea. Estimated weight was over 350kg.

85. 1957 ( Not known) Brongersma dead

Moniefieth sands. May be the same animal as no. 84.

86. 1957 (27-Feb-1957) Brongersma dead

Wee Bankie, 24 miles south-south-east of Arbroath. The carcase became entangled in the nets of the seiner "Eight Belles". May be same animal as Nos. 84 & 85.

51 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

84. 1957 ( 4-May-1957) Brongersma dead

Beach 2 miles north of Arbroath. Headless and limbless carcase, 5-6 feet in length.

72. 1959 ( Not known) Brongersma alive

20 miles NNW of Cape Wrath, Sutherland. Observed by skipper of the Aberdeen trawler "Strathelliot". It was about 5 feet long and 4 feet wide.

78. 1959 ( 11-Aug-1959) Brongersma alive*

Kilbrannan Sound, between Kintyre and Arran. Captured by the crew of a ring-net boat, it was taken to Calderpark Zoo, Glasgow, where it died. About 6 feet long.

81. 1959 (26-Aug-1959) Brongersma dead

Shore of the Solway Firth, near Annan. Dead on the shore, about six feet long and 3.5 feet broad.

76. 1959 ( 13-Sep-1959) Brongersma alive

Soay, North Ebudes.

95. 1960-1965c. (year uncertain) William Kyle alive

8 miles north-west of Peel, Isle of Man. Sighted "asleep" on the surface during early morning watch on MFV "Scarlet Thread". Pers. comm. (G. King, Portavogie July 1987).

94. 1961,June ( Not known) I.T.E. Record alive

Loch Harport, Isle of Skye. I. T. E. Records.

80. 1961 (28-Aug-1961 ) Brongersma alive

Between the Mull of Galloway and Port Patrick.

79. 1961 (30-Aug-1961 ) Brongersma alive

Between Ayr and Pladda, Firth of Clyde. The turtle was swimming at the surface, with an estimated length of about 6 feet.

52 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

82. 1961 (16-Sep-1961) Brongersma alive

4 miles south-east of Wick. About 5 feet long.

75. 1962 (10-Jul-1962) Brongersma alive

Curachan Ground, Southern Minch (east of Barra Isle), Outer Hebrides. Captured by a crew of fishermen who tried to land it, but failed. They attached a fishing buoy to it, then lost it. Esimated size was 12 feet by 6 feet.

74. 1962, August (Not known) Brongersma dead

Baleshare Island, off North Uist, Outer Hebrides. Washed ashore dead, entangled with ropes and wires.

83. 1966, July (Not known) Brongersma alive

90 miles north-east of Kinnaird Head Estimated at about 4 feet long.

73. 1966 (12-Sep-1966) Brongersma alive*

Off hebrides. Turtle was caught, and taken to Bremerhaven. Skeleton is at Senckenberg Museum. Carapace was 149cm long, 84cm wide.

71. 1967 (28-Aug-1967) Brongersma alive

North side of Papa Stour, Shetland. Entangled in marker buoy ropes of a string of lobster creels. About six feet long.

87. 1967 (27 -Nov-1967) Brongersma alive*

2.5 miles east-south-east of Crail Harbour, Fife. Entangled in a rope of a lobster creel, it was towed ashore alive, but died soon afterwards and was sent to the Royal Scottish Museum.

96. 1967, summer ( Not known) David Zych alive

3 miles north-east of Ardglass, Co. Down. Sighted alive. Pers. comm (G. King).

77. 1968 (25-0ct-1968) Brongersma alive

Loch Beag, Craignish Peninsula. About 4 feet head to tail. Stranded alive, but not exhausted or benumbed, it swam off.

53 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

4. 1969c., July ( Not known) Keith Newman alive

12 miles north-west of Whitehaven, Cumbria Sighted from the MFV "Karen Anne". Dived when approached, swimming in a southerly direction. Pers. comm. (this study) Keith Newman, Kirkudbright.

59. 1969, August ( Not known) Peter Johnson alive

West Surra Firth, Shetland. Entangled alive in lobster line. The turtle was released unharmed by the fishermen. Estimated carapace length 4 feet. Peter Johnson, Reawick, Shetland. (Letter 23rd July 1984 to G. King).

58. 1971 ( 9-Aug-1971) D.A.F.S. Record alive

8 miles south of Bard Head, Shetland. Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, Marine Lab., Aberdeen.

100. 1971, November (Not known) British Museum alive

200 miles west of Clyde. Sighted by Paul Read AB, R.F.A. "Grey Rove~' (BFPO Vessels) whilst on exercise.

18. 1972 ( 5-Jul-1972) D.A.F.S. Record alive

Between Canna and Oigh-sgier, 57 00 N, 06 30 W. Pirie, A., (1972), Press & Journal, 19 July 1972. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries Marine Lab., Aberdeen Record.

60. 1973 ( 4-Sep-1973) R. Pottinger alive·

Wester Skeld, Shetland. Caught alive in fishing gear, taken ashore and died later. Accompanied by pilot fish. Pottinger, R. (1974: p.70).

7. 1975 ( 14-Sep-1975) British Museum alive·

Near Stairhaven in Luce Bay Entangled alive in lobster line, died later. Royal Scottish Museum record, Sutcliffe (1983: p.253).

63. 1975 (10-0ct-1975) D.A.F.S. Record alive

3 miles south of Aberdeen, off Cove Kincardine. Caught alive in nets. Released unharmed by the Franchise's skipper Jack Reid. Press and Journal, 15 October 1975, British Museum Records, Royal Scottish Museum Records, Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, Marine Lab., Aberdeen.

54 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

93. 1977c. (Not known) Murray Shaw alive & Ian Hobbs

Half a mile off Portwilliam, swimming north into Luce Bay. Thought the turtle was an upturned punt. Pers. comm. (this study) Murray Shaw, Portwilliam. (Letter 23rd March 1994). Galloway Gazette - date to be researched.

