Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings

www.strandings.com

Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings (Welsh Coast) Annual Report 2006

R.S.Penrose. February 2007

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

REPORT DISTRIBUTION.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue. J. Barnett P. Lewis

Carmarthen Bay & Estuaries European Marine Site. B. Bullimore

Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science. R. J. Law

Countryside Council for Wales. Dr A. McMath T. Stringell R. Pratt

Dyfed Powys Police (Wildlife Unit) A. Mason

Environment Agency. K. Cameron

Local Authorities. Anglesey G. Loe Bridgend S. Moon Cardiff P. Gillard Carmarthenshire E. Waters Ceredigion B. Jones Conwy T. Mead Denbighshire M. Bud Flintshire R. Hebdon Gwynedd B. Davies Neath Port Talbot Y. Edwards Pembrokeshire A. Woods Swansea C. Morgan Vale of Glamorgan K. Pryor

Marine Aware North Wales. Nia Jones

Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Swansea E. Birkett Milford Haven A. Turnbull Holyhead J. Paton

Natural History Museum. Dr R. Bamber R. Sabin E. Evans

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. J. Hodges

RSPCA L. Sadler R. de Kerckhove

Snowdonia National Park Authority. R. Gritten

SAC Officers. Ceredigion A. Bianchessi Pembrokeshire S. Burton Pen Llyn A. Hargrave

The Wildlife Trusts. F. Catternach Dr M. Havard

University College Cork. Dr E. Rogan

University of Liverpool. Dr J.R. Baker Dr J. Chantry

Welsh Assembly Government. Dr H. Prosser V. Paris J. Thomas

Welsh Marine Life Rescue. T. Leadbetter

Zoological Society of London. Dr P. Jepson R. Deaville

Others :

Jemma & Ray Lerwill Nia Jones Sal Shipley

CONTENTS

Page 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 6

2 INTRODUCTION 8

2.1 Changes to Project 2006 8

3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 9

3.1 Live Animals. 9 3.2 Dead Animals. 9

4 RESULTS 10

4.1 Marine Mammals. 10 4.2 Bottlenose Dolphin Attacks. 14 4.3 Unusual Occurrences. 14 4.4 Live Strandings. 18 4.5 Tagging. 19

5 OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK 20

5.1 Marine Turtles. 20 5.2 Sharks. 22

6 SAMPLES 22

7 FUNDING 22

8 PUBLICITY 22

9 TRAINING 23

10 EQUIPMENT 24

11 TRAVEL 24

12 ADMINISTRATION 24

13 CAUSE OF DEATH 24

14 LIST OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES USED IN THIS REPORT 25

15 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 26

16 APPENDICES 26

List of Figures. page

Figure 1. Reported harbour porpoise strandings on the Welsh coast. 12 Figure 2. Harbour porpoise strandings by month. 12 Figure 3. Reported grey seal mortality on the Welsh coast. 13 Figure 4. Grey seal mortality by month. 13 Figure 5. Stranding locations of the 8 porpoises killed by bottlenose dolphins in 2006. 14

List of Plates. Plate 1. Tag returned from the Firth of Clyde turned out to be a hoax. 14 Plate 2. The Thames whale SW2006/40 passing the Houses of Parliament. 15 Plate 3. Northern bottlenose whale SW2006/40 at Denton Wharf, Gravesend. 15 Plate 4. SW2006/67 & SW2006/68 Two bycaught porpoises at Swansea. 16 Plate 5. On examination SW2006/68 was also found to be pregnant with a 39cm male foetus. 16 Plate 6. Bottlenose dolphin SW2006/98 being loaded onto the trailer with the assistance of Gwynedd Maritime Services at Black Rock Sands. 16 Plate 7. Bottlenose dolphin SW2006/201 at Harlech. 17 Plate 8. Bottlenose dolphin SW2006/225a at Porth Cwyfan. 17 Plate 9. MRI Scans of the porpoise head SW2006/240. 18 Plate 10. Current tags supplied to groups on the Welsh coast. 19 Plate 11. T1977/02 recovered near Abersoch, December 1977. 20 Plate 12. T1977/02 emerging from fish-store in Plymouth 2006. 20 Plate 13. Injury to head was shown to be there in 1977. 20 Plate 14. Country Park Ranger Wyn Parry with loggerhead turtle T2006/39 ‘Pembrey’. 21 Plate 15. T2006/44 awaiting post-mortem examination. 21 Plate 16. Fragments of plastic (on blue paper) removed from the stomach of T2006/44. 21 Plate 17. The porbeagle shark found on Black Rock Sands. 22 Plate 18. CCS team ‘kegging’ an entangled northern right whale. 23 Plate 19. CCS team cutting trailing gear from a humpback whale. 23

List of Tables.

Table 1. 2006 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast). 10 Table 2. 2006 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast). 10 Table 3. 2006 Number of animals suitable for post-mortem examination. 11 Table 4. 2006 Number of animals decomposed / disposed of. (Welsh Coast). 11 Table 5. Cause of death. 25 Table 6. List of scientific names used in this report. 25

1. CRYNODEB GWEITHREDOL

Yn 2006, mewn adolygiad o brosiect tiriadau mamaliaid môr, lleihawyd yn sylweddol y cymorth ariannol a roddai Defra i Gymdeithas Sŵolegol Llundain/y Sefydliad Sŵoleg (ZSL/IoZ), i'r Amgueddfa Hanes Naturiol (NHM) ac i Goleg Amaethyddol yr Alban (SAC). Yn ffodus, fe barhaodd Llywodraeth y Cynulliad a'r Cyngor Cefn Gwlad i ariannu Marine Environmental Monitoring (sef rhaglen fonitro amgylcheddol morol) ar yr un lefelau ag o'r blaen. Er hynny mae'r lleihad yn y costau teithio a gefnogir gan Defra trwy ZSL/IoZ wedi effeithio ymhellach yng Nghymru, gyda'r canlyniad nad eir at garcasau a dod â hwy'n ôl ar gyfer archwiliad post-mortem oni wyddys eu bod yn rhai 'diweddar'.

Mewn ymdrech i weithredu y tu mewn i'r gyllideb teithio is, prynwyd dwy rewgell a newidiwyd y gweithdrefnau er mwyn medru storio carcasau a pheidio â'u trosglwyddo i Lundain neu Lerpwl mor aml. Er hynny, mae rhewi carcasau'n golygu colli rhywfaint o'r wybodaeth a geir yn ystod y broses archwilio post-mortem.

Derbyniodd Marine Environmental Monitoring adroddiadau am 131 o anifeiliaid o deulu'r morfil, gan gynnwys tri llamhidydd byw a oedd wedi tirio, a 71 o forloi. Dychwelwyd dau o'r rhain i'r môr a bu farw un ar y traeth. Llamhidyddion oedd y rhai y cafwyd y nifer uchaf o adroddiadau amdanynt, a'r niferoedd yr un fath â llynedd. Cafwyd adroddiadau am bedwar dolffin trwyn potel, ond un yn unig oedd mewn cyflwr addas i'w archwilio post-mortem.

Cafwyd bod 31 o forfilod (23.6%) mewn cyflwr addas i'w harchwilio post-mortem, a throsglwyddwyd 27 i'w harchwilio. Soniwyd wrth yr awdurdod lleol perthnasol am 135 o famaliaid morol, er mwyn cael gwared â'r gweddillion yn ddiogel unwaith y cadarnhawyd y manylion adnabod, ac nid oedd modd casglu 38 ohonynt.

Nid oedd cymaint ag yn 2005 o lamhidyddion y gellid cadarnhau iddynt gael eu lladd gan ddolffiniaid trwyn potel. Er hynny ni chasglwyd pob carcas oherwydd y toriadau ariannol, a gall y nifer gwirioneddol fod yn uwch na'r nifer a gofnodwyd.

Ni chasglodd Marine Environmental Monitoring yr un morlo ar gyfer archwiliad post-mortem. Er hynny, casglwyd un sbesimen gan Adran Anatomeg a Bioleg Celloedd, Prifysgol Lerpwl ar gyfer sgan MRI. Hefyd, fe sganiwyd SW2006/240, llamhidydd newydd-anedig, newydd farw, cyn yr archwiliad post-mortem.

Helpodd Marine Environmental Monitoring yn yr ymgyrch i achub yr enwog forfil trwyn potel o'r Dafwys ac yn yr archwiliad post-mortem a ddilynodd.

Achubodd Marine Environmental Monitoring grwban môr pendew mawr, T2006/39, yn fyw o Barc Gwledig Penbre, Sir Gaerfyrddin, a'i ddanfon i'r cyfleuster adfer ym mharc bywyd môr Weymouth. Casglodd Marine Environmental Monitoring sbesimen llai, T2006/44, a oedd newydd farw, a'i ddanfon i ZSL ar gyfer archwiliad post-mortem. Cafwyd ei fod wedi marw o newyn/hypothermia. Casglodd Marine Environmental Monitoring grwban môr cefn lledr rhewedig, T1977/02, o Plymouth a'i ddanfon i Ysgol Milfeddygaeth Prifysgol Bryste ar gyfer awtopsi hwyr.

1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During a Strandings Project review in 2006, funding by Defra to ZSL/IoZ, NHM and SAC was significantly reduced. Funding to Marine Environmental Monitoring by the WAG and the CCW fortunately remained at previous levels, however reduced travelling expenses supported by Defra via ZSL/IoZ had a knock-on effect in Wales resulting in only known ‘fresh’ carcasses being attended and recovered for post-mortem examination.

In an attempt to operate within the reduced travelling budget two freezers have been purchased and procedures changed enabling storage of carcasses and fewer deliveries to London or Liverpool. However freezing does result in the loss of some information during the post-mortem examination process.

