www.strandings.com

Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings (Welsh Coast) Annual Report 2015

R.S.Penrose. July 2016

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

1 CONTENTS

Page

1 CRYNODEB GWEITHREDOL 4 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 5

2 INTRODUCTION 6

3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 6

3.1 Live Animals. 7 3.2 Dead Animals. 7

4 RESULTS 8

4.1 Marine Mammals. 8 4.2 Bottlenose Dolphin Attacks. 13 4.3 Unusual Occurrences. 14 4.4 Live Strandings. 16 4.5 Tagging. 16

5 OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK 17

5.1 Marine Turtles. 17 5.2 Seals. 18 5.3 Sharks. 19

6 SAMPLES 19

7 FUNDING 20

8 PUBLICITY 20

9 LEGISLATION 20

10 EQUIPMENT 21

11 TRAVEL 21

12 ADMINISTRATION 21

13 CAUSE OF DEATH 21

14 LIST OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES USED IN THIS REPORT 22

15 MATTERS ARISING 22

16 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 22

17 APPENDICES 22

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List of Figures. page

Figure 1. Current Technical Co-ordination of the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP). 6 Figure 2. Reported bottlenose dolphin strandings on the Welsh coast. 10 Figure 3. Bottlenose dolphin strandings by month. 10 Figure 4. Bottlenose dolphin strandings averaged over 1990 to 2015. 10 Figure 5. Reported harbour porpoise strandings on the Welsh coast. 11 Figure 6. Harbour porpoise strandings by month. 11 Figure 7. Harbour porpoise strandings averaged over 1990 to 2015. 11 Figure 8. Reported grey seal mortality on the Welsh coast. 12 Figure 9. Grey seal mortality by month. 12 Figure 10. Grey seal reports averaged over 1990 to 2015. 12 Figure 11. Stranding locations of the six porpoises, recovered to the project, killed by bottlenose dolphins in 2015. 13

List of Plates.

Plate 1. SW2015/22 being recovered from the beach. 14 Plate 2. Stomach contents from SW2015/322. 14 Plate 3. Propeller cuts on the tail of SW2015/419. 15 Plate 4. Stomach contents of SW2015/419. 15 Plate 5. SW2015/446 at Ynyslas. 15 Plate 6. T2015/028 first green turtle reported in Wales. 17 Plate 7. T2015/033 on Caldey Island. 18 Plate 8. Grey seal SS2015/189 with removed spear. 19

List of Tables. Table 1. 2015 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast). 8 Table 2. 2015 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast). 8 Table 3. 2015 Number of animals selected for post-mortem examination. 9 Table 4. 2015 Number of animals decomposed/discarded (Welsh Coast). 9 Table 5. Cause of death (Cetaceans). 21 Table 6. List of scientific names used in this report. 22

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1. CRYNODEB GWEITHREDOL

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

Teulu’r Morfilod: Derbyniodd Marine Environmental Monitoring adroddiadau am 91 o anifeiliaid o deulu'r morfil yn 2015. O’r rhain, llamidyddion (64 ohonynt) a grybwyllwyd amlaf.

Cafwyd adroddiadau ynghylch anifeiliaid eraill o deulu'r morfilod wedi tirio ar lannau Cymru yn 2015, gan gynnwys dau ddolffin trwyn potel, 14 dolffin cyffredin, pum ‘rhywogaeth amhenodol o deulu’r morfil’, gan gynnwys un o deulu'r morfilod walbon, tri dolffin Risso, dau ddolffin rhesog, ac un dolffin amhenodol rhesog/cyffredin.

Daeth pedwar llamhidydd i'r lan yn fyw. Dychwelwyd dau o'r rhain i’r môr. Cafwyd bod un o'r llamhidyddion yn farw erbyn i gymorth gyrraedd a difawyd un heb iddo ddioddef.

Dewiswyd ugain o greaduriaid i’w harchwilio. Tri llamhidydd ar ddeg; tri dolffin cyffredin; dau ddolffin rhesog; un dolffin Risso; un dolffin trwyn potel.

Cafwyd chwe llamhidydd yn 2015 ‘wedi’u lladd gan ddolffin trwyn potel’. Gorfu i’r cynllun wneud llai o gofnodi ers 2006 a gwnaeth hyn hi’n anodd cymharu tueddiadau yn y gweithgaredd hwn â rhai'r blynyddoedd cynt.

Samplau: Yn ogystal â'r samplau arferol a gymerwyd o anifeiliaid a gasglwyd ar gyfer archwiliad post-mortem, cymerwyd samplau hefyd o dri llamhidydd a thri dolffin cyffredin.

Morloi: Derbyniodd Marine Environmental Monitoring adroddiadau am 48 morlo llwyd marw. Ni chafwyd unrhyw arian pellach yn 2015 i ymchwilio 'toriadau corcsgriw' mewn morloi.

Crwbanod: Derbyniodd MEM adroddiadau am chwe chrwban wedi tirio. Dau grwban môr pendew Kemp, un yn fyw a'r llall yn farw; dau grwban môr pendew, un yn fyw a'r llall yn farw; un crwban môr gwyrdd (y tro cyntaf yng Nghymru) marw; un crwban môr cefn lledr marw. Rhwng mis Awst a mis Medi 2015 cafwyd dau adroddiad o weld crwban môr cefn lledr byw.

Heulforgwn: Ni chafwyd unrhyw adroddiad yn ystod 2015 am heulforgi’n tirio.

Ariannu: Rhoddwyd estyniad i gytundeb Llywodraeth Cymru/Defra hyd fis Mawrth 2017.

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) is under the technical co-ordination of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL).

Cetaceans: Ninety-one cetaceans were reported to Marine Environmental Monitoring in 2015. Harbour porpoise (n=64) was the most frequently reported cetacean.

Other cetaceans reported stranded on the Welsh coast in 2015 included two bottlenose dolphins; fourteen common dolphins; five cetacean species indeterminate, including one mysticete; three Risso’s dolphins; two striped dolphins; one common/striped indeterminate.

Four harbour porpoises live-stranded. Two of these animals were returned to the sea. One of the harbour porpoises was found to be dead on arrival of assistance and one was euthanized.