45. 1978c. (Not known) Morna MacCusbie dead

Mallaig Harbour, Inverness. Landed dead. In letter to G. King (27 Jan 1991) from Morna MacCusbie. Stornoway.

9. 1978, early Sept. (Not known) Scott. Nat. dead Hist. Lib.

North-west of the Island of Jura, Argyll Stranded dead, still entangled in rope. Probably drowned in lobster or cab pot gear. Gibson, J. (1978: 1 01; 1982:218; 1990:54,55).

44. 1979/80 (Not known) Morna MacCusbie alive

Off Rodel in the Sound of Harris, Hebrides. In letter to G. King (27 Jan 1991) from Morna MacCusbie.

62. 1980 (3-0ct-1980) British Museum alive*

2 miles off Berwickshire coast. Caught alive in the nets of St. Abbs fishing boat. Transferred to MFU "Guiding Star" and landed at Eyemouth. Taken by lorry to Oban where it died on 70ctober 1980. Davis (1980: p.66), British Museum Records, Royal Scottish Records, Press & Journal 4 October 1980.

89. 1981, August ( Not known) K. Mackenzie alive

On route to the Flannan Islands, Hebrides. Sighted alive on way back from cruise to the Flannan Islands. (Letter lain Macaulay, MFV "Astronaut" 21 March 1994).

11. 1981 ( 1-Sep-1981) Sutcliffe R. alive

Firth of Clyde, off Toward Point, Argyllshire. Sutcliffe, R., (1983: p.253), Gibson, J.A. (1981: p.24), Gibson, J.A. (1990: p.54), SutCliffe, R., (1981: p.182).

42. 1982 ( 13-Aug-1982) British Museum alive

South-west comer of Sand ray , Hebrides. Entangled alive in lobster-pot line. Informant Dr. R.D. Hill.

55 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

12. 1983c. (Not known) Dr. F.S. MacKenna alive

Fish Quay, Tarbert Harbour, Argyllshire. Seen over several days "a number of years" prior to 1985, by Dr. F.S. MacKenna and many others. MacKenna (1985), The Kist 29:18.

97. 1983c, summer (Not known) Ronny Gilbert alive

NIW of Carsaig Bay in the Sound of Jura. Seen close-up whilst ferrying workers to Ruadh Sgier lighthouse. Pers. comm. (this study), 2 May 1994.

98. 1983c, summer (Not known) Valerie Cox alive

Crinan Loch, between Rabbit Island and Crinan Harbour. Entangled in a creel buoy, the turtle released itself on the approach of a motorboat. Pers. comm. (this study), 2 May 1994.

19. 1983 ( 9-Jul-1983) I. T. E. Records alive

Entrance to Loch Fyne. Gibson, J.A. (1985: p.83), Gibson, J.A. (1990: p.58).

17. 1983 (14-Jul-1983) I. T. E. Records alive

Kyles of Bute, in the west Kyle, 2 miles south of Kames. Gibson, J.A. (1985: p.83), Gibson, J.A. (1980: p.55).

16. 1983 (18-Jul-1983) British Museum alive

Upper Loch Fyne, between Inverary and St. Catherine's. Informant: Robert Donaldson.

15. 1983 ( 3-Aug-1983) P. Lewis alive

Upper Loch Fyne, north of Inverary Sighted alive. Estimated size of 6 foot. Letter, 2 May 1984. P. Lewis, Orpington, Kent.

14. 1983 (23-Aug-1983) British Museum alive

Head of Loch Fyne, Strathclyde Informant Mr. G. Causer. Sighted by Alan Stewart.

56 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

25. 1983, Sept. or Oct. ( Not known) Jim Henderson alive

Off Cape Wrath. Large turtle sighted by Jim Henderson of Scrabster, skipper of MFV "Ceanothus". Pers. comm. (this study)

36. 1983, October ( Not known) Stewart Angus alive

In Loch Roag, Lewis, Hebrides. Angus, S. (1987: p.16).

68. 1983, October (Not known) Johanne Kjennerud dead

Between the Faeroes and Scotland, 5945 N, 630 W. Drowned in nets. Size estimated between 1.5 - 2 metres, estimated weight 300kg. Johanne Kjennerud, curator, Zoological Museum, University of Bergen, Norway. (Letter 10 January. 1984).

35. 1983 (10-0ct-1983) Isabel Simpson alive*

Off Isle of Lewis, Hebrides. Died whilst being released from lobster line. Brought ashore at Kirkibost Pier. Simpson, I.M. (1984: p.298), Stomoway Gazette 4 February 1983, Press & Journal 31 January 1984, Fishing News 3 February 1984.

10. 1983 (19-0ct-1983) Isobel Simpson alive

Loch Craignish, Strathclyde Stranded alive; was coaxed back into the water. Recorded in The Oban Times 27 October 1983, Simpson, 10M. (1984: p.298). Mrs Frances Lander in letter 21 June 1984, 21 November 1989. Photographs given by Mrs Lander.

13. 1983, late Oct (Not known) British Museum alive

Loch Fyne, Argyllshire

46. 1983/4 (Not known) Morna MacCusbie dead

Washed ashore on Renish Point, Sound of Harris, Hebrides. Remains washed ashore. In letter (27 Jan 1991) from Morna MacCusbie.

65. 1984 (30-Mar-1984) Royal Scottish Mus. dead

Granton Beach, Edinburgh. Found stranded dead.

57 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

2. 1984c. ( Not known) Peter Hewitt alive

2.5 miles north-west of Working ton, Cumbria Sighted during angling competion off the Workington Buoy by Peter Hewitt, skipper of the "Ranelagh". Pers. comm. (this study)

64. 1984c. ( Not known) William Gault alive

'Way up" the Moray Firth. Pers. comm. (this study) William Gault, Wick, Caithness, MFV "Dayspring".

33. 1985c. ( Not known) Neil Macaulay alive

2 miles north of East Loch Roag (between east and west L. Roag), Lewis, Hebrides. Two leathery turtles sighted together. Pers. comm. (this study) Neil Macaulay, GT., Bernera, Lewis.