131 cetaceans and 71 seals were reported to Marine Environmental Monitoring including 3 live stranded harbour porpoises. Two were returned to the sea and one expired on the beach. Harbour porpoises were the most frequently reported cetacean with numbers level with the previous year. 4 bottlenose dolphins were reported but only one was in a suitable condition for post-mortem examination.

31 cetaceans (23.6%) were found to be in a suitable condition for post-mortem examination, 27 were delivered for examination. 135 marine mammals were reported to the relevant local authority for safe disposal once identification details were confirmed and 38 were irretrievable.

The number of harbour porpoises identified as being killed by bottlenose dolphin was lower than in 2005. However, not all carcasses were retrieved due to cut backs and the final number may have been higher than recorded.

No seals were retrieved by Marine Environmental Monitoring for post-mortem examination. However one specimen was collected for MRI scan by the Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Liverpool. SW2006/240, a fresh harbour porpoise neonate was also scanned before the post-mortem examination was carried out.

Marine Environmental Monitoring assisted with the retrieval operation and subsequent post-mortem examination of the northern bottlenose ‘Thames Whale’.

A large live loggerhead turtle, T2006/39 was recovered by Marine Environmental Monitoring from Pembrey Country Park, Carmarthenshire and delivered to Weymouth Sea Life rehabilitation facility. A smaller specimen, T2006/44, freshly dead was collected by Marine Environmental Monitoring and delivered to ZSL for post-mortem examination. Cause of death was found to be starvation/hypothermia. A frozen leatherback T1977/02 was collected from Plymouth by Marine Environmental Monitoring and delivered to Bristol University Veterinary School for a late autopsy.

2. INTRODUCTION

In 1990, the ‘Collaborative UK Marine Mammal Strandings Project’ was initiated and part-funded by the UK Department of the Environment (now Defra). The project involves detailed pathological and other investigations of stranded marine mammal carcasses (mostly cetacean) from UK waters. It forms part of the Department's international obligations towards conservation agreements, including the ‘Agreement on the conservation of Small Cetaceans of the Baltic and North Seas’ (ASCOBANS).

2.1 Changes to Project 2006

Due to the end of a three year contract in 2005 coupled with departmental changes within Defra the ‘Collaborative UK Marine Mammal Strandings Project’ underwent a review by Watson & Crane Associates (full report can be viewed at http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife- countryside/resprog/findings/cetaceanstrand-review/cetaceanstrand-review.pdf ). During this review process in 2006 a short twelve month contract was let by Defra until a decision could be taken on the future arrangements and funding of the Marine Mammal Strandings project. This short term contract was issued to the Zoological Society of London/Institute of Zoology (ZSL/IoZ) as the lead agency together with the Natural History Museum (NHM) the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) in Scotland and Marine Environmental Monitoring (MEM) in Wales.

Funding to ZSL/IoZ, NHM and SAC was significantly reduced during this period. Funding to MEM by the Welsh Assembly Government and the Countryside Council for Wales fortunately remained at previous levels, however reduced travelling expenses supported by Defra via ZSL/IoZ has had a knock-on effect in Wales resulting in only known ‘fresh’ carcasses being attended that can be recovered for post-mortem examination. Confirmation of species of other cetacean strandings has relied on digital photographs and known reliable sources. Where animals cannot be identified 100%, the strandings co-ordinator has attended at his own expense if within a reasonable distance. Carcasses with unconfirmed species identification outside this area have been entered into the database as ‘cetacean species indeterminate’. In an attempt to operate within the reduced travelling budget two chest freezers have been purchased and procedures have now been changed to freeze carcasses. Although this results in loss of some information during the post-mortem examination process, carcasses can now be ‘stock-piled’ and transported to London or Liverpool in larger numbers thus reducing the number of journeys per year.

Post-mortem examinations of Welsh strandings continued to be carried out over this period by the Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool and the Zoological Society of London. In addition to pathological and related investigations, a range of frozen and fixed material, collected post-mortem, continued to be archived at the Zoological Society. Marine turtles were maintained within the project and dead carcasses were routinely collected wherever possible for post-mortem examination.

Records of live and dead marine mammal strandings together with sightings and strandings of live and dead marine turtles continued to be kept by the Welsh Strandings Co-ordinator. Cetacean records are passed to the Natural History Museum in London for correlation. Since 1913, cetacean records have been, and continue to be kept, by the NHM, in co-operation with the Receiver of Wrecks and HM Coastguard. 8

As stated above, funding towards this project in Wales has been maintained by the Welsh Assembly Government and the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and Defra through the Zoological Society of London. Support of certain items of equipment has been provided by the Environment Agency.

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 24 hour Strandings Answerphone (01348 875000), is interrogated at regular intervals. A message requests callers to leave details of the stranding and location, along with their name and contact phone number, so they can be reached if confirmation of details are required. (If the stranding is a live stranding then a message on an answer-phone informs the caller to contact the RSPCA immediately. see 2.1) A network of volunteers, rangers, wardens, coastal officers, harbour masters etc. has been formed who can be contacted by the Strandings Co-ordinator to confirm the stranding, assess its condition and secure the animal from the effects of the tide, predation etc. until it can be dealt with. In recent years the use of digital cameras has vastly improved the quality of reporting as species, sex, and condition of carcass and in some cases even the cause of death can be ascertained from the e-mailed image.

The following criteria are applied: -

3.1 Live Animals

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

3.2 Dead Animals

(Condition code 2a extremely fresh as if just died) 1 (Condition code 2b slight decomposition) 1 The animal is retrieved using a 4-wheel drive vehicle and trailer. Health and safety precautions are followed with the animal being handled only with gloved hands. Due to current changes the carcass is now stored frozen until delivery for post-mortem examination (see 2.1 Changes to Project 2006).

(Condition code 3 moderate decomposition)1 The animal is retrieved using a 4-wheel drive vehicle and trailer. Health and safety precautions are followed with the animal being handled only with gloved hands. Due to current changes the carcass is now stored frozen until delivery for post-mortem examination (see 2.1 Changes to Project 2006).

(Condition code 4 advanced decomposition)1 (Condition code 5 mummified carcass)1

1 Body condition based on the Zoological Society of London condition code. 9

Species identified, basic measurements taken if possible. Health and safety precautions being observed. Local council then contacted for safe disposal of remains.

All live and dead stranded cetaceans are reported to the NHM and are allocated a “SW” number. Dead seals are reported to ZSL and are allocated a “SS” number. Dead marine turtles are reported to MEM and allocated a “T” number. Records of all strandings in Wales are kept by the Strandings Co- ordinator and passed on to the NHM and ZSL on a regular basis. Copies of post-mortem examination reports are sent from the Strandings Co-ordinator to the finder and others associated with the relevant stranding.

4. RESULTS

4.1 Marine Mammals

Table 1.

2006 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Bottlenose dolphin 001000110100 4 Common dolphin 000301110001 7 Harbour porpoise 3 7 8 12 11 17 11 14 9 10 3 4 109 Striped dolphin 000010101000 3 Cetacean sp. Indet. 000020101004 8 Total cetaceans 3 7 9 15 14 18 15 16 11 11 3 9 131 Grey seal 1201342101613145 71

Total animals 4 9 9 16 17 22 17 26 27 24 17 14 202

Table 2.

2006 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Harbour porpoise 000210000000 3

Total animals 000210000000 3

Of the 131cetacean strandings 2.2% were found live stranded (3 animals). Under post-mortem examination a larger number were determined as having live stranded.

Table 3.

2006 Number of animals suitable for post-mortem examination.

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Bottlenose dolphin 001000000000 1 Common dolphin 000000000001 1 Harbour porpoise 151513144003 28 Striped dolphin 000010000000 1

Total animals 152523144004 31

Of the 131 cetacean strandings, 23.6% (31 animals) were suitable for post-mortem examination.

Although 31 cetaceans were suitable for post-mortem examination not all animals were examined as limits have been imposed on species in 2006. The animals selected for necropsy are listed, together with the cause of death, in 13. CAUSE OF DEATH. Page 24.

Table 4.

2006 Number of animals decomposed / disposed of. (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Bottlenose dolphin 000000110100 3 Common dolphin 000100110000 3 Harbour porpoise 225178775921 56 Striped dolphin 000000101000 2 Cetacean sp. Indet. 000000000000 0 Total cetaceans 22527810961021 64 Grey seal 1201342101613145 71

Total animals 3453101212192223166 135

Of the 202 strandings, 66.8% (135 animals) were decomposed and the relevant local council contacted for safe disposal of remains. The remaining 18.8% (38 animals) were confirmed reports but, were unable to be retrieved or disposed of due to various reasons. i.e. no access to stranding, washed away, retrospective report or were found alive and returned to the sea.

Harbour porpoise (Phocoena 140 phocoena) were the most frequently 120 reported cetacean stranding during 2006. Numbers had shown a steady increase 100 until recent years as shown in Figure 1. The black line shown running through 80 the bar chart indicates harbour porpoise 60 neonates2 recovered in each year. This No reported. line has roughly mimicked and followed 40 the totals for each year however, 2004 20 shows a marked decline in neonates compared to the reported total of 0 porpoises for that year. 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Due to changes in funding, explained in Ye ar 2.1 Changes to Project 2006, the numbers of porpoises recorded through 2006 will probably be slightly lower than Figure 1. Reported harbour porpoise strandings on the actual number stranded as not all the Welsh coast. carcasses were identified to species. Figure 2. shows porpoise strandings by month.

40 1995 35 1996 1997 30 1998 25 1999 2000 20 2001 No. reported 15 2002 2003 10 2004 5 2005 2006 0 JFMAMJJASOND month

Figure 2. Harbour porpoise strandings by month.