Twenty cetaceans were selected for examination. Thirteen harbour porpoises; three common dolphins; two striped dolphins; one Risso’s dolphin; one bottlenose dolphin.

Six harbour porpoises ‘killed by bottlenose dolphin’ were identified in 2015. Imposed reduced effort in recording from 2006 has made trends in this activity difficult to compare with previous years.

Samples: In addition to routine samples taken from animals recovered for post-mortem examination, samples have also been taken from three harbour porpoises and three common dolphins.

Seals: Forty-eight dead Atlantic grey seals were reported to MEM. No additional funding to investigate ‘corkscrew cuts’ in seals was forthcoming in 2015.

Turtles: Six stranded turtles were reported to MEM. One live and one dead stranded Kemp’s ridley turtle; one dead and one live loggerhead turtle; one dead green turtle (first for Wales); one dead leatherback turtle. Reports of two live leatherback turtle ‘sightings’ were received between August and September 2015.

Basking sharks: No basking shark strandings were reported during 2015.

Funding: An extension to the WG/Defra contract has been let until March 2017.

5 2. INTRODUCTION

In 1990, the ‘Collaborative UK Marine Mammal Strandings Project’ was initiated and part-funded by the UK Department of the Environment (now Defra). The project involves detailed pathological and other investigations of stranded marine mammal carcasses (mostly cetacean) from UK waters. It forms part of the Department's international obligations towards conservation agreements, including the "Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans in the Baltic, North East Atlantic, Irish and North Seas" (ASCOBANS). Detailed pathological investigations of stranded marine turtles were included in 2001 and basking sharks in 2007. The project is now named the ‘Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme’ (CSIP) (see Figure 1.).

Figure 1. Current technical co-ordination of the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP).

Funding to ZSL/IoZ, NHM and SAC was significantly reduced through 2006/2007. Funding to MEM by the Welsh Government and the Countryside Council for Wales fortunately remained at previous levels, however reduced travelling expenses supported by Defra via ZSL/IoZ has had a knock-on effect in Wales resulting in only known ‘fresh to moderate’ carcasses that can be successfully recovered for post-mortem examination being attended. Confirmation of species of other cetacean strandings has relied on digital photographs and known reliable sources. Where animals cannot be identified 100 per cent, the Strandings Co-ordinator has attended at his own expense if within a reasonable distance. Carcasses with unconfirmed species identification generally outside this area have been entered into the database as ‘cetacean species indeterminate’. In an attempt to operate within the reduced travelling budget two chest freezers were purchased and procedures now changed to freeze carcasses. Although this practice results in loss of some information during the post-mortem examination process, carcasses can now be ‘stock-piled’ and transported to London in larger numbers thus reducing the number of journeys per year.

3. MATERIALS AND METHODS

A single contact number for the whole of the UK has been maintained. The UK number is a free- phone number 0800 6520333 and a stepped menu system takes the caller through whether the stranding is live or dead and directs them to the correct organisation and the correct strandings co- ordinator for the appropriate country. The old Welsh Strandings number 01348 875000 has now been cancelled.

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

The following criteria are applied: -

3.1 Live Animals

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

3.2 Dead Animals

(Condition code 2a extremely fresh as if just died) 1 (Condition code 2b slight decomposition)1 (Condition code 3 moderate decomposition)1 The animal is retrieved using a 4-wheel drive vehicle and trailer. Health and safety precautions are followed with the animal being handled only with gloved hands. The carcass is usually stored frozen until delivery for post-mortem examination2. Live stranded animals that die or are euthanased may be transported to London for immediate post-mortem examination, to avoid loss of information through the freeze-thaw process.

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

The CSIP database http://data.ukstrandings.org/ has continued to be the UK repository for all records with the exception of the TURTLE database which is yet to be incorporated into this web-based system.

Members of the CSIP are now able to enter data directly to the database. Each access point or ‘node’ is password protected and the database automatically designates the appropriate reference number for the species being entered. Additional to this, the public are now able to access stranding data through regular updates to the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway ( www.nbn.org.uk ).

Copies of post-mortem examination reports have been continued to be sent from the Strandings Co- ordinator to the finder and others associated with each relevant stranding.

1 Body conditions based on Kuiken, T. and Garcia Hartmann, M (1991) Proceedings of the European Cetacean Society workshop on cetacean pathology: dissection techniques and tissue sampling. ECS newsletter 17, Special issue: 39pp 2 Large cetaceans unable to be frozen or transported are investigated at their stranding location. 7

4. RESULTS

4.1 Marine Mammals

Table 1.

2015 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar AprMay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Bottlenose dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 2 Cetacean sp. Indet. 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 Common dolphin 4 0 4 0 1 1 0 2 2 0 0 0 14 Common/striped dolphin (indeterminate)0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 Harbour porpoise 2 6 1 6 7 9 13 5 4 4 2 5 64 Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 3 Striped dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 Total cetaceans 7 6 5 8 8 11 15 10 0 4 2 8 91

Grey seal 0 5 2 2 3 1 3 4 6 9 8 5 48

Total animals 7 11 7 10 11 12 18 14 6 13 10 13 139

Table 2.

2015 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar AprMay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Bottlenose dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cetacean sp. Indet. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Common dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Common/striped dolphin (indeterminate)0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Harbour porpoise 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 4 Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Striped dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total cetaceans 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 0 1 4

Of the 91 cetacean strandings 4 animals were found live-stranded during 2015.

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Table 3.

2015 Number of animals selected for post-mortem examination.

Species Jan Feb Mar AprMay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Bottlenose dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 Cetacean sp. Indet. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Common dolphin 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3 Common/striped dolphin (indeterminate)0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Harbour porpoise 1 1 0 2 0 1 2 2 1 1 1 1 13 Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 Striped dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 2 Total cetaceans 3 1 0 2 0 1 2 4 2 1 1 3 20

Of the 91 cetacean strandings, 20 animals (21.9%) were selected or were available for examination. The animals selected for post-mortem examination are listed, together with the cause of death, in 13. CAUSE OF DEATH. Page 21.

Table 4.