90. 1985, late August ( Not known) lain Macaulay alive

1 mile off Gallan Head, Lewis. Sighted on surface, dived when approached. (Letter 21 March 1994).

66. 1985, end August ( Not known) Alec Jappy alive

1 mile south-south-east of Helmsdale, Sutherland. Entangled in lobster line and gear of a Brora (Sutherland) boat. All gear was cut free and the turtle swan off. Pers. comm. (this study).

61. 1985, 1 st week Oct. ( Not known) Fishing News alive

Firth of Forth Caught in prawn trawl of MFV "Rona II". Carefully returned to the sea unharmed. Fishing News 11 October 1985, with photo.

6. 1986, early Feb. ( Not known) David O'Connell alive

Lat. 5458 N, Long. 05 15 W. (6 miles west of Portpatrick). Released alive from mid-water trawler. Pers. comm. (G. King).

37. 1986 ( 7 -Oct-1986) lain Angus Macaulay alive

1 mile north-north-east of mouth of East Loch Roag, Lewis, Hebrides. Macaulay (1993: p.70).

38. 1987 ( Not known) Stewart Angus alive

Location unknown, sighted by Ness Fisherman. (Shortly after the landing of leathery turtle at Ness, 5 September 1987. Anon (1988: p.32), Angus, S. (1987: p.16).

58 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

47. 1987 (27 -Aug-1987) Chris Booth alive

Off east coast of Westray, Orkney. Listed in "The Mammals of Orkney" by Chris and Jean Booth (1995). Sighted alive from fishing boat, Booth, C.J. (1987).

39. 1987 ( 5-Sep-1987) Anon alive

Landed at Ness. Almost certainly the same record as no. 43. Anon (1988: p.32).

43. 1987 ( 5-Sep-1987) West Highland Free dead Free Press

2 miles east of the Butt of Lewis, Hebrides. Landed at Ness, Lewis. Almost certainly the same record as no. 39. Entangled dead in lobster line. West Highland Free Press 11 September 1987, Anon (1988: p. 32).

99. 1988c (Not known) Richard Fairbairns alive

Tidal Race, NIW Caliach Point, Isle of Mull. Sighted swimming. Pers. comm. (this study) 2 May 1994 with Richard Fairbairns of Sea Life Surveys, Isle of Mull.

91. 1988, September ( Not known) lain Macaulay alive

8 miles south-west of Flannan Isles, Hebrides. "Smallish" leathery turtle sighted swimming on the surface. lain Macaulay, Lewis, MFV "Astronaut" (Letter 21 March 1994).

92. 1989 ( 2-0ct-1989) lain Macaulay alive

6 miles south-west of Flannan Islands, Hebrides. Large leathery turtle, sighted swimming slowly on the surface during a cold snap. lain Macaulay, skipper MFV "Astronaut" (Letter 21 March 1994). -

22. 1989 (27 -Oct-1989) Jim Johnston alive

Off Skerray, Sutherland. Entangled alive. It was brought into Skerray Harbour and later released unharmed. It was accompanied by half a dozen pilot fish. John 0' Groat Journal 4 November 1989.

29. 1990c. ( Not known) Clair Calder alive

Off Dunnett Head. 6 - 6.5 feet long. Pers. comm. (this study)

59 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

3. 1990 (15-Jul-1990) Cumbria Bird Club alive

Lat. 54 40 N, Long. 344 W Sighted by birdwatching party beside the boat "Ranelagh" feeding on compass jellyfish. Cumbria Bird Club Newsletter. Peter Ullrich. (Letter & photograph Peter Ullrich, 5 March 1994).

20. 1990 ( 8-Oct-1990) British Museum alive

Lochinver Harbour, Sutherland. Sighted alive for 3 or 4 days by William McLeod, assistant harbour master. Pers. comm. (this study)

57. 1990 (20-0ct-1990) Shetland Bird Club alive

North of Fetlar, Shetland. Shetland Bird Club Annual Report, 1990.

51. 1990 (25-0ct-1990) Chris Booth dead

Off Rerwick Head, Orkney. Floating dead. Listed in "The Mammals of Orkney" by Chris and Jean Booth (1995). Booth, C.J. (1991: p.33).

52. 1990 (29-0ct-1990) Chris Booth dead

On Flotta, Orkney Washed ashore dead. Listed in "Mammals of Orkney" by Chris and Jean Booth (1995). Booth, C.J. (1991: p.33). Injuries would suggest collision with ships propellor (Letter & photograph Martin Gray, Nth Ronaldsay, 6th March 1994). Possibly the same turtle as record no.51).

26. 1991 ( Not known) Douglas Gordon dead

Between Spear Head and Holborn Head, Caithness. About 1m long, no apparent cause of death. Pers. comm. (this study)

67. 1991c., July/August (Not known) Tommy Cecil alive

200 yards from the north shore of Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim. Sighted in strong running tide. Pers. comm. (this study)

40. 1991 (23-Aug-1991) lain Macaulay alive

3 miles south-west of Flannan Islands. Released alive from gear. Macaulay noted that it was the biggest turtle he had seen. Macaulay (1993: p.70).

60 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

53. 1991 (23-Sep-1991) Chris Booth dead

Near Melsetter, Hoy, Orkney. Found dead on shore. Listed in "The Mammals of Orkney" by Chris and Jean Booth (in press). Booth, C. J. (1992: p.8).

54. 1~92 ( 14-Feb-1992) British Museum dead

Orkney Battered carapace found. Possibly the same turtle as No. 53.

41. 1992 ( 8-Aug-1992) Stewart Angus alive

Two-thirds of the way between Shiant Islands and Scalpay (NG 9797). Sighted alive by Tony Scherr. Stewart Angus SNH Stomoway. (Letter 4th March 1994).