2 Neonate harbour porpoise classified as having a straight overall measurement from tip of upper jaw to tail notch of less than 0.90 metres. (Lockyer 1995). 12

200 Atlantic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) 180 mortality reported to the project was again 160 back down to expected levels given the 140 favourable weather conditions during the 120 pupping season September – November. 100 Previous highs shown in Figure 3. are 2004, 80 due to severe weather during the pupping No. reported. 60 season and 1996/2002. In both these years 40 1996/2002 there was a high public effort in 20 reporting as 1996 followed the Sea Empress 0 Oil Spill (SEOS) and 2002 was the Phocine

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Distemper Virus (PDV) epizootic. Ye ar Both these years also include data from the Pembrokeshire Islands which has not been Figure 3. Reported grey seal mortality on the Welsh recorded in other years. Animals retrieved for coast. full post-mortem examination post SEOS and during the PDV epizootic showed no evidence that either of these events had any effect on the Welsh grey seal population.

1995 50 1996

1997

40 1998

1999 30 2000 2001 No. reported 20 2002 2003 10 2004 2005

2006 0 JFMAMJJASOND month

Figure 4. Grey seal mortality by month.

4.2 Bottlenose Dolphin Attacks.

Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) that had died of injuries consistent with attack by one or more bottlenose dolphin (Jepson & Baker 1998), continued to be found through 2006.

Numbers of harbour porpoise carcasses reported to the project, identified as being “killed by bottlenose dolphins”, were significantly less than the previous total recorded in 2005, however care should be used when interpreting this data as not all porpoise strandings were attended through 2006 as explained in 2.1 Changes to Project 2006. The stranding locations for these animals are plotted in Figure 5. 4

Number of porpoises killed by bottlenose dolphins.

30 3 25 20 15

number 10 5 0

1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 Year

2 3

Figure 5. Stranding location of the 8 porpoises killed by bottlenose dolphins in 2006.

The general geographical distribution of each record is plotted on the map above. Although the map is generated directly from the data stored, it should be regarded as showing distribution of animals rather than giving absolute counts. While the co-ordinate system and the mapping software can theoretically differentiate between points as close as one metre apart, even with separations of 100 metres, at the scale at which this map is presented, some symbols may appear to overlap completely.

4.3 Unusual Occurrences.

In the 2005 Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings Report, I reported that Dr Peter Evans had been contacted with details of a tag that had been found supposedly from a ‘Welsh’ dolphin in the Firth of Clyde, Scotland. Peter managed to make further enquiries and found the tag to be a hoax. The plastic tags had been used on board a UK dredger to identify equipment and had probably been lost over the side. Plate 1. Tag returned from the Firth of Clyde turned out 14 to be a hoax.

SW2006/40 was a 5.85 metre female northern bottlenose whale (Hyperoodon ampullatus) live- stranding in the River Thames in January. Although not a Welsh stranding, support was requested by ZSL to attend this stranding. Due to the limited resources on the project, the Land Rover, winch and trailer from Wales would prove to be useful in this high profile event. The stranding was attended on the Saturday on the Thames river bank just west of Battersea Bridge by Dr Paul Jepson ZSL, Becki Lawson ZSL, Rob Deaville ZSL, Matt Perkins ZSL, Gerry Jones volunteer MEM and the author. The events leading up to the death of this animal are Plate 2. The Thames whale SW2006/40 passing the Houses of well documented elsewhere. Parliament. Photo by Marine Connection. This was an extremely difficult stranding with the surrounding roads and access points completely choked with onlookers, the BBC estimated their feed went out to 250 million people worldwide. The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) and the Port of London Authority (PLA) did an excellent job under immense pressure in attempting to rescue this animal. The whale finally died before reaching the open sea and the carcass was lifted on to a secure PLA jetty at Denton Wharf, Gravesend to await a full post-mortem examination the next day. As part of the examination process the head was closely investigated by Professor Antonio Fernandez and Manolo Arbelo who flew in especially from the Canary Islands. The head was examined and sectioned in detail late into Sunday night and the early hours of Monday morning looking for evidence of gas bubbles or any other abnormalities, none were found. Cause of death: - died during attempted rescue translocation from River Thames to Thames estuary - renal failure (based on pre- Plate 3. Northern bottlenose whale SW2006/40 at Denton Wharf, mortem blood sample) Gravesend. - dehydration (based on pre- Left to right, Becki Lawson, Dr Paul Jepson, Rob Deaville and Matt mortem blood sample) Perkins. - pulmonary congestion and Photo by: Rod Penrose. oedema (cardiovascular collapse?).

SW2006/67 & SW2006/68 were two female harbour porpoises found stranded on Swansea beach on the 18th February. It is thought these may have been a mother calf pair, the adult was still lactating. A fresh undigested fish (whiting?) was recovered from the mouth of the adult. Both animals showed multiple linear cuts, notches and tears on the leading and trailing edges of all fins and flukes. The calf had a deep 4cm diameter wound which fully penetrated the body thought to be a gaff wound. Plate 4. SW2006/67 & SW2006/68 Two bycaught porpoises at On post-mortem examination, the Swansea. adult SW2006/68 was also found to be pregnant with a 39cm male foetus. Cause of death: for both animals was given as bycatch.

SW2006/98 was a 2.51 metre juvenile male bottlenose dolphin found stranded at Black Rock Sands near Porthmadog, Gwynedd on the 28th March. The carcass was extremely fresh and was collected for post-mortem examination with the help of the Gwynedd Maritime Services. Photographs of both left and right of the dorsal fin were taken and Plate 5. On examination SW2006/68 was also found to be pregnant sent for comparisons with photo with a 39cm male foetus. identification catalogues held on the Welsh coast. No match was found as the fin was unmarked. The carcass was delivered to Liverpool University where the stomach contents revealed numerous remains of spotted dogfish including egg pouches. Cause of death: many minor conditions were found but a single cause could not be established. Toxicology results still pending.

The other bottlenose dolphins found stranded through 2006 were in a more familiar state of decomposition and are as follows. Plate 6. Bottlenose dolphin SW2006/98 being loaded onto the trailer with the assistance of Gwynedd Maritime Services at Black Rock Sands. Photo by: Lin Gander 16

SW2006/201 was a 3.00 metre male bottlenose dolphin found stranded at Harlech, Gwynedd on the 21st July. The carcass was in a state of advanced decomposition and therefore not suitable for a post-mortem examination. Basic samples were taken and the carcass was removed to a location for collection and safe disposal by the local authority.

SW2006/225a was a 3.20 metre female bottlenose dolphin found stranded at Porth Cwyfan, Anglesey on the 22nd August. The carcass was in a state of advanced decomposition and Plate 7. Bottlenose dolphin SW2006/201 at Harlech. therefore not suitable for a post- mortem examination. Most bottlenose dolphins are attended by the Strandings Co-ordinator regardless of condition at his own expense, this is to confirm species and take skin to archive for DNA. Due to the distance involved with this carcass, this animal was not attended. However a digital image taken by Dr Mandy McMath CCW confirmed the carcass to be a bottlenose dolphin and Dr McMath also managed to take a skin sample to be added to the archive. The stranding location had difficult access so the local authority could not remove the carcass. A tag was posted to Dr Plate 8. Bottlenose dolphin SW2006/225a at Porth Cwyfan. McMath stating “Authorities Aware” and this was attached to Photo by: Dr Mandy McMath. the carcass to prevent multiple reports on this animal. On the 22nd September, one month later, a second animal was reported at the same location in close proximity with the decaying adult. This was a very small bottlenose dolphin in roughly the same state of decomposition as the adult female. On close inspection of the photograph shown in Plate 8. and subsequent photographs of the stranded pair, I believe the adult female was gravid with a near full-term foetus and gasses from decomposition had forced the foetus out resulting in the second stranding report. As a result, the foetus was not allocated a SW number.

SW2006/271 The fourth bottlenose dolphin reported stranded on the Welsh coast in 2006 was at Pwllheli, Gwynedd on the 25th October. The carcass consisted of skeletal remains and was found close to a location where a previous bottlenose dolphin SW2001/242 had been buried by the local authority. The beach material was lower due to erosion but we could not be sure this was the same animal, so a SW number was allocated. The carcass was removed by the local authority. 17

MRI Scans. In April the project was approached by a student from the Department of Human Anatomy & Cell Biology, Liverpool who requested a cetacean to put through a MRI scanner, to look at the relationship between the semi-circular canals and the extra-ocular muscles, with a view to linking this to locomotion. A suitable fresh harbour porpoise neonate SW2006/240 en-route to Liverpool University for post- mortem examination was diverted to the MRI scanner before completing its final journey. A series of scans were received of the whole body together with scans of the head. The head was scanned on three axis, from the tip of the beak to the back of the skull, ear to ear and from the top of the head Plate 9. MRI Scans of the porpoise head SW2006/240. downwards in 3mm and 5mm steps. An example of some of the scans is shown in Plate 9.

An Atlantic Grey seal has since been requested to be passed through the scanner and this has now been provided. It is hoped that similar images of the grey seal will be provided during 2007.

4.4 Live Strandings.

Only three live strandings were recorded in 2006. A fourth animal was reported at Angle in Pembrokeshire by a member of the Lifeboat crew to Milford Haven Coastguard. On arrival by Welsh Marine Life Rescue, RSPCA and myself no persons involved could be found. It would appear that a member of the public was seen pouring water over a stranded animal to keep it cool and wet. By the description given it sounds like a very surprised grey seal, trying to have a sleep, took exception to this and hauled itself back into the sea.

SW2006/133a / SW2006/133b were two juvenile harbour porpoises thought to have been chasing fish in the shallows at Borth, Ceredigion on the 22nd April. Both animals became stranded but were successfully re-floated by local BDMLR Medic, Martin Davies. A very fresh juvenile porpoise was found dead at the same location two days later. Cause of death was found to be: Physical trauma (bottlenose dolphin attack).

SW2006/163 was a very large 1.73 metre pregnant female harbour porpoise observed live-stranding, on the 20th May through rough surf, by BDMLR Medic, Gayle Lister at Amroth, Pembrokeshire. The animal died very shortly after stranding. BDMLR Medic, Adrian Hawthorne remained with the animal until it was retrieved by the Strandings Co-ordinator. Cause of death was found to be: Parasitism, gastric (heavy).