2015 Number of animals decomposed / discarded. (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar AprMay Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Bottlenose dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Cetacean sp. Indet. 1 0 0 2 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 5 Common dolphin 2 0 4 0 1 1 0 1 2 0 0 0 11 Common/striped dolphin (indeterminate)0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 Harbour porpoise 1 5 1 4 7 8 10 3 3 3 1 3 49 Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2 Striped dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total cetaceans 4 5 5 6 8 10 11 7 5 3 1 4 69

Grey seal 0 5 2 2 3 1 3 4 6 9 8 5 48

Total animals 4 10 7 8 11 11 14 11 11 12 9 9 117

9 Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus).

Although there is a resident population of bottlenose dolphins off the Welsh coast, strandings of this species are relatively unusual. Bottlenose dolphins are also a feature of the relevant Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s) on the Welsh coast and are a priority species within the CSIP, it is for this reason that any Figure 2. Reported bottlenose dolphin strandings on the available information on Welsh coast. strandings of this species are included in this section.

Two bottlenose dolphins were reported stranded during 2015, only one animal was suitable for a full post-mortem examination. Numbers of bottlenose dolphin strandings are normally low and individual cases are listed with further details under 4.3 Unusual Occurrences page 14.

Bottlenose dolphins in UK waters are large robust animals often measuring over three metres in length, these animals have a substantial mass of muscle. It may be possible, that once dead, these large animals become negatively buoyant only returning to the surface once gasses from decomposition counteract this effect. This may explain why so few bottlenose dolphins are found stranded dead in a fresh condition compared to decomposed carcasses.

Figure 3. Bottlenose dolphin strandings by month. Figure 4. Bottlenose dolphin strandings averaged over 1990 to 2015.

10 Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena).

The harbour porpoise is the most frequently reported stranded cetacean on the Welsh coast. The black line shown running through the bar chart in Figure 5., indicates harbour porpoise neonates3 recovered in each year. This line has Figure 5. Reported harbour porpoise strandings on the Welsh roughly mimicked and coast. followed the totals for each year however, 2004 shows a marked decline in neonates compared to the reported total of porpoises for that year. Due to changes in funding and restrictions placed on transport arrangements introduced in 2006/2007, the numbers of porpoises recorded since 2006, may be lower than the actual number stranded as not all carcasses were attended or identified to species. In an attempt to address this deficiency, various measures have been implemented, described in further detail in 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Page 6.

Figure 6. Harbour porpoise strandings by month. Figure 7. Harbour porpoise strandings averaged over1990 to 2015.

3 Neonate harbour porpoise classified as having a straight overall measurement from tip of upper jaw to tail notch of less than 0.90 metres. (Lockyer 1995). 11 Atlantic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus).

Atlantic grey seal mortality reported to Marine Environmental Monitoring was below the average figure for 1990-2015 at 48, the average being 72. Previous highs shown in Figure 8. occurred in 2004, due to severe weather during the pupping season, and 1996 and 2002. In both these years, 1996 and 2002, there was a high public effort in reporting Figure 8. Reported grey seal mortality on the Welsh coast. as 1996 followed the Sea Empress Oil Spill (SEOS) and 2002 was the Phocine Distemper Virus (PDV) epizootic. Both these years also include data from the Pembrokeshire Islands which has not been recorded in other years. Animals retrieved for full post-mortem examination post SEOS4 and during the PDV5 epizootic showed no evidence that either of these events had any effect on the Welsh grey seal population. High mortality is normally associated with the pupping season which has been around September to November on the Welsh coast. However, this period appears to be extending earlier in the year to include August.

Figure 9. Grey seal mortality by month. Figure 10. Grey seal reports averaged over 1990 to 2015.

4 Penrose, R. 1997. Sea Empress Oil Spill – West Wales review of marine mammal strandings from the west Wales coast 1991-1996. Report to CCW. 5 Lerwil, J.K, G.A.P. Jones and R.S. Penrose 2003. Seals in Wales: Response to a possible Phocine Distemper Virus (PDV) outbreak. Report to CCW. 12 4.2 Bottlenose Dolphin Attacks.

Six harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) that had died of injuries consistent with attack by one or more bottlenose dolphins (Jepson & Baker 1998), were found in 2015.

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

Figure 11. Stranding locations of the six porpoises, recovered to the project, killed by bottlenose dolphins in 2015.

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4.3 Unusual Occurrences.

SW2015/22 was a juvenile female short beaked common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) found stranded at Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire on the 16th January 2015. The carcass was recovered for a full post-mortem examination. The cause of death was found to be vegetative endocarditis (Brucella ceti), pending histopathology. These occasional cases are a good reminder of the potential of zoonosis and to remind members of the public not to touch these carcasses when found on the beach.

On the 3rd June 2015 assistance was given to the Scottish Marine Strandings Scheme during the mass Plate 1. SW2015/22 being recovered from the beach. stranding event (MSE) of long Photo by: Lin Gander. finned pilot whales on the Isle of Skye, in the Inner Hebrides.

SW2015/322 was a juvenile male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) found stranded at Clarach, Ceredigion on the 3rd September 2015. Although in a state of moderate decomposition, and a prolonged beach retrieval due to soft sand, the carcass was eventually recovered. With lack of storage facilities, due to the size of the carcass, arrangements were made to meet staff from ZSL at a land-fill site near Chippenham so that an examination could be conducted on the un-frozen carcass. The stomach was found to contain several intact dogfish and the cause of death was Plate 2. Stomach contents from SW2015/322. given as physical trauma, by-catch.

14 SW2015/419 was a female Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) found stranded at Freshwater West, Pembrokeshire on the 13th December 2015. The carcass was found in a difficult location for retrieval so was investigated on-site. Diagonal parallel deep cuts were observed on the side of the tail-stock with the tail- fluke almost completely severed, Plate 3. The animal was in good nutritional status with a stomach full of squid (Loligo vulgaris or forbesii). Plate 4. Shows the stomach opened up and folded back revealing the mass of squid tightly packed in, all mantle first. Plate 3. Propeller cuts on the tail of SW2015/419. This dolphin was obviously very successful Photo by: Blaise Bullimore. at catching prey and was recently feeding. The cause of death was given as: Physical trauma, ship-strike.