27. 1992, end August ( Not known) Jeff Maynard alive

Between Skerray and Roan Island, Sutherland. Observed at 25 yards from MFV "Dio Valenti" by Jeff Maynard of Scrabster, Caithness, Pers. comm. (this study)

28. 1992c., summer (Not known) Clair Calder alive

Inshore between Dunnett Head and Brough, Caithness. Sighted close to angling boat swimming in an eastery direction. Estimated size: 8 feet. Pers. comm. (this study) Clair Calder, Scrabster, MFV "Karen".

56. 1992, early Sept. (Not known) Shetland Times alive

20 miles north-north-west Muckle Flugga, Shetland, near the 120 Fathom Line. Sighted by the crew of the "Ardent". Shetland Times 16 October 1992, Shetland Bird Club Annual Report 1992.

55. 1992 ( 5-0ct-1992) Shetland Times alive

Off Balta Island, Shetland. Sighted by the Crew of the "Ardent". Shetland Times 16 October 1992, Shetland Bird Club Annual Report 1992.

24. 1993 ( Not known) Bill Kirk alive

Off Skerray, Sutherland Pers. Comm. (this study). Bill Kirk, Scrabster, MFV "Glomach".

61 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

5. 1993 June/July ( Not known) John McAvoy alive

6 miles south-east of the Little Ross Lighthouse. Sighted 4 yards from the MFV "Sarah Dean". "Massive animal", heading out of the Solway Firth. Pers. comm. (this study) Fisheries Protection Staff & Maryport skipper John McAvoy.

23. 1993, August (Not known) Bill Kirk alive

5 miles north-west of Scrabster. Sighted close to angling boat. Estimated length 5 feet. Pers. comm. (this study)

32. 1993, August ( Not known) Neil Macaulay alive

Back of Uig, Gallan Head, Lewis, Hebrides. 3 Leathery turtles sighted at different times by Neil Macaulay, skipper of MFV "Delta Dawn". Pers. comm. (this study)

48. 1993 (15-Aug-1993) The Mammals of alive Orkney

Between Start Point and North Ronaldsay, Orkney. Listed in "Mammals of Orkney" by Chris and Jean Booth (1995). Seen from MV Varagen, swimming south. By Martin Gray, North Ronaldsay. Pers. Comm. (this study) 17 March 1994.

34. 1993, beg. October (Not known) Robert Heggie alive

10 miles north of Butt of Lewis. Sighted swimming in a westerly direction by Robert Heggie, skipper of MFV Sheigra. "Am Bratach" November 1993, p.3.

21. 1993 (18-0ct-1993 ) Press & Journal dead

100 yards from Stoer Head. Found entangled dead, 100 yards from Stoer Head. Press & Journal, 20.10.93. Glasgow Herald, 20.10.93.

50. 1993 (25-0ct-1993) The Mammals of alive Orkney

In Scarpa flow, south of Scarpa Pier, Orkney. Listed in "The Mammals of Orkney" by Chris and Jean Booth (1995).

31. 1993, July/Aug (Not known) Murdo Morrison alive

1 quarter of a mile north-east of Butt of Lewis, Hebrides. Pers. comm (this study) Murdo Morrison and Ian Stephen, H.M. Coastguard, Stornoway.

62 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

49. 1993, late August ( Not known ) . The Mammals of alive Orkney

Off the Brough of Birsay, Orkney. Seen on two occasions. Listed in "The Mammals of Orkney" by Chris and Jean Booth (1995). Described as being like an upturned dinghy.

30. 1993, mid. Sept. (Not known) David Proudfoot alive

100 yards inside Brough Bay (Dunnett Head, Caithness). Sighted alive, and followed for 10 minutes by observer on a sunny, calm day. Pers. comm . . (this study)

101. 1994 (15-Aug-1994 ) Douglas Smith alive

Off the Workington Buoy. Sighted from MFV "Girl Myra", length 8-9'. Correspondence (this study) 1 September 1994.

LOGGERHEAD

12. 1861 (29-Jul-1861 ) Brongersma alive·

Greenside, near the promontory called Gamrie Mhor, about 3 miles from Macduff. Caught in a stake net and sent to Burgh Museum, Banff. Destroyed in 1952.

13. 1861 ( 1-Aug-1861) Brongersma alive·

Pennan, Aberdeenshire. Caught in a salmon net and sent to the Natural History Department of Aberdeen University.

6. 1898 (26-Nov-1898) Brongersma dead

Vallay Island (off Uist), Outer Hebrides.

9. 1923 (13-Dec-1923 ) Brongersma alive·

Pool Roag, at the landward end of a bay opening southward into Loch Bracadale (near Dunvegan), Approx. 572430 N, 621 10 W. 3 feet 5 inches long along carapace.

4. 1945 (13-Dec-1945) Brongersma alive

Western side of Unst, Shetland. Carapace 219mm long, 196.5mm wide.

7. 1946 ( 13-Feb-1946) Brongersma alive·

West side of North Uist, Outer Hebrides Carapace 180mm long, 160mm wide.

63 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

11. 1951 ( 4-Dec-1951) Brongersma alive

Girvan, Ayrshire. Carapace 228mm long, 197mm wide.

5. 1952 (30-Sep-1952 ) Brongersma dead

Near Stoer, Lochinver by Lairg, Sutherland.

8. 1960 ( 3-Jan-1960) Brongersma alive*

Ormiclate, South Uist, Outer Hebrides. Carapace 248mm long, 211 mm wide.

10. 1961 ( 4-Dec-1961) Brongersma alive

Half a mile north of Dunure, Ayrshire. Carapace, 209mm long.

99. 1989c (Not known) Richard Fairbairns alive*

Harbour, Isle of Coli. Subsequently died. Pers. comm. (this study) 2 May 1994 with Richard Fairbairns of Sea Life Surveys, Isle of Mull.

3. 1990 (28-Feb-1990) Swinney and Yoxon dead

North-east shore of Canna Harbour, Canna, Inner Hebrides. Juvenile animal stranded. Swinney and Yoxon (1991: p.82).