4.5 Tagging.

Occasionally dead cetaceans are encountered at sea by various research groups undergoing surveys off the Welsh coast. These groups are encouraged to retrieve any carcass whenever possible to enable it to be included and examined through the ‘Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme’. If the carcass is in a state of advanced decomposition or cannot be recovered for any other reason, I have requested that these groups tag the carcass. Numbered tags have been supplied by Marine Environmental Monitoring to Plate 10. Current tags supplied to groups on the Welsh coast. each group, these consist of a yellow plastic cable-tie with a unique number allocated to each group, these have been allocated as follows.

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

The tag can be conveniently tied around the tail-stock, pectoral fin or, in the case of advanced decomposition, any exposed rib. The purpose of these tags is to stop animals being recorded twice but also it is of interest to record the date/time and position when tagged and the eventual date and location of any landfall the carcass may make. Over time this may enable a better understanding of how these carcasses are affected by tidal currents and wind direction. Three carcasses were tagged by Steve Hartley of CBMWG during 2006, these consisted of :-

Harbour porpoise off Cwmtydu on the 8th July, reported stranded later the same day on Castell Bach beach. Harbour porpoise off Ynys Lochtyn on the 26th July, not reported stranded, no further info. Harbour porpoise off New Quay Head on the 20th August, reported stranded later the same day on Llanina beach.

The two ‘re-captured’ porpoise carcasses above travelled very short distances as they were tagged close-in to shore, more interesting information may come when carcasses are tagged further offshore. What was encouraging is that both animals were reported as soon as they hit the beach the same day they were tagged.

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

5. OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK.

5.1 Marine Turtles.

During a routine Fisheries Inspection of a fish-store in Plymouth, Inspectors clambered over several tons of frozen fish to find a frozen adult leatherback turtle. The report was passed to Marine Environmental Monitoring so the turtle could be released and included in the Strandings Project. The turtle had been held frozen for so long nobody was really sure of its history, workers at the store told of how the turtle would occasionally reappear over the years as fish stocks were moved and they would bring their Plate 11. T1977/02 recovered near Abersoch, December 1977. children in to view the animal. Eventually it was found the turtle to be T1977/02 a leatherback turtle that stranded dead at Porth Ceiriad near Abersoch on the Lleyn Peninsular, north Wales on the 9th December 1977. The TURTLE database revealed the carcass was reported by Mr Ivor Rees and was then delivered to the National Museum of Wales, Cardiff where it was stored frozen. The animal was later loaned to the National Aquarium at Plymouth where it was intended to be an exhibit. Whilst decisions were being made on how best to prepare and preserve the specimen for exhibition, arrangements were made with a local fish-store to hold the carcass frozen Plate 12. T1977/02 emerging from fish-store in Plymouth 2006. until ready. The database indicated Mr Ivor Rees had photographs of the stranding, and remarkably, 29 years later, Ivor instantly produced the pictures. A comparison of the photographs with the stored animal revealed an injury to the head was present when it stranded and not an altercation with a fork-lift truck whilst in the fish-store. In conjunction with a BBC TV programme “Seawatch” the carcass was retrieved from the fish-store by MEM and delivered to the Bristol University Veterinary School at Langford for autopsy.

Plate 13.20 Injury to head was shown to be there in 1977.

The cause of death was thought to be a boat collision with possible prop marks to the head.

T2006/39 a loggerhead turtle named ‘Pembrey’ was found alive on Cefn Sidan Sands, Pembrey Country Park, Carmarthenshire, West Wales on the 2nd of December during strong south-westerly storms. This was a fairly large animal measuring 84cm straight overall length and weighing 36.5 kgs. Most of the front left flipper was missing (as shown in Plate 14.) but this was healed and obviously an old injury. Multiple goose barnacles (Lepas anatifera) were attached to the underside of the carapace at the rear. The animal was extremely lethargic so a decision was taken to coat it in Vaseline, to prevent its skin from drying out whilst in dry transit, and drive it down to Weymouth Sea Life Centre to the Plate 14. Country Park Ranger Wyn Parry with new Rehabilitation Centre. On arrival an loggerhead turtle T2006/39 ‘Pembrey’. attempt was made to re-hydrate the animal by tube but what appeared to be compacted sand in the oesophagus prevented the tube from entering the stomach. The turtle was held in shallow water with the temperature being slowly raised at 10 Celsius per day and eventually re-hydrated by a drip.

T2006/44 was a very small freshly dead loggerhead turtle found stranded near Southerndown/Nash Point, in the Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales on the 23rd December. It was retrieved, following strong south- westerly gales, and placed in a freezer by a member of the public. The carcass was Plate 15. T2006/44 awaiting post-mortem examination. collected by MEM and taken to the Zoological Society of London where a full post-mortem examination was carried out. Fragments of clear plastic were found in the stomach. Plate 16. shows the esophagus opened-up on the right, lined with papillae pointing back down towards the stomach on the left. Two fragments of plastic removed from the stomach are placed on the blue paper above. Cause of death was given as starvation/hypothermia.

Further marine turtle reports outside of Wales can be found in the UK & Republic of Ireland Marine Turtle Strandings & Sightings Annual Plate 16. Fragments of plastic (on blue paper) removed Reports at; from the stomach of T2006/44. http://www.strandings.com/Wales.html 21

5.2 Sharks.

On the 23rd July, a male porbeagle shark (Lamna nasus) stranded at Black Rock Sands, Gwynedd. The shark was 2.06 metres long with a 0.94 cm wingspan and between stage 2 and 3 maturity. The maximum size recorded for this species is 3.5 metres with a maximum reported age of 30 years. The species is on the Red List Status as: Vulnerable. Bangor University were contacted where a student was doing work on electro receptors in sharks and rays. The animal was picked up and taken to Bangor the next day. Plate 17. The porbeagle shark found on Black Rock Sands. Photo by: Gwynedd Maritime Services.

6. SAMPLES.

The normal procedure for the taking of samples is from fresh animals that have been taken for post-mortem examination. Skin & blubber were sampled by Dr Mandy McMath from the bottlenose dolphin SW2006/225a.

7. FUNDING.

The Welsh Assembly Government (WAG)/ Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) short term contract continues until 31st March 2007. A three year contract is currently being drawn up by WAG/Defra.

Defra, through the Zoological Society, London, continued to cover transportation costs and the Environment Agency also maintained support of a high-powered microscope through 2006.

8. PUBLICITY.

The Strandings Web-site has been maintained to provide details of both the ‘Collaborative UK & Celtic Strandings Projects’. Although this is intended primarily for Wales, key contact details are given for England, Scotland and Ireland. The pages can be viewed at www.strandings.com/ and I would be grateful for any comments on the Web-site and any further links to other sites that may be of interest. A ‘Seal’ and ‘Turtle’ page have been created on the site and related information and annual reports will be posted here. Seals: www.strandings.com/Seals.html

Turtles: www.strandings.com/Turtlepage.html Posters and leaflets produced to increase awareness of the project have continued to be distributed throughout the coast of Wales. Turtle Codes have also been distributed throughout the Welsh coast.

9. TRAINING.

Following two live whales and multiple leatherback turtles being reported as entangled or trailing fishing gear in recent years off the Welsh coast, a second ‘Whale Disentanglement Kit’ has been purchased by the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) to enable rescue attempts to be carried-out on these unfortunate animals. The original IFAW ‘Whale Disentanglement Kit’, that was kindly couriered to the Welsh coast in 2003 to help in the attempted rescue of the Minke whale SW2003/311, is normally based aboard the IFAW sailing vessel ‘Song of the Whale’ and is therefore not always available for use within the UK. This was the case with SW2005/26a a small whale entangled and trailing fishing gear 1.5 miles off Llandudno in 2005.

The high profile event of the Thames whale enabled donations, to both IFAW and BDMLR, to be allocated for purchasing a dedicated ‘Whale Disentanglement Kit’ from The Centre for Coastal Studies (CCS) in Provincetown, Massachusetts, US. This will enable a ‘Whale Disentanglement Kit’ to be based permanently within the UK, currently stationed with the Strandings Co-ordinator in Wales.

Together with the equipment, training in the use of the kit was secured for four key members of BDMLR and the Welsh Plate 18. CCS team ‘kegging’ an entangled northern right whale. Strandings Co-ordinator who all Photo courtesy of: The Centre for Coastal Studies. travelled to The Centre for Coastal Studies in May 2006. The training consisted of two days learning theory and equipment familiarisation followed by 3 days at sea putting the theory into practice ‘working’ on trailing gear being towed by a CCS vessel simulating a whale. The CCS4 team are extremely experienced working on humpback and northern right whales that migrate past the eastern coast of the US. The CCS is partnered with the United States Coast Plate 19. CCS team cutting trailing gear from a humpback whale. Guard (USCG) and is authorised Photo courtesy of: The Centre for Coastal Studies. by NOAA Fisheries under the Endangered Species Act and the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

4 All photographs and activities depicted here are authorised by NOAA Fisheries Permit #932-1489. 23

To produce a ‘complete’ package, BDMLR have purchased an inflatable boat with outboard engine and a box trailer. Everything that should be required from lifejackets to telemetry systems is now stored within the trailer for immediate deployment should the need arise. Training of key individuals within the UK in the use of this equipment should start in 2007.

10. EQUIPMENT.

A hydraulic power steering hose burst on the Land Rover whilst trying to manoeuvre the trailer with specimens from the Thames whale to the post-mortem laboratory at the ZSL in January. The hose was replaced by a Automobile Association patrolman.