SW2015/446 was an unidentified male mysticete found stranded at Ynyslas, Ceredigion on the 25th December 2015. The carcass was in a state of advanced decomposition with the remains measuring 8.2 metres. It was highly likely to be the remains of a minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) but recorded as ‘species unknown’ as confirmation of species was not possible due to decomposition. The carcass remained in situ for sometime attracting many sightseers over the holiday period. Although illegal, parts of the carcass were taken overnight presumably as trophies. Plate 4. Stomach contents of SW2015/419. The carcass was eventually removed by Photo by: CSIP-ZSL. NRW with assistance from the Receiver of Wreck.

Plate 5. SW2015/446 at Ynyslas. Photo by: Lin Gander.

15 4.4 Live Strandings.

Four live cetacean strandings were reported in 2015. These are listed below.

SW2015/224 was a 79cm female harbour porpoise reported live-stranded at Abergele, Conwy on the 19th June 2015. The animal died on the beach before veterinary assistance could be summoned and the carcass was recovered to NRW Bangor where it was frozen for later collection by CSIP. Cause of death was given as: Physical trauma, dystocia.

SW2015/236 was a neonate harbour porpoise reported live-stranded at Pwllheli, Gwynedd on the 4th July 2015. The animal was refloated before assistance arrived. No further information.

SW2015/299 was a 102cm male harbour porpoise reported live-stranded at Dinas Dinlle, Gwynedd on the 15nd August 2015. The porpoise was attended by the RSPCA and after veterinary assessment the animal was euthanased. The carcass was stored frozen at RSPCA Bryn Y Maen for later collection by CSIP. Cause of death was given as: Starvation/hypothermia.

SW2015/444 was a harbour porpoise reported live-stranded at Black Rock Sands, Gwynedd on the 5th December 2015. The animal was reported as bleeding but refloated by members of the public. No further information.

Several other animals were determined to have live-stranded on post-mortem examination (See Table 5).

4.5 Tagging.

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

1 Not allocated 6. 2 Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group. (CBMWG). 3 Sea Watch New Quay. 4 Sea Trust. 5 Friends of Cardigan Bay (FoCB, Sarns Project). 6 Ermol 5.

The tag can be conveniently tied around the tail-stock, pectoral fin or, in the case of advanced decomposition, any exposed rib. The purpose of these tags is to stop animals being recorded twice but also it is of interest to record the date/time and position when tagged and the eventual date and location of any landfall the carcass may make. Over time this may enable a better understanding of how these carcasses are affected by tidal currents and wind direction. No carcasses were tagged in 2015.

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

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5. OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK.

5.1 Marine Turtles.

There were six reports of stranded marine turtles and two reports of sightings of marine turtles received around the Welsh coast during 2015. The stranded turtles were a green turtle (Chelonia mydas) two Kemp’s Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) two loggerhead turtles (Caretta caretta) and a leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea). Both sightings were leatherback turtles. These are listed below.

Strandings.

T2015/026 was a Leatherback turtle reported stranded dead at Dyffryn Ardudwy beach, Gwynedd, on the 19th November 2015. The animal was in a state of advanced decomposition and was removed and disposed-of by the local authority.

T2015/028 was a green turtle reported stranded at Black Rock Sands, Gwynedd on the 6th December 2015. This animal represents the first ever recording of this species in Wales (TURTLE database). The carcass was collected for a full post-mortem examination within the CSIP and is currently stored frozen at ZSL awaiting examination.

T2015/031 was a Kemp’s Ridley turtle reported live-stranded at Aberystwyth, Ceredigion on the 12th December 2015. The turtle was collected by the Strandings Co- ordinator and a relay set-up involving Ellie West and Keith Hogben RSPCA to get the turtle to Plate 6. T2015/028 first green turtle reported in Wales. Bristol Aquarium to start its rehab process. With the turtle showing promise and responding to treatment over 12 days it was surprisingly found dead on the 26th December. The carcass was recovered to ZSL for a full post-mortem examination. The most significant finding at necropsy were extensive purulent lesions on the ventral mid-section of each lung and the cause of death was given as: bacterial pneumonia.

T2015/032 was a Kemp’s Ridley turtle reported dead at Harlech, Gwynedd on the 18th December 2015. The carcass was recovered to the NRW Bangor freezer and transported to ZSL were it is stored awaiting examination.

17 T2015/033 was a loggerhead turtle reported live-stranded on Caldey Island, Pembrokeshire on the 18th December 2015. Unfortunately, the weather was so severe at the time no crossing to or from the island could be undertaken. When a photograph arrived by email it became apparent that this would not be a rescue but a case of euthanasia as the animal had both front flippers missing. The weather continued to thwart any attempt to cross but the animal died without any intervention and was buried on the island.

T2015/036 was a loggerhead turtle reported dead at Newborough beach, Anglesey on the 27th December 2015. Unfortunately, the carcass went missing, presumably taken by the tide.

Sightings. Plate 7. T2015/033 on Caldey Island.

Photo by: MikeVlogs Daily. T2015/012 was a Leatherback turtle reported alive off Little Haven, Pembrokeshire, on the 29th August 2015.

T2015/016 was a Leatherback turtle reported alive off Penbryn beach, Ceredigion, on the 13th September 2015.

Further marine turtle reports outside of Wales can be found in the British Isles & Republic of Ireland Marine Turtle Strandings & Sightings Annual Reports at; http://www.strandings.com/Wales.html

5.2 Seals.

Seals have not been routinely investigated by the CSIP since 1994. However records of mortality of these species have been maintained and the figures for the Welsh coast can be found on page 12. Following two Phocine Distemper Virus (PDV) epizootic events affecting seals in the UK in 1988 and 2002, the then CSIP (The Collaborative UK Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings Project) and the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) were tasked to investigate the 2002 event and monitored the Atlantic grey seal and harbour seal together with selected post-mortem examinations. In Wales, PDV monitoring of the Atlantic grey seal was investigated by the CSIP/MEM and ran for 6 months from 13th August 2002 to 13th February 2003. In recent years, seal carcasses have been found in England and Scotland exhibiting cuts in the skin and blubber starting at the head and circumscribing the animal to the tail. These unusual injuries have been named helical, spiral or corkscrew cuts. These injuries are covered in greater detail in the 2012 Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings (Welsh Coast) annual report.