1. 1990 ( 2-Nov-1990) British Museum dead

Prestwick, Ayrshire Found freshly dead on golf links at Prestwick, Ayrshire.

2. 1991 (28-Feb-1991 ) Richard Sutcliffe dead

Port Nam Fliuchan, west coast of Colonsay. Juvenile found stranded, dead. Sutcliffe, R. (1991: p.196).

14. 1991 (20-0ct-1991) Oban Sea Life Centre alive

North end of the Isle of Call. Stranded alive. Taken to Oban Sea Life Centre and then transferred to the Northern Ireland Aquarium, Portaferry, Co. Down. Front right flipper severed. "Picasso" was returned to the wild.

64 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

GREEN TURTLE

1. 1980 (27 -Jan-1980) Martin Gray dead

On shore of Loch of Stenness, Orkney Found dead. In appendix to "The Mammals of Orkney", Chris & Jean Booth (1995). Gray, M., (1981: p.9).

KEMP'S RIDLEY

1. 1949 ( 2-0ct-1949) Brongersma alive*

Loch Clash, part of Loch Inchard, by Kinlochbervie, Sutherland. Carapace 11.5 inches long.

2. 1949 (26-Dec-1949) Brongersma alive

Troon, Ayrshire. Carapace 8.5 inches long, 7.75 inches wide. Washed ashore during stormy weather.

UNIDENTIFIED

25. ? ) (Not known) Brongersma alive

Hebrides Pennant (1774) says that "American tortoises, or turtle have more than once been taken alive on these [Islay) coasts, tempest-driven from their warm seas".

30. ? ) ( Not known) Brongersma ?

Island of Coli, Argyll. Pennant (1777, 1789:p. 47).

31. ? ) ( Not known) Brongersma ?

Island of Coli, Argyll. Necker de Saussure (1821: p.400).

42. 1684 (Not known) Brongersma alive?

Orkney Reported as a Hawksbill, but no evidence to confirm this.

22. 1700, before May 18th (Not known) Brongersma alive*

Ura-Firth in the parish of Northmevan, Shetland.

65 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

41. 1828, before ( Not known) Brongersma alive

Papa Stour, Shetland. Reported as a hawksbill, but no evidence to confirm this.

36. 1829, Nov. ( Not known) Brongersma alive*

Southerness, village on the Solway. Sent to a local hotel-keeper to make soup.

18. 1861 (22-Aug-1861 ) Brongersma alive

Near Rowardennan Lodge, Loch Lomond. Probably a Loggerhead.

12. 1920's ( Not known) The Orcadian dead?

East side of South Ronaldsay, Orkney. Stranded. Groundwater, W.G (1965).

23. 1920's ( Not known) Brongersma ?

East side of South Ronaldsay, Orkney. Stranded.

20. 1920's, late (Not known) Brongersma alive

Orka Voe, Shetland. May be same as no. 21 .

21. 1920's, late ( Not known) Brongersma dead

Inlet near Mossbank, Tofts Voe, Shetland. Map be same animal as no. 20.

14. 1926c. (Not known) Tommy Cecil alive

Off the north coast of Rathlin Island, Co. Down. Dark in colour. Caught in lobster pot lines by Mr. Cecil's father and grandfather. Pers. comm. (G. King) (Rathlin Island, July 1987).

27. 1928 (22-0ct-1928) Brongersma alive

Ashore in Loch Seaforth, Lewis, Outer Hebrides. Washed ashore. Carapace 2 feet 9 inches long, 2 feet 3 inches wide.

66 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

19. 1945(6?) ( Not known) Brongersma ?

Shetland No information to make identification.

35. 1947 (16-Aug-1947) Brongersma alive

5 miles from the islands of Sanda (off the Mull of Kintyre). Estimated to be about 4 feet long.

33. 1954, early Feb (Not known) Brongersma ?

Island of Kerrera, Argyll. No further information available.

38. 1955 ( 1-Nov-1955) Brongersma alive

At sea, off Cove Bay, a few miles south of Aberdeen. Sighted by the crew of the Seine-netter "Haleyon".

43. 1956 ( 4-Jan-1956) Brongersma dead

Beach at Meal, Burra Isle, Shetland. Estimated to measure 6 feet from tip to tip of flippers, 3 feet in length. Thought to be a green turtle, but probable, rather than definite identification.

16. 1957 (26-J ul-1957) Brongersma alive

90 miles north-north-west of Mylingi, Faeroes. Attempts to capture the turtle failed.

40. 1958 (27-Aug-1958) Brongersma alive?

About 10 miles west by north of Handa Island, 10 miles south of Cape Wrath. Not definitely identified as a turtle, but seems probable.

17. 1958, July ( Not known) Brongersma alive

100 miles north-north-west of Mylingi, Faeroes.

34. 1958 ( B-Sep-1958) Brongersma alive

Loch Long, off Beeny Shore, Portincaple, Argyll. Seen briefly.

67 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

32. 1959 (10-Aug-1959) Brongersma alive?

Off Island of Coli, Argyll. A sight record made by skipper of the "Alliance".

39. 1959 (27 -Aug-1959) Brongersma alive?

Outer Tay Estuary. Estimated to be about 4 feet long.

37. 1960 (31-May-1960) Brongersma alive

At sea, off Fast Geo, north of Freswick Bay, Caithness.

26. 1960, early summer ( Not known) Brongersma alive

8 miles east-south-east of the Butt of Lewis, Outer Hebrides. Sighted by the crew of the "Arcadia".

28. 1961 ( Not known) Brongersma ?

Off the island of Canna.

29. 1961 ( Not known) Brongersma ?

Off Mallaig?

11. 1964 ( Not known) The Orcadian alive

Off Halcro Head, South Ronaldsay, Orkney Groundwater, W.G.(1965).

24. 1964, December ( Not known) Brongersma alive

Off Halcro Head, South Ronaldsay, Orkney. Sighted by fishermen and thought to be 3 or 4 feet in length.