The Land Rover lost all its coolant on the M4 in March resulting in the engine severely overheating and having to be recovered back to Wales by the Automobile Association. Unfortunately the damage was severe and required a reconditioned engine to be installed. On completion it was found that the radiator was severely damaged and also needed replacing. A small gasket leak on the water pump was detected and replaced a few days prior to this event and it is not clear if this failed or that something passed through the radiator on the Motorway. The Land Rover is now 11 years old and funds towards a replacement vehicle had to be eaten into to fund this major repair resulting in the ‘new’ vehicle being moved further into the future unless additional funds can be sourced.

Land Rover rear wheel bearing failed on M4 in October and was replaced.

The rear chassis cross-member on the Land Rover required replacing through corrosion in November so the vehicle was unavailable for three days whilst this was replaced.

11. TRAVEL.

In excess of 11,038 miles were covered on the project in retrieval and transportation of animals in 2006. The European Cetacean Society conference in Gdynia, Poland in April was attended.

12. ADMINISTRATION.

In excess of 67 copies of post-mortem examination reports were posted out to finders and associated interested parties concerning each relevant stranding.

13. CAUSE OF DEATH.

The provisional causes of death for the 27 selected cetaceans in a suitable condition for necropsy are given in Table 5. These carcasses underwent a full post-mortem examination at either Liverpool University or the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). Please note these are provisional causes of death, and may change when additional laboratory analyses have been conducted.

Table 5.

SW Number Family/Genus Species County Locality Cause of Death SW2006/003 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Borth Starvation/hypothermia. SW2006/054 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Cemaes Starvation/hypothermia. SW2006/055 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion New Quay Starvation/hypothermia. SW2006/057 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Aberystwyth Starvation/hypothermia. (neonate). SW2006/067 Phocoena phocoena Swansea Swansea Physical trauma (bycatch). SW2006/068 Phocoena phocoena Swansea Swansea Physical trauma (bycatch). SW2006/087 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Borth Starvation/hypothermia. SW2006/098 Tursiops truncatus Gwynedd Black Rock Sands Not established SW2006/110 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Llandanwg Starvation/hypothermia. SW2006/112 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Aberporth Physical trauma (bottlenose dolphin attack) SW2006/128 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Porth Cwyfan Starvation/hypothermia. SW2006/135 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Borth Physical trauma (bottlenose dolphin attack) SW2006/138 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Tywyn Physical trauma (bycatch). SW2006/163 Phocoena phocoena Pembrokeshire Amroth Parasitism, gastric (heavy) SW2006/165 Stenella coeruleoalba Pembrokeshire Freshwater East Physical trauma (bycatch). SW2006/172 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Aberporth Enteritis, haemorrhagic (acute) and generalised bacterial infection (Clostridium sp.)- pending histology SW2006/173 Phocoena phocoena Pembrokeshire Wiseman's Bridge Starvation/hypothermia. SW2006/189 Phocoena phocoena Pembrokeshire South Beach Tenby Physical trauma SW2006/204 Phocoena phocoena Bridgend Porthcawl Physical trauma (bycatch). SW2006/230 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Castell Bach Physical trauma (bottlenose dolphin attack) SW2006/231 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Tresaith Physical trauma (bottlenose dolphin attack) SW2006/240 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion off Cardigan Island Physical trauma SW2006/245a Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Abersoch Physical trauma SW2006/248 Phocoena phocoena Carmarthenshire Pembrey Starvation/hypothermia (neonate). SW2006/257 Phocoena phocoena Pembrokeshire Lydstep Not established SW2006/288 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Criccieth Physical trauma (possible bottlenose dolphin attack) SW2006/297 Delphinus delphis Pembrokeshire Manorbier Live stranding

A further 4 porpoises that were deemed unsuitable for full post-mortem examination due to their state of decomposition and not listed above, were identified as being killed by bottlenose dolphins on investigation by the Strandings Co-ordinator at their stranding location. This brings the total number of porpoises killed by bottlenose dolphin to 8 for 2006. (please note; due to funding changes explained elsewhere in this report, care should be used when interpreting this data as not all porpoise strandings were attended through 2006).

14. LIST OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES USED IN THIS REPORT.

Table 6. Common name . Scie ntific name .

Bottle-nose dolphin Tursiops truncatus

Common dolphin Delphinus delphis Grey seal Halichoerus grypus Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena Humpback whale Megaptera novaeangliae Leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea Loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta Northern bottlenose whale Hyperoodon ampullatus

Northern right whale Eubalaena glacialis Porbeagle shark Lamna nasus Striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba

15. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

Robin Pratt, Ray and Jemma Lerwill for providing support and base of operations at Fishguard.

Gerry Jones, Paul Newman, Lin Gander, Sal Shipley, Dave Kendall, Nia Jones, and Dr John Goold for their support with the project and help in retrieving animals.

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

Welsh Assembly Government/ Countryside Council for Wales & Defra for providing funds towards the project.

16. APPENDICES.

Appendix 1. Cetacean stranding data for 2006. Appendix 2. Seal data 2006.