18 Attempts at securing funding for a scoping project to investigate the magnitude, any spatio-temporal patterns and identify the cause of this apparently emerging fatal interaction in Wales have not been successful. To confound this situation further, bull grey seals have been observed killing and feeding on grey seal pups producing similar injuries to corkscrew cuts. Additionally, a bull grey seal has been observed killing and predating on a harbour porpoise around Ramsey Island, Pembrokeshire.

SS2015/189 was a female Atlantic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) found stranded at Pembrey, Carmarthenshire on the 22nd August. Although we are currently only funded to maintain a database of records of dead seals and not to investigate causes of death on the Welsh coast I attended this one as it had been reported as shot with a spear-gun. On the first report I contacted the RSPCA who conducted a search but failed to find the carcass due to failing light. The next day the carcass was found by the Pembrey Country Park Rangers but the spear had been removed from the carcass and stuck in the sand next to the seal. Plate 8. shows the 2 foot spear with stainless steel hinged barb placed next to the carcass. Plate 8. Grey seal SS2015/189 with removed spear.

5.3 Sharks.

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

No basking sharks were reported during 2015.

6. SAMPLES.

The normal procedure for the taking of samples is from animals that have been taken for post-mortem examination. Additional to this, samples (mostly skin, muscle & teeth) have been taken from a further 6 animals during 2015 by the Strandings Co-ordinator and volunteers. Animals sampled are listed below.

Three harbour porpoises. Three common dolphins.

19 7. FUNDING.

Marine Environmental Monitoring continued to be funded in Wales by The Welsh Government (WG) contract during 2015. Defra, through the Zoological Society, London, continued to cover transportation costs.

A twelve month contract extension has been granted to the project which will enable it to continue until March 2017.

8. PUBLICITY.

The Strandings Web-site has been maintained to provide details of the ‘UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme’, although this is intended primarily for Wales. The pages can be viewed at www.strandings.com/ A ‘Seal’ and ‘Turtle’ page have been created on the site and related information and annual reports are posted here:- Seals: www.strandings.com/Seals.html Turtles: www.strandings.com/Turtlepage.html

Posters and leaflets produced to increase awareness of the project have continued to be distributed throughout the coast of Wales. Turtle Codes have also been distributed throughout the Welsh coast.

The UK CSIP web-site can be found at www.ukstrandings.org

A presentation on the work of the CSIP was given to members of Probus on the 22nd January. Regular talks were given to new volunteers at both Sea Watch Foundation, New Quay and Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre, New Quay.

9. LEGISLATION.

In 2007 new legislation came in to force, the "Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) (amendment) Regulations 2007". This makes changes to the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations 1994.

It is now prohibited by regulation 39(2)(a) and (b) to posses and transport dead specimens and/or derivatives of species listed on Annex IV to the EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) without a licence. Annex IV includes all cetaceans and all marine turtles.

Please note the "50 year" date applied to "worked specimens" of CITES listed species has now changed - from 1 June 1947 as previously used, to 3 March 1947. http://animalhealth.defra.gov.uk/cites/news/120131-cites-antiques-derogation.htm

For research and educational purposes the current licensing authorities are the three government statutory conservation bodies, Natural Resources Wales, Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage.

For possession of samples for research or educational purposes, licence cover should be obtained via the use of existing general licences or a specific licence. Information and application forms are available from the relevant organisations listed above.

However, the Birds and Habitats Directives may no longer apply with UK leaving the EU. This legislation and any new UK Directives brought in to replace these laws will need clarification in the months to come.

20 10. EQUIPMENT.

The 01348 875000 contact number is no longer maintained and completely changed to the new number 01239 683033. This now becomes part of the stepped menu system explained in 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS but can still be accessed and contacted directly if needed. The preferred method of contact for the general public is through the 0800 6520333 number which should filter out calls on live animals directly to British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) etc.

11. TRAVEL.

In excess of 5,408 miles were covered on the project in retrieval and transportation of animals in 2015. The European Cetacean Society conference in Malta 23rd – 25h March 2015 was attended.

12. ADMINISTRATION.

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

13. CAUSE OF DEATH.

The provisional causes of death for the 20 selected cetaceans in a suitable condition for necropsy in 2015 are given in Table 5. These carcasses underwent a full post-mortem examination at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) except SW2015/322 which was examined at a landfill site near Chippenham and SW2015/419 which was examined in-situ.

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 SW2015/006 Phocoena phocoena Denbighshire Rhyl Parasitism, gastric (heavy). SW2015/022 Delphinus delphis Pembrokeshire Freshwater West Vegetative endocarditis (Brucella ceti), pending histopathology SW2015/033 Delphinus delphis Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle Possible hydrocephalus (pending histopathology) SW2015/062 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Aberaeron Physical trauma, acute SW2015/112 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Port Dinorwic Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack SW2015/163 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Aberystwyth Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack SW2015/224 Phocoena phocoena Conwy Abergele Physical trauma, dystocia SW2015/240 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Clarach Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack SW2015/293 Phocoena phocoena Pembrokeshire Newport Physical trauma SW2015/298 Phocoena phocoena Neath Port Talbot Aberavon Starvation/hypothermia (neonate) SW2015/299 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle Starvation/hypothermia SW2015/302 Delphinus delphis Pembrokeshire Amroth Live stranding (pending histopathology) SW2015/310 Stenella coeruleoalba Pembrokeshire West Angle Bay Live stranding (possible) SW2015/322 Tursiops truncatus Ceredigion Clarach Physical trauma, by-catch SW2015/341 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Cwm Soden Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack SW2015/368 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Dulas Bay Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack SW2015/402 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Dinas Dinlle Physical trauma, by-catch (possible) SW2015/412 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Aberystwyth Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attack SW2015/419 Grampus griseus Pembrokeshire Freshwater West Physical trauma, ship-strike (probable) SW2015/422 Stenella coeruleoalba Pembrokeshire Newgale Live stranding (possible hydrocephalus)

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

Table 6.