2. 1970's early ( Not known) Bruno Holdan alive

4-5 miles off Kirkcudbright Large turtle sighted by Bruno Holdan. Pers. Comm. (G. King) Maryport skipper, John McAvoy.

1. 1971c. summer (Not known) James McKee alive

10 miles west of Whitehaven, Cumbria, swimming in a southerly direction, Pers. Comm. (G. King), (Kilkeel, 2 February 1986).

68 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

13. 1980 (25-Nov-1980) D.A.F.S. Record alive

1 mile south of Isle of May, Firth of Forth. Sighted alive from MFV "Minerva". Almost certainly a Leathery turtle. Estimated size between 4-5 feet. Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Marine Lab., Aberdeen.

45. 1981, summer ( Not known) Eric Johnstone alive

5 miles south-west of Windscale, Cumbria. Sighted swimming in a westerly direction. Estimated length 5 feet, grey in colour. Unidentified, but almost certainly a Leathery turtle. Pers. comm. (G. King).

5. 1982c. ( Not known) Tim Daley alive

Off Butt of Lewis, Hebrides Tim Daley, Pers. comm. (G. King), (Howth, 10 January 1988).

9. 1983c. ( Not known) Morna MacCusbie alive?

Landed at Ness, Lewis, Hebrides. In letter to G. King (27 Jan 1991) from Morna MacCusbie.

51. 1984c (Not known) Richard Fairbairns alive

Off the North Tip of Isle of Coil. Sighted alive. Pers. comm. (this study) 2 May 1994 with Richard Fairbairns of Sea Life Surveys, Isle of Mull.

7. 1985, June ( Not known) Stewart Angus dead

South Glendale, South Uist, Hebrides, NF 790140. Found decomposing. Angus, S.(1987: p.16).

50. 1986c (Not known) Richard Fairbairns alive

Off Port Mor, Isle of Muck. Sighted alive. Pers. comm. (this study) 2 May 1994 with Richard Fairbairns of Sea Life Surveys, Isle of Mull.

6. 1986 ( Not known) Tim Daley alive

Approx. 20 miles west of Barra Head, Hebrides. Pers. comm. (G. King), (Tim Daley, Howth, 10 January 1988).

10. 1986n ( Not known) Morna MacCusbie alive

Sound of Taransay, Harris, Hebrides. In letter to G. King (27 Jan 1991) from Morna MacCusbie.

69 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

49. 1988, summer (Not known) Haydn Samuels alive

In Portree Harbour, Isle of Skye. Pers. comm. (this study) 1 May 1994.

8. 1988 (31-Aug-1988) Stewart Angus dead

Scarp beach, Harris. Later washed towards Brenish. Stranded dead. Brian Harper in letter to Stomoway Gazette 8 October 1988, Angus, S. (1990: p.83).

52. 1989c, August (Not known) Douglas Lindsay alive

Mouth of Loch Craignish. Sighted directly ahead (100 feet) of the sailing vessel 'Corry Brecknan'. Pers. comm. (this study), 6 May 1994.

15. 1990 (14-May-1990) Ronnie Strain alive

On passgae to Iceland, approx latitiude 59 + N, Longitude 16 + W. Sighted from the sailing ship "Asgard 11". The turtle was swimming in a westerly direction. Pers. comm. (G. King), (Greencastle N.F.T.C. 25 June 1991). Mr. Strain thought the turtle was a leatherback.

44. 1990 ( 5-Sep-1990) Malcolm Ogilvie dead

Kilchiaran Bay, Isle of Islay. 55 45N, 6 29W. Kilchiaran Bay (NR201600). Carapace 2-3 feet across. Remains found by local fishermen. Dr. Ogilvie went to investigate, but the carcase had been washed away (letter 20 March 1994).

3. 1990c. ( Not known) Ian Burrett alive

East Tarbert Bay I Luce Bay Taken on hook in mid-water by angler. Returned unharmed to the water. Pers. comm. (this study).

4. 1991, July ( Not known) Jim McMahon alive

3 miles off Heads of Ayr. Sighted at 30 yards; colour darkish green with parrot-like beak. Jim McMahon, Sea Angling Centre, Ayr, Pers. Comm. (this study).

47. 1992, February (Not known) Richard Gulliver dead

Kiloran Bay (NR 4098), Isle of Colonsay. Brought to Richard Gulliver on 1st March, having been found by visitors to the island 7-10 days earlier. Overall length 37cm, weight 6kg. Pers. comm. (this study) 30 April 1994.

70 NO YEAR DATE SOURCE CONDITION

46. 1992, summer ( Not known) Ivor Moore alive

3 miles north of Ballintoy, Co. Antrim. Unidentified, but probably a cheloniid, sighted motionless on the surface. Dark shell, about 3 feet across, with a pattern "like shell of tortoise". Pers. comm. (this study) Ivor Moore, MFV "Lady Donna",

48. 1992, summer (Not known) v. & H. Samuels alive

150 feet in Portree Harbour, Isle of Skye. Estimated length 3-4', green/brown in colour. Probably a leathery turtle. Pers. comm. (this study), 1 May 1994.