26 Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Family/Genus species Sex Length Condition Date County Locality Grid Reported by Comment SW2006/003 Y Phocoena phocoena F 0.84 fresh 03-Jan-06 Ceredigion Borth SN608895 Darren Raggs SW2006/034a Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 17-Jan-06 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN378019 Fran Thomas Animal passed to LA for disposal. SW2006/037 Phocoena phocoena F ? advanced decomposition 19-Jan-06 Vale of Glamorgan Southerndown SS890727 Simon Clark Animal passed to LA for disposal. SW2006/054 Y Phocoena phocoena F 1.07 fresh 09-Feb-06 Anglesey Cemaes SH371937 Mike Thompson SW2006/055 Y Phocoena phocoena F 1.07 slight decomposition 11-Feb-06 Ceredigion New Quay SN399594 Alan Clare SW2006/057 Y Phocoena phocoena M 0.80 slight decomposition 12-Feb-06 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN583824 Janet Baxter SW2006/061 Phocoena phocoena F c. 1.68 slight/moderate decomposition 15-Feb-06 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH508378 Malcolm Humphreys Beach Officer Carcass heavily scavenged. Not suitable for pme. SW2006/067 Y Phocoena phocoena F 1.25 fresh 18-Feb-06 Swansea Swansea SS650923 Swansea C.G. 1 of 2. SW2006/068 Y Phocoena phocoena F 1.53 fresh 18-Feb-06 Swansea Swansea SS651922 Swansea C.G. 2 of 2. SW2006/069 Phocoena phocoena M 1.30 advanced decomposition 20-Feb-06 Conwy Llandulas SH914787 Enid Young Investigated by Nia Jones, LA informed for disposal.. SW2006/087 Y Phocoena phocoena M 1.14 slight decomposition 12-Mar-06 Ceredigion Borth SN608905 Phil Lewis RSPCA SW2006/088 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 13-Mar-06 Pembrokeshire Dale SM813056 Pembrokeshire C. C. Nothing found. SW2006/094 Phocoena phocoena F 1.34 advanced decomposition 20-Mar-06 Anglesey Rhoscolyn SH273750 Hanna Nuuttila Investigated by Nia Jones, LA informed for disposal. SW2006/095 Phocoena phocoena F 1.14 slight/moderate decomposition 22-Mar-06 Pembrokeshire Musslewick SM819065 Dale Fort poss. SW2006/088. Heavily scavenged, skin, muscle & teeth taken. Tagged & LA informed for disposal. SW2006/098 Y Tursiops truncatus M 2.51 fresh 28-Mar-06 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH527372 Dafydd Phillips Porthmadog HM SW2006/099 Phocoena phocoena ? c 0.70 advanced decomposition 28-Mar-06 Swansea Swansea SS628910 Mr Bently LA informed for disposal. SW2006/099a Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 28-Mar-06 Anglesey Porth Dafarch SH234799 Joe Chapman LA informed for disposal. SW2006/101a Phocoena phocoena F? 1.26 advanced decomposition 29-Mar-06 Gwynedd Tywyn SN586986 Sal Shipley Skin, muscle & teeth taken by Sal. Tagged & LA informed for disposal. SW2006/105b Phocoena phocoena M c 1.40 moderate decomposition 31-Mar-06 Conwy Morfa SH751785 Investigated by Nia Jones. SW2006/108a Phocoena phocoena F 0.96 mod/advanced decomposition 03-Apr-06 Ceredigion Tan y Bwlch SN578795 Mr Milner Investigated by Arthur Chator. Skin, muscle & teeth taken 12th April, tagged. LA informed for disposal. SW2006/110 Y Phocoena phocoena M 1.18 slight decomposition 07-Apr-06 Gwynedd Llandanwg SH569285 Liz NHM SW2006/112 Y Phocoena phocoena F 1.49 fresh 09-Apr-06 Ceredigion Aberporth SN295512 Milford Haven C.G. SW2006/116 Delphinus delphis F 2.2 advanced decomposition 12-Apr-06 Ceredigion Wallog SN590857 John Eagan Entangled in monofilament netting, tagged. LA informed for disposal. SW2006/120a Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 13-Apr-06 Ceredigion Borth SN607900 Janet Owen Nothing found on Friday 14th April. SW2006/123a Phocoena phocoena F 0.90 moderate decomposition 15-Apr-06 Ceredigion Wallog SN591860 Mick Green Skin, muscle & scapula taken. Tagged & left at back of beach.. SW2006/127 Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 18-Apr-06 Anglesey Porth Cwyfan SH339682 Ivor Rees The carcass was headless and advanced decomp, no length or sex could be established. SW2006/128 Y Phocoena phocoena F 1.12 slight decomposition 18-Apr-06 Anglesey Porth Cwyfan SH339683 Ivor Rees Retreived and delivered to Dr John Baker by Nia Jones MANW. SW2006/129 Delphinus delphis ? ? advanced decomposition 19-Apr-06 Pembrokeshire Ramsey Sound SM711223 Lyndon Lomax Seen floating south end of Ramsey Sound. No obvious injuries, carcass not retrieved. SW2006/133a Phocoena phocoena ? ? live 22-Apr-06 Ceredigion Borth SN606891 Martin Davies One of two juvenile porpoises presumed to be chasing fish into shallows. Live-stranded and returned to sea by reportee MMMedic. SW2006/133b Phocoena phocoena ? ? live 22-Apr-06 Ceredigion Borth SN606891 Martin Davies Two of two juvenile porpoises presumed to be chasing fish into shallows. Live-stranded and returned to sea by reportee MMMedic. SW2006/135 Y Phocoena phocoena M 1.22 fresh/slight decomposition 24-Apr-06 Ceredigion Borth SN605916 Richard Possibly one of the two live-stranded porpoises on the 22nd April. SW2006/135a Delphinus delphis M ? slight decomposition 25-Apr-06 Swansea Whiteford Sands SS448952 Veronica Shenston Left on beach to decompose as difficult access. SW2006/135d Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 24-Apr-06 Anglesey Newborough Warren SH416624 Rob Wilcot Retro report received 5th May. SW2006/138 Y Phocoena phocoena M 1.11 slight decomposition 30-Apr-06 Gwynedd Tywyn SN584991 Sal Shipley SW2006/139 Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 01-May-06 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ085844 Rob Griffiths SW2006/140 Phocoena phocoena M 0.98 slight/moderate decomposition 01-May-06 Ceredigion Llanon SN507668 Skin, muscle & teeth taken. Tagged & left in car park. LA informed for disposal. SW2006/153 Phocoena phocoena F 1.05 fresh 10-May-06 Gwynedd Aberdovey SN611959 Sal Shipley Skin, muscle & teeth taken by Sal. LA informed for disposal. SW2006/154 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 11-May-06 Carmarthenshire RAF Pembrey SN361041 SW2006/155 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 13-May-06 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN583824 Ceri Rogers SW2006/160 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 17-May-06 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH315728 Holyhead C.G. Nia to investigate. SW2006/162 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 18-May-06 Carmarthenshire MOD Pendine SN282069 Range Control First reported as a seal then found to be a scavenged porpoise on the 20th May. SW2006/163 Y Phocoena phocoena F 1.73 fresh 20-May-06 Pembrokeshire Amroth SN170068 Phil Lewis RSPCA Live-stranded died. SW2006/163a Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 20-May-06 Pembrokeshire Bullslaughter Bay SR942943 Robin Taylor Retro report 25th May 06. SW2006/164 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 21-May-06 Swansea Llangennith SS409912 Swansea C.G. Dave Smith (Swansea CC contacted) front half of carcass eaten away, released to LA for disposal. SW2006/165 Y Stenella coeruleoalba M 2.01 slight decomposition 22-May-06 Pembrokeshire Freshwater East SS022981 Milford Haven C.G. Retreived with the help of Paul Newman and taken to Fishguard cold-store 22/05/06. SW2006/167b Cetacean sp. Indet. ? c. 2.00 moderate decomposition 28-May-06 Swansea Whiteford Sands SS448952 SW2006/169 Phocoena phocoena ? c. 1.22 moderate decomposition 29-May-06 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN602930 Rachael Retro report. Buried at Ynyslas, no fins, no lower jaw. SW2006/169a Cetacean sp. Indet. ? 1.00 advanced decomposition 29-May-06 Ceredigion Aberaeron SN456630 Annalisa Bianchessi Retro report 2nd June. SW2006/170a Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 02-Jun-06 Pembrokeshire Marloes SM785072 Mrs Burnett SW2006/170b Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 02-Jun-06 Ceredigion Tan y Bwlch SN578795 SW2006/170e Phocoena phocoena F 1.22 advanced decomposition 04-Jun-06 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH508378 Malcolm Humphreys Beach Officer Digital image received. Carcass disposed of. SW2006/170h Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 02-Jun-06 Flintshire Talacre SJ130852 Kate Burgess Retro report 21st July 06. Adult buried on beach by Wardens. SW2006/172 Y Phocoena phocoena F 1.56 slight decomposition 09-Jun-06 Ceredigion Aberporth SN264514 Lisa Pritchard SW2006/173 Y Phocoena phocoena F 0.98 fresh 12-Jun-06 Pembrokeshire Wiseman's Bridge SN146058 Ron Jones SW2006/174 Phocoena phocoena M ? moderate decomposition 14-Jun-06 Gwynedd Barmouth SH610154 Asa Owen Barmouth HM Digital image received. Carcass disposed of. SW2006/175 Phocoena phocoena M 1.30 advanced decomposition 14-Jun-06 Denbighshire Gronant Dunes SJ080845 Kate Burgess Carcass investigated by Nia Jones who also informed local rangers of strandings project. SW2006/179 Delphinus delphis ? ? ? 18-Jun-06 Pembrokeshire nr Thorn Island SM846038 Pembrokeshire Dive Charter Carcass seen floating at sea. SW2006/180 Phocoena phocoena F 1.46 moderate decomposition 18-Jun-06 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN378019 Gavin Hol Carcass disposed of. SW2006/180a Phocoena phocoena F ? fresh 20-Jun-06 Gwynedd Tywyn SH572017 Sal Shipley Presumed carcass taken by tide. SW2006/180b Phocoena phocoena M 1.34 advanced decomposition 20-Jun-06 Gwynedd Tywyn SH566027 Sal Shipley Skin, muscle and teeth taken by Sal. Carcass tagged and LA informed for disposal. SW2006/180c Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 20-Jun-06 Pembrokeshire Sandy Haven SM861072 Cliff Benson Retro report Sat 24th June via Cliff Benson. Animal thought to be juvenile. SW2006/182 Phocoena phocoena F 0.61 advanced decomposition 21-Jun-06 Gwynedd Barmouth SH566027 Mrs J. Tyler Digital image received from HM. Carcass disposed of. SW2006/183 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 22-Jun-06 Carmarthenshire Ferryside SN363103 Sarah Murphy Thought to have prop marks behind head. Nothing found. SW2006/187 Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 17-Jun-06 Denbighshire Gronant Dunes SJ080845 Kate Burgess Thought to be juvenile. Carcass removed by L.A. SW2006/187b Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 24-Jun-06 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH431598 Michelle No follow up possible as contact number failed. SW2006/189 Y Phocoena phocoena F 0.76 fresh 29-Jun-06 Pembrokeshire South Beach Tenby SS129994 Ron Jones Carcass floating in surf. SW2006/192 Phocoena phocoena M 1.13 moderate decomposition 07-Jul-06 Ceredigion Tywyn SN588983 Sal Shipley Skin, muscle and teeth taken by Sal. Carcass tagged and LA informed for disposal. Bnd kill. SW2006/193 Phocoena phocoena M 1.46 advanced decomposition 08-Jul-06 Ceredigion Castell Bach SN359578 Steve Hartley First reported at sea off Cwmtydu. Skin, muscle and teeth taken. Carcass tagged and left on beach. SW2006/194 Phocoena phocoena M 0.76 advanced decomposition 08-Jul-06 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN378019 Gavin Hol Buried on beach by Gavin Hol, Pembrey Ranger. SW2006/195 Cetacean sp. Indet. ? ? ? 08-Jul-06 Ceredigion Ynys Lochtyn SN315550 Ian Bolton Reporter thought it may have been a porpoise. Carcass unretreivable so not attended. SW2006/195a Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 08-Jul-06 Swansea Rhossili SS412910 Helen Bates Reported by Mary Duckett to SeaWatch. SW2006/196 Phocoena phocoena ? 0.80 moderate decomposition 10-Jul-06 Swansea Oxwich SS525875 Swansea C.G. Recovered to the Penrice Estate by Coastguard where carcass was collected by LA for disposal. SW2006/197 Stenella coeruleoalba M 1.80 moderate decomposition 11-Jul-06 Carmarthenshire MOD Pendine SN282069 MOD Police Recovered to Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife for educational skeletal display. SW2006/198 Phocoena phocoena F 1.63 advanced decomposition 13-Jul-06 Ceredigion Coybal SN368590 Liz Allen Skin and muscle taken (no teeth). Pregnant with 0.60m male foetus. Carcass tagged and left on beach. Bnd kill. SW2006/201 Tursiops truncatus M 3.00 advanced decomposition 21-Jul-06 Gwynedd Harlech SH560360 Liz NHM Carcass reported floating off Borth y Gest and eventually stranded on Harlech beach 22nd July. Skin, muscle and head taken. Carcass buried on beach. SW2006/203 Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 25-Jul-06 Ceredigion off Ynys Lochtyn Steve Hartley Unable to tag as no head, tail or fins, left at sea. Re-found and tagged around exposed rib on 26th. SW2006/204 Y Phocoena phocoena F 1.56 slight decomposition 26-Jul-06 Bridgend Porthcawl SS814764 Swansea C.G. Reported as being stabbed.