Common name. Scientific name. Atlantic grey seal Halichoerus grypus Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatus Green turtle Chelonia mydas Harbour porpoise Phocoena phocoena Kemp's Ridley turtle Lepidochelys kempii Leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea Loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta Risso's dolphin Grampus griseus Short beaked common dolphin Delphinus delphis Striped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba

15. MATTERS ARISING.

T2012/001 is still held frozen awaiting examination at ZSL.

16. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

Marine Environmental Monitoring wishes to acknowledge the following:

Paul Newman, Lin Gander, Sal Shipley, Steve Hartley, Sarah Perry, Cliff Benson, Dan Worth, Ron Jones, Glyn Jones, Clive Morgan, Judith Oakley, Nia Jones, Keith Hogben, Ellie West and Phil Lewis for their support with the project and help in retrieving animals.

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

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

Welsh Government & Defra for providing funds towards the project.

17. APPENDICES.

Appendix 1. Cetacean stranding data 2015. Appendix 2. Marine turtle data 2015. Appendix 3. Seal data 2015.

22 Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Family/Genus Sex Length Condition Date County Locality Grid SW2015/006 Y Phocoena phocoena F 163 freshly dead (code 2a) 06-Jan-15 Denbighshire Rhyl SH 995 811 SW2015/020 N Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 11-Jan-15 SS 510 870 SW2015/021 N Delphinus delphis F 160 moderate decomposition (code 3) 16-Jan-15 Swansea SS 625 871 SW2015/022 Y Delphinus delphis F 173 moderate decomposition (code 3) 16-Jan-15 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 881 003 SW2015/025 N Unknown -9 moderate-advanced decomposition 19-Jan-15 Vale of Glamorgan Aberthaw ST 000 664 SW2015/032 N Delphinus delphis U -9 (code 3-4) 21-Jan-15 Pembrokeshire West Angle Bay SM 853 031 SW2015/033 Y Delphinus delphis M 168 freshly dead (code 2a) 27-Jan-15 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 431 583 SW2015/059 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 06-Feb-15 Gwynedd Aberdesach SH 424 514 SW2015/060 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 15-Feb-15 Anglesey Penmon SH 629 796 SW2015/061 N Phocoena phocoena M 155 moderate decomposition (code 3) 16-Feb-15 Anglesey Menai Bridge SH 563 729 SW2015/062 Y Phocoena phocoena F 124 freshly dead (code 2a) 22-Feb-15 Ceredigion Aberaeron SN 452 626 SW2015/096 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 25-Feb-15 Anglesey GlanCemlyn Dwr Plas Penrhyn SH 331 940 SW2015/097 N Phocoena phocoena U moderate-advancedadvanced decomposition decomposition (code 4) 26-Feb-15 Anglesey Dwryan LL616LQ SH 456 635 SW2015/098 N Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate-advanced(code 3-4) decomposition 06-Mar-15 Swansea Horton SS 475 855 SW2015/099 N Delphinus delphis M 164 moderate-advanced(code 3-4) decomposition 08-Mar-15 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SM 860 135 SW2015/100 N Delphinus delphis U -9 (code 3-4) 11-Mar-15 Swansea SS 413 900 SW2015/101 N Delphinus delphis F 219 advanced decomposition (code 4) 16-Mar-15 Pembrokeshire Freshwater East SS 018 974 SW2015/111 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 19-Mar-15 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 525 695 SW2015/112 Y Phocoena phocoena M 122 slight decomposition (code 2b) 01-Apr-15 Gwynedd Port Dinorwic SH 524 680 SW2015/158 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 04-Apr-15 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 380 010 SW2015/159 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 06-Apr-15 Flintshire Talare SJ 120 850 SW2015/160 N Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 12-Apr-15 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 284 261 SW2015/161 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 18-Apr-15 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 900 SW2015/162 N Unknown U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 23-Apr-15 Flintshire Talacre SJ 125 845 SW2015/163 Y Phocoena phocoena M 106 moderate decomposition (code 3) 25-Apr-15 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 583 821 SW2015/164 N Unknown U -9 unknown 30-Apr-15 Anglesey Aberffraw SH 355 680 SW2015/165 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 07-May-15 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 603 940 SW2015/166 N Phocoena phocoena M 120 freshly dead (code 2a) 13-May-15 Gwynedd Plas Menai SH 499 658 SW2015/167 N Delphinus delphis M 152 moderate decomposition (code 3) 22-May-15 Gwynedd Aberdesach SH 424 514 SW2015/168 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 24-May-15 Glamorgan Porthcawl SS 800 780 SW2015/169 N Phocoena phocoena M 75 moderate-advancedmoderate decomposition decomposition (code 3) 25-May-15 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH 318 725 SW2015/170 N Phocoena phocoena F 178 (code 3-4) 27-May-15 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 530 699 SW2015/171 N Phocoena phocoena F 138 advanced decomposition (code 4) 29-May-15 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 603 940 SW2015/172 N Phocoena phocoena M 138 moderate-advancedslight decomposition decomposition(code 2b) 29-May-15 Ceredigion Aberarth SN 478 640 SW2015/218 N Phocoena phocoena U 75 (code 3-4) 05-Jun-15 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH 320 724 SW2015/221 N Delphinus delphis U -9 moderate-advancedunknown decomposition 07-Jun-15 Anglesey Port y Garan SH 257 771 SW2015/219 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 (code 3-4) 08-Jun-15 Gwynedd Tonfanau SH 560 034 SW2015/220 N Unknown U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 10-Jun-15 Swansea Rhossili SS 410 905 SW2015/222 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 14-Jun-15 Gwynedd Nefyn SH 300 408 SW2015/223 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 15-Jun-15 Anglesey Sandy Beach SH 285 850 SW2015/224 Y Phocoena phocoena F 79 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 19-Jun-15 Conwy Abergele SH 936 784 SW2015/226 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 19-Jun-15 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH 530 370 SW2015/225 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 19-Jun-15 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 530 700 SW2015/227 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 28-Jun-15 Gwynedd Harlech SH 560 330