71 ANNEX 3. SUMMARY OF MARINE TURTLE RECORDS, ARRANGED IN NUMERICAL ORDER FOR EACH SPECIES.

Leathery Turtle

No. Year Date Location

1 1950 -1960 8-14 miles off Whitehaven 21984c 2.5 miles north-west of Workington, Cumbria 3 1990 15-Jul-90 Lat. 5440 N. Long. 344 W 4 1969c. July 12 miles north-west of Whitehaven, Cumbria 5 1993 June/July 6 miles south-east of the Little Ross Lighthouse 6 1986. early Feb. Lat. 54 58 N. Long. 05 15 W. (6 miles west of Portpatrick). 71975 14-Sep-75 Near Stairhaven in Luce Bay 8 1975 Sound of Kilbrannan 9 1978. early Sept. North-west of the Island of Jura, Argyll 10 1983 19-0ct-83 Loch Craignish, Strathclyde 11 1981 01-Sep-81 Firth of Clyde, off Toward Point, Argyllshire 12 1983c Fish Quay, Tarbert Harbour, Argyllshire 13 1983. late Oct Loch Fyne, Argyllshire 14 1983 23-Aug-83 Head of Loch Fyne, Strathclyde 15 1983 03-Aug-83 Upper Loch Fyne, north of Inverary 16 1983 18-Jul-83 Upper Loch Fyne, between Inverary and St Catherine's 17 1983 14-Jul-83 Kyles of Bute, in the west Kyle, 2 miles south of Kames 18 1972 05-Jul-72 Between Canna and Oigh-sgier. 5700 N. 0630 W 19 1983 09-Jul-83 Entrance to Loch Fyne 20 1990 08-0ct-90 Lochinver Harbour, Sutherland 21 1993 18-0ct-93 100 Yards from Stoer Head, Assynt 22 1989 27-0ct-89 Off Skerray, Sutherland 23 1993, August 5 miles north-west of Scrabster 24 1993 Off Skerray, Sutherland 25 1983, Sept. or Oct Off Cape Wrath 26 1991 Between Spear Head and Holborn Head, Caithness 27 1992, end August Between Skerray and Roan Island, Sutherland 28 1992c. summer Inshore between Dunnett Head and Brough, Caithness 291990c Off Dunnett Head 30 1993. mid. Sept. 100 yards inside Brough Bay (Dunnett Head, Caithness) 31 1993. July/Aug 1 quarter ofa mile north-east of Butt of Lewis, Hebrides 32 1993. August Back of Uig, Gallan Head, Lewis, Hebrides 331985c 2 miles north of East Loch Roag (between east and west L. Roag). "Lewis, Hebrides 34 1993. beg. October 10 miles north of Butt of Lewis 35 1983 10-0ct-83 Off Isle of Lewis, Hebrides 36 1983. October In Loch Roag, Lewis, Hebrides 37 1986 07-0ct-86 1 mile north-north-east of Eash Loch Roag, Harris, Hebrides 38 1987 Location unknown, sighted by Ness Fisherman 39 1987 05-Sep-87 Landed at Ness 40 1991 23-Aug-91 3 miles south-west of Flannan Islands 41 1992 08-Aug-92 Two-thirds of the way between Shiant Islands and Scalpay (NG 9797) 42 1982 13-Aug-82 South-west corner of Sandray, Hebrides 43 1987 05-Sep-87 2 miles east of the Butt of Lewis, Hebrides. Landed at Ness, Lewis 44 1979/80 Off Rodel in the Sound of Harrisk Hebrides 451978c Mallaig Harbour, Inverness 46 1983/4 Washed ashore on Renish Point, Sound of Harris, Hebrides

72 47 1987 27-Aug-87 Off east coast of Westray, Orkney 48 1993 15-Aug-93 Between Start Point and North Ronaldsay, Orkney 49 1993, late August Off the Brough of Birsay, Orkney 50 1993 25-0ct-93 In scarpa flow, south of Scarpa Pier, Orkney 51 1990 25-0ct-90 Off Rerwick Head, Orkney 52 1990 29-0ct-90 On Flotta, Orkney 53 1991 23-Sep-91 Near Melsetter, Hoy, Orkney 54 1992 14-Feb-92 Orkney 55 1991 05-0ct-92 Off Balta Island, Shetland 56 1992, early Sept. 20 miles north-north-west Muckle Flugga, Shetland, near the 120 Fathom Line 57 1990 20-0ct-90 North of Fetlar, Shetland 58 1971 09-Aug-71 8 miles south of Bard Head, Shetland 59 1969, August West Burra Firth, Shetland 601973 04-Sep-73 Wester Skeld, Shetland 61 1985, 1st Week Oct. Firth of Forth 62 1980 03-0ct-80 2 miles off Berwickshire coast 63 1975 10-0ct-75 3 miles south of Aberdeen, off Cove Kincardine 641984c "Way up" the Moray Firth 65 1984 30-Mar-84 Granton Beach, Edinburgh 66 1985, end August 1 mile south-south-east of Helmsdale, Sutherland 67 1991 c. July/August 200 yards from the north shore of Rathlin Island, Co. Antrim 68 1983, October Between the Faeroes and Scotland, 59 45 N. 6 30 W. 69 1956 05-Sep-56 . 40 miles north-east of Flugga 70 1955 30-Aug-55 4 miles off Noss Head, Shetland 711967 28-Aug-67 North side of Papa Stour, Shetland 72 1959 11-0ct-59 20 miles NNW of Cape Wrath, Sutherland 731966 12-Sep-66 Off Hebrides 74 1962, August Baleshare Island, off North Uist, Outer Hebrides 75 1962 10-Jul-62 Curachan Ground, Southern Minch (east of Barra Isle), Outer Hebrides 76 1959 13-Sep-59 Soay, North Ebudes 77 1968 25-0ct-68 Loch Beag, Craignish Peninsula 78 1959 11-Aug-59 Kilbrannan Sound, between Kintyre and Arran 79 1961 30-Aug-61 Between Ayr and Pladda, Firth of Clyde 80 1961 28-Aug-61 Between the Mull ofGalioway and Port Patrick 81 1959 26-Aug-59 Shore of the Solway Firth, near Annan 82 1961 16-Sep-61 4 miles south-east of Wick 83 1996, July 90 miles north-east of Kinnaird Head 84 1957 04-May-57 Beach 2 miles north of Arbroath 85 1957 Moniefieth sands 86 1957 27-Feb-57 Wee Bankie, 24 miles south-south-east of Arbroath 87 1967 27-Nov-67 2.5 miles east-south-east of Crail Harbour, Fife 88 1951 15-0ct-51 Devil's Hole, North Sea, 56 190-N. 0 W. 89 1981, August On route to the Flannan Islands, Hebrides 90 1985, late August 1 mile off Gallan Head, Lewis 91 1988, September 8 miles south-west of Flannan Isles, Hebrides 92 1989 02-0ct-89 6 miles south-west of Flannan Islands, Hebrides 931977c Half a mile off Portwilliam, swimming north into Luce Bay 94 1961, June Loch Harport, Isle of Skye 95 1960-1965 (year unc) 8 miles north-west of Peel, Isle of Man 96 1967. summer 3 miles north-east of Ardglass, Co. Down 97 1983c. summer NIW of Carsaig Bay in the Sound of Jura 98 1983c. summer Crinan Loch, between Rabbit Island and Crinan Harbour 991988c Tidal Race, NIW Caliach Point, Isle of Mull 100 1971. November 200 miles west of Clyde 101 15-Aug-94 Off the Workington Buoy