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetaceans 2006 Page 1 Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Family/Genus species Sex Length Condition Date County Locality Grid Reported by Comment SW2006/204a Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 27-Jul-06 Gwynedd Aberdovey SN594960 Sal Shipley Recovered by assistant HM. SW2006/204b Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 27-Jul-06 Gwynedd Aberdovey SN594960 Sal Shipley Thought to be a neonate porpoise reported to Sal by dog walker, nothing found. SW2006/206 Delphinus delphis M 1.83 slight decomposition 30-Jul-06 Carmarthenshire RAF Pembrey SN356054 Gavin Hol Carcass too heavily scavenged for pm. SW2006/207 Phocoena phocoena M ? advanced decomposition 30-Jul-06 Bridgend Newton Beach SS850765 Belinda Ashog Reported as adult male together with a juv. porpoise on 2nd Aug. LA informed for disposal. SW2006/209 Phocoena phocoena ? ? mod/advanced decomposition 02-Aug-06 Bridgend Newton Beach SS850765 Michael O'Lady Reported as juv. together with a male adult porpoise on 2nd Aug. LA informed for disposal. SW2006/210 Delphinus delphis ? ? advanced decomposition 03-Aug-06 Pembrokeshire St Brides SM803111 Tenby PCNP TIC Reported as dolphin/porpoise nr slipway, nothing found by Ross Bulimore Thurs 3rd Aug evening. Found 5th Aug by RSP. SW2006/211 Phocoena phocoena F 1.61 mod/advanced decomposition 04-Aug-06 Neath Port Talbot Corus Steel Works SS775834 Swansea C.G. Skin, muscle & teeth taken. Clean cut on dorsal fin consistant with bycatch injury. Rear third of lower teeth sheared off. SW2006/216 Phocoena phocoena ? 1.00 slight/moderate decomposition 11-Aug-06 Ceredigion Cwmtydu SN356574 Berwen Skin, muscle & teeth taken. Clean cut on flank consistant with bycatch injury. Carcass completely eviscerated. SW2006/218 Phocoena phocoena F 0.67 advanced decomposition 12-Aug-06 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN527697 Mrs Tigglewade Carcass bagged and tagged removed to central point for collection by LA. SW2006/219 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 13-Aug-06 Pembrokeshire Newport SN040400 Leslie Davie Nothing found. SW2006/220 Y Phocoena phocoena F 1.55 moderate decomposition 13-Aug-06 Ceredigion Coybal SN368590 Sarah Perry Limited access so carcass examined on beach. No cause of death established. Skin, muscle, teeth, rib taken. Carcass tagged and left on beach. SW2006/224 Y Phocoena phocoena F 1.53 advanced decomposition 20-Aug-06 Ceredigion off New Quay Head SN387609 Steve Hartley Carcass tagged at sea. Landfall at Llanina later that day. Skin, muscle & teeth taken, Bnd kill. SW2006/225 Phocoena phocoena M ? mod/advanced decomposition 20-Aug-06 Bridgend Trecco Bay SS828767 Robert Jones CC Carcass disposed of by LA. SW2006/225a Tursiops truncatus F 3.2 advanced decomposition 22-Aug-06 Anglesey Porth Cwyfan SH337676 Darylle Hardy Species indentified and confirmed by Mandy McMath. Carcass unable to be removed at present location. Full term foetus found with this animal 22nd Sept. SW2006/229 Phocoena phocoena M 1.35 advanced decomposition 24-Aug-06 Ceredigion Castell Bach SN301537 Berwen Skin, muscle & teeth taken. Carcass tagged and dragged to back of beach. SW2006/230 Y Phocoena phocoena F 1.22 fresh 24-Aug-06 Ceredigion Castell Bach SN301537 Berwen Carcass winched up cliff. SW2006/231 Y Phocoena phocoena M 0.73 slight decomposition 24-Aug-06 Ceredigion Tresaith SN276516 Cliff Bates CCC SW2006/232 Phocoena phocoena ? ? slight decomposition 25-Aug-06 Pembrokeshire Ceibwr SN108458 Maureen Hunt Digital image seen. Carcass taken by tide. SW2006/233 Phocoena phocoena ? ? skeletal remains 28-Aug-06 Gwynedd Criccieth SH470372 Mandy Marsh / Kate Williamson LA informed for disposal. SW2006/234 Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 28-Aug-06 Gwynedd Criccieth SH468372 Mandy Marsh / Kate Williamson LA informed for disposal. SW2006/240 Y Phocoena phocoena M 0.875 fresh 04-Sep-06 Ceredigion off Cardigan Island SN164580 Fen Duke Found floating at sea 5 miles north of Cardigan Island. SW2006/241 Phocoena phocoena ? 0.77 advanced decomposition 04-Sep-06 Gwynedd Tywyn SN583993 Sal Shipley Headless neonate, skin & muscle taken, no teeth or scapula. LA informed for disposal. SW2006/245a Y Phocoena phocoena M 1.03 fresh 10-Sep-06 Gwynedd Abersoch SH315283 Chas? Retrieved to Pwllheli HM office by beach officer. SW2006/248 Y Phocoena phocoena M 0.81 moderate decomposition 14-Sep-06 Carmarthenshire RAF Pembrey SN363043 Range Control Heavily scavenged carcass but animal retrieved as I had attended. SW2006/249 Phocoena phocoena M 0.84 advanced decomposition 14-Sep-06 Pembrokeshire Wiseman's Bridge SN150062 Miford Haven CG Removed from beach tagged and left for disposal. SW2006/250 Stenella coeruleoalba F 1.75 mod/advanced decomposition 14-Sep-06 Pembrokeshire Penycwm SM843227 Ellen Burn Removed from beach tagged and left for disposal. Skin, teeth and muscle taken. SW2006/251 Cetacean sp. Indet. ? ? ? 16-Sep-06 Bridgend Porthcawl SS801779 Swansea C.G. Reported as thought to have been shot with a shotgun? Carcass also reported as decomposed. SW2006/253 Phocoena phocoena ? 1.00 advanced decomposition 19-Sep-06 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon SS724917 Elain Jones Poss. SW2006/251 as this animal was not removed. LA informed for disposal. SW2006/255a Phocoena phocoena F ? advanced decomposition 25-Sep-06 Gwynedd Abersoch SH317288 Ken Fitzpatrick HM Carcass disposed of by LA. SW2006/255b Phocoena phocoena ? ? mod/advanced decomposition 25-Sep-06 Gwynedd Abersoch SH317288 Ken Fitzpatrick HM Carcass disposed of by LA. SW2006/257 Y Phocoena phocoena F 1.15 slight/moderate decomposition 30-Sep-06 Pembrokeshire Lydstep SS096985 Kiri Howell PCNP Ranger SW2006/258 Phocoena phocoena M 1.49 mod/advanced decomposition 01-Oct-06 Gwynedd Tal-y-bont SH585207 Roland Skin, muscle & teeth taken by Sal, carcass tagged. LA informed for disposal. SW2006/259 Phocoena phocoena ? ? mod/advanced decomposition 06-Oct-06 Gwynedd Harlech SH570313 Phil Griffiths Investigated by Barmouth HM Asa Owen. SW2006/261 Phocoena phocoena F 1.60 advanced decomposition 07-Oct-06 Ceredigion Borth SN607903 Jenny Fell Skin, muscle and teeth taken, Bnd kill. SW2006/261a Phocoena phocoena ? 1.50 advanced decomposition 09-Oct-06 Flintshire Talacre SJ130852 via NHM LA informed for disposal. SW2006/263 Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 09-Oct-06 Gwynedd Harlech SH570313 Asa Owen Barmouth HM Disposed of. SW2006/264 Phocoena phocoena F ? advanced decomposition 09-Oct-06 Gwynedd Barmouth SH610154 Asa Owen Barmouth HM Disposed of. SW2006/265 Phocoena phocoena F 1.27 slight/moderate decomposition 11-Oct-06 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM882003 Dave Levell Digital images sent, carcass heavily scavenged, LA informed for disposal. SW2006/267a Phocoena phocoena F ? advanced decomposition 16-Oct-06 Gwynedd Porth Oer SH166299 Ken Fitzpatrick HM Digital images sent, carcass heavily scavenged, LA informed for disposal. SW2006/268b Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 19-Oct-06 Pembrokeshire off Strumble Head Cliff Benson Carcass seen floating off Strumble Head. SW2006/271 Tursiops truncatus ? ? skeletal remains 25-Oct-06 Gwynedd Pwllheli SH361337 Mrs Rana Thought to be buried remains of SW2001/242 exposed by erosion of beach. SW2006/273 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 26-Oct-06 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM858183 ? Unable to attend. LA to dispose of. Left side of Linny Head in cove. SW2006/275 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 01-Nov-06 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM855195 ? Unable to attend. LA to dispose of. Far south end. SW2006/279 Phocoena phocoena M 1.12 moderate decomposition 14-Nov-06 Ceredigion Cei Bach SN416598 Annalisa Bianchessi Carcass heavily scavenged so unsuitable for pm. Skin, muscle & teeth taken, carcass tagged and LA informed for disposal. SW2006/279a Phocoena phocoena ? ? fresh 15-Nov-06 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SM860142 Ian Butcher Reported as having its dorsal fin cleanly cut off. Carcass presumably taken by tide. SW2006/288 Y Phocoena phocoena M 0.98 fresh 01-Dec-06 Gwynedd Criccieth SH483373 SW2006/297 Y Delphinus delphis M 1.17 fresh 08-Dec-06 Pembrokeshire Manorbier SS057976 Ron Jones PCC SW2006/298 Phocoena phocoena M 1.35 advanced decomposition 08-Dec-06 Ceredigion Tan y bwlch SN578795 Luke Halpin Report received via Liz at NHM. Confirmed species 16th Dec. Skin, muscle & teeth taken. Carcass tagged. SW2006/301 Cetacean sp. Indet. ? 4.26 advanced decomposition 13-Dec-06 Vale of Glamorgan Ogmore by Sea SS860753 John Davies Photographs received. Small whale, unable to identify due to decomposition. SW2006/302 Cetacean sp. Indet. ? ? ? 14-Dec-06 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN527696 Reported as adult bnd, nothing found. SW2006/303 Cetacean sp. Indet. ? ? ? 14-Dec-06 Pembrokeshire West Dale SM799055 Stuart Reported as porpoise. SW2006/304 Y Phocoena phocoena F ? slight decomposition 15-Dec-06 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH508378 Malcolm Humphreys Beach Officer SW2006/308a Y Phocoena phocoena M ? slight decomposition 23-Dec-06 Anglesey Trearddur Bay SH250780 Nia Jones retrieved and relayed to freezer store at Llechryd. SW2006/311 Cetacean sp. Indet. ? ? ? 27-Dec-06 Gwynedd Tywyn SH565025 North Wales Police Incident number G281948 Reported as baby dolphin on rocks by Bailey Bridge, nothing found by Sal Shipley.