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetacean 2015 Page 1 Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Family/Genus Sex Length Condition Date County Locality Grid SW2015/228 N Phocoena phocoena U 152 moderate decomposition (code 3) 30-Jun-15 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 359 062 SW2015/230 N Phocoena phocoena M 75 slight decomposition (code 2b) 01-Jul-15 Swansea Rhossili SS 410 910 SW2015/229 N Phocoena phocoena F 137 moderate decomposition (code 3) 01-Jul-15 Swansea Rhossili SS 410 910 SW2015/236 N Phocoena phocoena U 75 alive- refloated (code 1) 04-Jul-15 Gwynedd Pwllheli SH 380 342 SW2015/235 N Phocoena phocoena M 75 moderate decomposition (code 3) 04-Jul-15 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH 528 372 SW2015/237 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 07-Jul-15 Vale of Glamorgan Ogmore by Sea SS 860 750 SW2015/288 N Phocoena phocoena U 75 slight decomposition (code 2b) 07-Jul-15 Gwynedd Llandanwg SH 567 280 SW2015/239 N Phocoena phocoena M 75 advanced decomposition (code 4) 11-Jul-15 Conwy Kinmel Bay SH 985 806 SW2015/238 N Phocoena phocoena M 130 advanced decomposition (code 4) 11-Jul-15 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 582 828 SW2015/240 Y Phocoena phocoena F 139 slight decomposition (code 2b) 12-Jul-15 Ceredigion Clarach SN 586 837 SW2015/289 N Unknown U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 24-Jul-15 Swansea Gower SS 535 878 SW2015/291 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 29-Jul-15 Vale of Glamorgan Nash Point SS 913 687 SW2015/290 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advancedunknown decomposition 29-Jul-15 Anglesey Cemlyn Bay SH 329 935 SW2015/292 N Grampus griseus U -9 (code 3-4) 30-Jul-15 Ceredigion Off New Quay SN 400 640 SW2015/293 Y Phocoena phocoena M 151 moderate-advancedslight decomposition decomposition(code 2b) 31-Jul-15 Pembrokeshire Newport SN 053 409 SW2015/294 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 (code 3-4) 31-Jul-15 Swansea Oxwich Bay SS 503 866 SW2015/296 N Delphinus delphis M -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 01-Aug-15 Gwynedd Barmouth SH 605 163 SW2015/295 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 05-Aug-15 Bridgend Trecco Bay SS 830 765 SW2015/297 N Grampus griseus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 06-Aug-15 Gwynedd Abersoch SH 320 295 SW2015/298 Y Phocoena phocoena F 83 slight decomposition (code 2b) 11-Aug-15 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon SS 745 893 SW2015/299 Y Phocoena phocoena M 102 freshly dead (code 2a) 15-Aug-15 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 435 564 SW2015/300 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 18-Aug-15 Gwynedd Aberdesach SH 424 514 SW2015/302 Y Delphinus delphis F 109 slight decomposition (code 2b) 21-Aug-15 Pembrokeshire Amroth SN 163 069 SW2015/301 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 21-Aug-15 Swansea Slade Bay SS 487 854 SW2015/310 Y Stenella coeruleoalba F 181 moderate decomposition (code 3) 25-Aug-15 Pembrokeshire West Angle Bay SM 853 032 SW2015/321 N Tursiops truncatus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 27-Aug-15 Gwynedd Cae du SH 565 060 SW2015/322 Y Tursiops truncatus M 255 moderate decomposition (code 3) 03-Sep-15 Ceredigion Clarach SN 587 837 SW2015/339 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 14-Sep-15 Cardiff Flat Holm Island ST 222 646 SW2015/340 N Delphinus delphis F 119 advanced decomposition (code 4) 18-Sep-15 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM 849 216 SW2015/341 Y Phocoena phocoena F 104 moderate-advancedslight decomposition decomposition(code 2b) 19-Sep-15 Ceredigion Cwm Soden SN 362 583 SW2015/342 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 (code 3-4) 21-Sep-15 Carmarthenshire Pendine SN 236 078 SW2015/343 N Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 22-Sep-15 Ceredigion Llanon SN 506 673 SW2015/344 N Delphinus delphis U 226 advanced decomposition (code 4) 28-Sep-15 Pembrokeshire Caerfai Bay SM 761 243 SW2015/368 Y Phocoena phocoena F 126 slight decomposition (code 2b) 19-Oct-15 Anglesey Dulas Bay SH 480 880 SW2015/397 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advancedadvanced decomposition decomposition (code 4) 20-Oct-15 Bridgend Porthcawl SS 830 765 SW2015/398 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 (code 3-4) 26-Oct-15 Conwy Pensarn Beach SH 955 794 SW2015/399 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 27-Oct-15 Vale of Glamorgan Llantwit Major SS 955 674 SW2015/401 N Phocoena phocoena M -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 23-Nov-15 Pembrokeshire Monkstone Beach SN 145 034 SW2015/402 Y Phocoena phocoena F 109 slight decomposition (code 2b) 24-Nov-15 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 434 562 SW2015/412 Y Phocoena phocoena F 128 moderate decomposition (code 3) 01-Dec-15 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 579 811 SW2015/444 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 alive- refloated (code 1) 05-Dec-15 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH 540 363 SW2015/419 Y Grampus griseus F 270 slight decomposition (code 2b) 13-Dec-15 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 879 006 SW2015/445 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 13-Dec-15 Swansea SS 610 873 SW2015/422 Y Stenella coeruleoalba M 180 slight decomposition (code 2b) 14-Dec-15 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM 854 197

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetacean 2015 Page 2 Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Family/Genus Sex Length Condition Date County Locality Grid SW2015/446 N Unknown M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 25-Dec-15 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 606 946 SW2015/447 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 26-Dec-15 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 603 935 SW2015/448 N Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 26-Dec-15 Pembrokeshire Marloes Sands SM 785 073

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetacean 2015 Page 3 Appendix 2.