73 Loggerhead

No. Year Date Location

'1 12-Jun-05 02-Nov-90 Prestwick, Ayrshire 2 1991 28-Feb~91 Port Nam Fliuchan, west coast of Colonsay 31990 28-Feb~90 North-east shore of Canna Harbour, Canna, Inner Hebrides 41945 13-Dec-45 Western side of Unst, Shetland 51952 30-Sep-52 Near Stoer, Lochinver by Lairg, Sutherland 61898 26-Nov-98 Vallay Island (off Uist), Outer Hebrides 71946 13-Feb-46 West side of North Uist, Outer Hebrides 81960 03-Jan-60 Ormiclate, South Uist, Outer Hebrides 91923 13-Dec-23 Pool Roag, at the landward end of bay opening southward into Loch Bracadale (near Dunvegan), Skye 10 1961 04-Dec-61 Half a mile north of Dunmure, Ayrshire 11 1951 04-Dec-51 Girvan, Ayrshire 12 1861 29-Jul-61 Greenside, near the promontory called GamrieMhor, about 3 miles from Macduff 13 1861 01-Aug-61 Penman, Aberdeenshire 14 1991 20-0ct-91 North end of the Isle of Coli 151989c Harbour, Isle of Coli

Green Turtle

1 1980 27 -Jan-80 On shore of Loch of Stenness, Orkney

Kemp's Ridley

1 1949 02-0ct-49 Loch Clash, part of Loch Inchard, by Kinlochbervie, Sutherland 21949 26-Dec-49 Troon, Ayrshire

Unidentified

No. Year Date Location

1 1971 c summer 10 miles west of Whitehaven, Cumbria, swimming in a southerly direction. Pers. Comm. G.K. (Kilkeel 2nd February 1986) 2 1970's early 4-5 miles off Kirkcudbright 31990c East Tarbert Bay/Luce Bay 4 1991. July 3 miles off Heads of Ayr 51982c Off Butt of Lewis, Hebrides 61986 Approx. 20 miles west of Barra Head, Hebrides 7 1985. June South Glendale, South Uist, Hebrides, NF 790140 81988 31-Aug-88 Scarp beach, Harris. Later washed towards Brenish 91983c Landed at Ness, Lewis, Hebrides 10 1986n Sound ofTaransay, Harris, Hebrides 11 1964 Off Halcro Head, South Ronaldsay, Orkney 12 1920's East side of South Ronaldsay, Orkney 13 1980 25-Nov-80 1 mile south of Isle of May, Firth of Forth 14 1926c Off the north coast of Rathlin Island, Co. Down 15 1990 14-May-90 On passage of Iceland, Lat 59 + N. Long 16 + W 16 1957 26-Jul-57 90 miles north-north-west of Mylingi, Faeroes 17 1958. July 100 miles north-north-west of Mylingi, Faeroes 18 1861 22-Aug-61 Near Rowardennan Lodge, Loch Lomond 191945(6?) Shetland 20 1920's late Orka Voe, Shetland

74 21 1920's late Inlet near Mossbank, Tofts Voe, Shetland 22 1700. before May 18t Ura-Firth in the parish of Northmevan, Shetland 231920's East side of South Ronaldsay, Orkney 24 1964. December Off Halcro Head, South Ronaldsay, Orkney 25 Hebrides 26 1960. early summer 8 miles east-south-east of the Butt of Lewis, Outer Hebrides 27 1928 22-0ct-28 Ashore in Loch Seaforth, Lewis, Outer Hebrides 28 1961 Off the island of Canna 29 1961 Off Mallaig 30 Island of Call, Argyll 31 Island of Call, Argyll 32 1959 10-Aug-59 Off Island of Call, Argyll 33 1954. early Feb Island of Kerrera, Argyll 34 1958 08-Sep-58 Loch Long, off Beeny Shore, Portincaple, Argyll 35 1947 16-Aug-47 5 miles from the islands of Sanda (off the Mull of Kintyre) 361829. Nov Southerness, village of the Solway 37 1960 31-May-60 At sea, off Fast Geo. north of Freswick Bay, Caithness 38 1955 01-Nov-55 At sea, off Cove Bay, a few miles south of Aberdeen 39 1959 27-Aug-59 Outer Tay Estuary . 40 1958 27-Aug-58 About 10 miles west by north of Handa Island, 10 miles south of Cape Wrath 41 1828. before Papa Stour, Shetland 421684 43 1956 04-Jan-56 Beach at Meal, Burra Isle, Shetland 44 1990 05-Sep-90 Kilchiaran Bay, Isle of Islay, 55 45N. 6 29W. KilchiaranBay (NR 201600) 45 1981. summer 5 miles south-west of Windscale, Cumbria 46 1992. summer 3 miles north of Ballintoy, Co. Antrim 47 1992. February Kiloran Bay (NR 4098). Isle of Colonsay 481992. summer 150 feet in Portree Harbour, Isle of Skye 49 1988. summer In portree Harbour, Isle of Skye 501986c Off Port Mar, Isle of Muck 51 1984c Off the North Tip of Isle of Call 52 1989c. August Mouth of loch Craignish

75

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