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetaceans 2006 Page 2 Appendix 2.

SS_No pm species Sex ead-tip to hi Condition Date County Locality Grid_ref reported by Comment SS2006/001 Halichoerus grypus ? adult advanced decomposition 12-Jan-06 Swansea Swansea Marina SS663926 Karen Maddock CCW L A informed for disposal. SS2006/012 Halichoerus grypus ? 03-Feb-06 Pembrokeshire Cwm yr Eglwys SN017398 Martin Peak L A informed for disposal. SS2006/023 Halichoerus grypus ? 14-Feb-06 Gwynedd Criccieth SH494376 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/054 Halichoerus grypus ? 13-Apr-06 Ceredigion Borth SN608900 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/055 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 21-May-06 Pembrokeshire Abereiddy SM803321 Mr Morgan Nothing found. SS2006/062 Halichoerus grypus ? 29-May-06 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN534699 Mrs Downs Right of Pengarreg Caravan Park. SS2006/063 Halichoerus grypus M adult 29-May-06 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN522688 Allen Letter Left of Pengarreg Caravan Park. SS2006/068 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 21-Jun-06 Gwynedd Tywyn SH571015 Near Bryn y Mor Caravan Park. Headless. SS2006/071 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 22-Jun-06 Pembrokeshire Newport SN049400 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/072 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 23-Jun-06 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN603933 Carol Bainbridge Disposed of by Rangers. SS2006/080 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 10-Jul-06 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN603933 Disposed of by Rangers. SS2006/086 Halichoerus grypus ? 18-Jun-06 Anglesey Aberffraw SH339673 Monica Jones CCW Retro report via Tom Stringal. SS2006/087 Halichoerus grypus ? 23-Jul-06 Ceredigion Clarach SN486843 SS2006/122 Halichoerus grypus ? 04-Aug-06 Ceredigion Gwbert SN160500 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/123 Halichoerus grypus M adult advanced decomposition 17-Aug-06 Ceredigion Aberarth SN470637 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/124 Halichoerus grypus ? adult fresh 20-Aug-06 Carmarthenshire MOD Pendine SN317069 MOD Police L A informed for disposal. SS2006/125 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 22-Aug-06 Ceredigion Aberarth SN470637 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/127 Halichoerus grypus ? 24-Aug-06 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN580816 Ben Fothergil L A informed for disposal. SS2006/128 Halichoerus grypus ? juv 26-Aug-06 Ceredigion Borth SN607900 Martin BDMLR L A informed for disposal. SS2006/129 Halichoerus grypus ? 29-Aug-06 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM853207 Samantha Williams L A informed for disposal. SS2006/130 Halichoerus grypus M adult 29-Aug-06 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SS428991 Rangers L A informed for disposal. SS2006/131 Halichoerus grypus ? adult 31-Aug-06 Gwynedd Tal-y-Bont SH580211 Mr Skarrat L A informed for disposal. Re-reported by Mr Morris 3rd Sept. SS2006/132 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 31-Aug-06 Pembrokeshire Poppit SN155490 Lifeguards L A informed for disposal. SS2006/133 Halichoerus grypus ? 01-Sep-06 Anglesey Rhosniegr SH315732 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/134 Halichoerus grypus ? 03-Sep-06 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SS415992 Frank Thomas Ranger Point F. L A informed for disposal. SS2006/135 Halichoerus grypus ? adult 03-Sep-06 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SS410993 Keith Jones Point G. L A informed for disposal. SS2006/136 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 03-Sep-06 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SS410993 Keith Jones Point G. L A informed for disposal. SS2006/138 Halichoerus grypus ? 06-Sep-06 Pembrokeshire Amroth SN170068 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/139 Halichoerus grypus ? pup fresh 06-Sep-06 Ceredigion off New Quay Steve Hartley SS2006/140 Halichoerus grypus F adult moderate decomposition 14-Sep-06 Pembrokeshire Wiseman's Bridge SN146060 Found whilst searching for porpoise SW2006/249. Seal cut nearly in half poss. by prop. L A informed for disposal. SS2006/141 Halichoerus grypus ? pup moderate decomposition 18-Sep-06 Gwynedd Tywyn SH577004 Sal Shipley Bagged and removed for collection by Sal. SS2006/142 Halichoerus grypus ? sub-adult 19-Sep-06 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SM860135 Powell Strong L A informed for disposal. SS2006/143 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 20-Sep-06 Pembrokeshire Freshwater East SS032980 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/144 Halichoerus grypus ? 21-Sep-06 Gwynedd Bennar Beach Roy Griffiths L A informed for disposal. SS2006/145 Halichoerus grypus ? 21-Sep-06 Carmarthenshire MOD Pendine SN317069 John McKay L A informed for disposal. SS2006/146 Halichoerus grypus ? 23-Sep-06 Gwynedd Aberdaron SH175263 Reported as headless. L A informed for disposal. SS2006/147 Halichoerus grypus ? 23-Sep-06 Gwynedd Dyffryn SH559242 Nth Wales Police L A informed for disposal. SS2006/148 Halichoerus grypus ? 27-Sep-06 Carmarthenshire Burry Port SS434991 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/149 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 27-Sep-06 Gwynedd Abersoch SH314284 George Evans L A informed for disposal. SS2006/169 Halichoerus grypus ? 02-Oct-06 Gwynedd Criccieth SH494376 Ken Fitzpatrick L A informed for disposal. SS2006/170 Halichoerus grypus ? 02-Oct-06 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SM860135 Pembrokeshire CC L A informed for disposal. SS2006/171 Halichoerus grypus ? 03-Oct-06 Pembrokeshire Ceibwr SN110455 Mrs Fisk L A informed for disposal. SS2006/172 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 04-Oct-06 Ceredigion Mwnt SN194517 NT Warden Reported as headless. L A informed for disposal. SS2006/173 Halichoerus grypus ? 10-Oct-06 Bridgend Dunraven Bay Glamorgan Heritage Centre L A informed for disposal. SS2006/174 Halichoerus grypus ? 10-Oct-06 Ceredigion Aberaeron SN451624 Aberaeron TIC L A informed for disposal. SS2006/175 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 10-Oct-06 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN603933 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/179 Halichoerus grypus ? 13-Oct-06 Gwynedd Tywyn SH567027 Mrs Brown Confirmed by Sal. L A informed for disposal. SS2006/180 Halichoerus grypus ? 17-Oct-06 Pembrokeshire Caerfai SM760240 St Davids TIC L A informed for disposal. SS2006/181 Halichoerus grypus ? 17-Oct-06 Carmarthenshire Pembrey Range SN365040 Range Control Buried on beach. SS2006/182 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 21-Oct-06 Pembrokeshire Tenby SN135012 Marie Williams Reported as headless. L A informed for disposal. SS2006/183 Halichoerus grypus ? 23-Oct-06 Gwynedd Caer Daniel SH583208 Chris Wilkinson L A informed for disposal. SS2006/184 Halichoerus grypus ? pup moderate decomposition 26-Oct-06 Pembrokeshire Lydstep Haven SS096985 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/193 Halichoerus grypus ? 13-Nov-06 Gwynedd Llandanwg SH570285 Claire Ward L A informed for disposal. SS2006/195 Halichoerus grypus ? 13-Nov-06 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH435566 Pauline Grundy L A informed for disposal. SS2006/197 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 03-Nov-06 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM846222 Marion Williams, Keep Wales Tidy Nth end on pebbles. L A informed for disposal. SS2006/198 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 03-Nov-06 Pembrokeshire Abercastle SM853334 Karen Cop L A informed for disposal. SS2006/199 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 06-Nov-06 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN579813 Annalisa Bianchessi L A informed for disposal. SS2006/200 Halichoerus grypus ? 12-Nov-06 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ085845 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/201 Halichoerus grypus ? 16-Nov-06 Swansea Caswell SS592873 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/202 Halichoerus grypus ? 16-Nov-06 Ceredigion Llanon SN510675 Kate Jenkins, EA 1 of 3 headless seals. L A informed for disposal. SS2006/203 Halichoerus grypus ? 16-Nov-06 Ceredigion Llanon SN510675 Kate Jenkins, EA 2 of 3 headless seals. L A informed for disposal. SS2006/204 Halichoerus grypus ? 16-Nov-06 Ceredigion Llanon SN510675 Kate Jenkins, EA 3 of 3 headless seals. L A informed for disposal. SS2006/206 Halichoerus grypus ? pup advanced decomposition 20-Nov-06 Menai Straits Liz Evans NHM SS2006/207 Halichoerus grypus ? 22-Nov-06 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SM860135 L A informed for disposal. SS2006/208 Halichoerus grypus ? pup 22-Nov-06 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SM860135 L A informed for disposal.

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2006 Page 1 Appendix 2.

SS_No pm species Sex ead-tip to hi Condition Date County Locality Grid_ref reported by Comment SS2006/209 Halichoerus grypus F juv slight/moderate decomposition 27-Nov-06 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH511377 Malcolm Humphreys HM L A informed for disposal. SS2006/262 Halichoerus grypus ? 01-Dec-06 Carmarthenshire Pembrey Range SN365040 Range Control L A informed for disposal. SS2006/263 Halichoerus grypus F juv 01-Dec-06 Gwynedd Criccieth SH494376 Paul Kay L A informed for disposal. SS2006/264 Halichoerus grypus ? 14-Dec-06 Pembrokeshire Poppit SN155490 Rowan Ali L A informed for disposal. SS2006/265 Halichoerus grypus ? 28-Dec-06 Gwynedd Tywyn SH562028 Elwyn Roberts By Dyssni river, L A informed for disposal. SS2006/266 Halichoerus grypus ? advanced decomposition 28-Dec-06 Gwynedd Fairbourne SH609134 Jane Read L A informed for disposal.

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2006 Page 2