RecordKey PM SpeciesCodeSightStrandAliveDead StartDate Country County Location GridReference Notes ReportBy

T2015/012 N LBT SEA ALIVE 29/08/2015 WALES PEMBROKESHIRE 1000m off Gold Trop Bay, north of Little Haven Seen at 3 metres from boat Jack White T2015/016 N LBT SEA ALIVE 13/09/2015 WALES CEREDIGION off Penbryn beach Seen from beach 8-12m from shoreline. 2.5m long. A swimmer was in the water! Eventually moved north up coast. Emily Martin & Julie Hanks T2015/026 N LBT ST DEAD 19/11/2015 WALES Gwynedd Dyffryn Ardudwy beach SH560236 Collected by Council then buried as decomposing. 5 x 3 ft Helen Ashcroft T2015/028 Y GT ST DEAD 06/12/2015 WALES Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH531368 Collected by Harbour Master. Passed to RSPCA Colwyn Bay and frozen awaiting collectiom by MEM/CSIP and PM. Malcolm Humfries T2015/031 Y KR ST ALIVE 12/12/2015 WALES CEREDIGION Aberystwyth SN580816 Taken home and collected by MEM. Passed to RSPCA and relayed to Bristol Aquarium. Died in rehab. Kevin Williams/David Meissner T2015/032 Y KR ST DEAD 18/12/2015 WALES Gwynedd Harlech SH571298 Collected and stored frozen by NRW Warden Rhodri Dafydd. Rhodri Dafydd NRW T2015/033 N LOG ST ALIVE 18/12/2015 WALES PEMBROKESHIRE Caldey Island SS141966 Live stranded, both front flippers missing (healed injuries) collected by finder but unable to transport to mainland due to stormy weather. Died 20th Dec and buried on island. Gilli Graham BDLMR T2015/036 N LOG ST DEAD 27/12/2015 WALES ANGLESEY Penrhos Beach Newborough SH389639 Dead with damage to eyes and neck. Last seen at 12.00pm…….went missing could not collect. Kaye Bee, David Lee-Wilson

Marine Environmental Monitoring Turtles 2015 Page 1 Appendix 3.

SS_No pm species Sex Length (head-tail) Condition Date County Locality Grid_ref SS2015/058 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 02/02/2015 Carmarthenshire RAF Pembrey SN 363 043 SS2015/059 0 Halichoerus grypus F -9 unknown 01/02/2015 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 881 002 SS2015/060 0 Halichoerus grypus F -9 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 20/02/2015 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 883 000 SS2015/061 0 Halichoerus grypus M slight decomposition (code 2b) 21/02/2015 Ceredigion Llangrannog SN 310 543 SS2015/072 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 05/02/2015 Pembrokeshire Tenby SN 135 001 SS2015/073 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 03/03/2015 Pembrokeshire Little Furznip. SR 884 992 SS2015/086 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 19/03/2015 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 260 280 SS2015/116 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 04/04/2015 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM 847 220 SS2015/117 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 09/04/2015 Gwynedd Aberdesach SH 424 514 SS2015/118 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 29/05/2015 Ceredigion Clarach SN 586 838 SS2015/119 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 29/05/2015 Ceredigion Clarach SH 586 838 SS2015/136 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 31/05/2015 Ceredigion Mwnt SN 193 519 SS2015/137 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 16/06/2015 Gwynedd Clynnog Fawr SH 408 498 SS2015/140 0 Halichoerus grypus U 106 unknown 11/07/2015 Gwynedd Llanbedrog SH 336 310 SS2015/181 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 27/07/2015 Carmarthenshire St Ishmael SN 364 074 SS2015/182 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 28/07/2015 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 890 SS2015/183 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 04/08/2015 Gwynedd Pwllheli SH 386 343 SS2015/184 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 05/08/2015 Carmarthenshire Burry Port SN 444 002 SS2015/187 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 21/08/2015 Swansea Slade Bay SS 487 855 SS2015/189 0 Halichoerus grypus F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 22/08/2015 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SS 425 990 SS2015/199 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 01/09/2015 Ceredigion Aberarth SN 470 638 SS2015/200 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 03/09/2015 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 889 SS2015/219 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 14/09/2015 Gwynedd Abersoch SH 315 285 SS2015/220 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 18/09/2015 Pembrokeshire Cwm-yr-Eglwys SN 017 401 SS2015/221 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 20/09/2015 Pembrokeshire St Justinians SM 723 251 SS2015/222 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 23/09/2015 Ceredigion Cwmtydu SN 355 576 SS2015/237 0 Halichoerus grypus F -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 06/10/2015 Gwynedd Abersoch SH 315 290 SS2015/238 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 07/10/2015 Gwynedd Aberdaron SH 180 260 SS2015/239 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 10/10/2015 Pembrokeshire Freshwater East SS 020 980 SS2015/240 0 Halichoerus grypus U 100 freshly dead (code 2a) 14/10/2015 Gwynedd Aberdovey SN 582 993 SS2015/291 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 23/10/2015 Pembrokeshire Whitesands Bay SM 733 270 SS2015/292 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 23/10/2015 Pembrokeshire Whitesands Bay SM 733 270 SS2015/293 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 23/10/2015 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM 850 215 SS2015/294 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 26/10/2015 Pembrokeshire Penally SS 125 990 SS2015/295 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 27/10/2015 Gwynedd Aberdaron SH 180 260 SS2015/296 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 16/11/2015 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 603 940 SS2015/297 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 17/11/2015 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon SS 740 900 SS2015/298 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 18/11/2015 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon SS 740 900 SS2015/299 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 18/11/2015 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 579 811 SS2015/300 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 23/11/2015 Ceredigion Llangrannog SN 311 543 SS2015/301 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 25/11/2015 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 582 820 SS2015/302 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 25/11/2015 Ceredigion Llangrannog SN 310 542

Marine Enviromental Monitoring Seals 2015 Page 1 Appendix 3.

SS_No pm species Sex Length (head-tail) Condition Date County Locality Grid_ref SS2015/313 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 28/11/2015 Pembrokeshire Newport SN 051 401 SS2015/314 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 03/12/2015 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 900 SS2015/393 0 Halichoerus grypus M -9 unknown 04/12/2015 Gwynedd Hells Mouth SH 265 276 SS2015/394 0 Halichoerus grypus F -9 unknown 04/12/2015 Gwynedd Hells Mouth SH 265 276 SS2015/395 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 17/12/2015 Swansea SS 410 910 SS2015/396 0 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 13/12/2015 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 603 930

Marine Enviromental Monitoring Seals 2015 Page 2