www.strandings.com

Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings (Welsh Coast) Annual Report 2001

R.S.Penrose. January 2002

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

REPORT DISTRIBUTION.

Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science. R. J. Law Countryside Council for Wales. Dr A. McMath R. Pratt Environment Agency. R. Miln Institute of Zoology. P. Jepson Local Authorities. Anglesey M. Mothersole 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 B. Sharp Swansea D. Smith Vale of Glamorgan M. Humphries Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Swansea Milford Haven Holyhead Natural History Museum. R. Sabin Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. J. Hodges Snowdonia National Park Authority. R. Gritten University College Cork. Dr E. Rogan University of Liverpool. Dr J.R. Baker Welsh Assembly. Dr H. Prosser

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CONTENTS

Page 1 INTRODUCTION 4

2 MATERIALS AND METHODS 4

2.1 Live Animals. 5 2.2 Dead Animals. 5

3 RESULTS 6

3.1 Marine Mammals. 6 3.2 Unusual Occurrences. 7 3.3 Live Strandings 9 3.4 Bottlenose Dolphin Attacks. 10

4 OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK 11

4.1 Turtles. 11

5 FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE 12

6 SAMPLES 13

7 FUNDING 15

8 PUBLICITY 15

9 EQUIPMENT 15

10 TRAVEL 15

11 ADMINISTRATION 15

12 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 15

13 APPENDICES 16

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List of Tables.

Table 1. 2001 Total number of reported Marine Mammal Strandings (Welsh Coast). 6

Table 2. 2001 Number of Live Cetacean Strandings (Welsh Coast). 6

Table 3. 2001 Number of Animals suitable for post-mortem

examination (Welsh Coast). 6

Table 4. 2001 Number of Animals decomposed / disposed of. (Welsh Coast). 7

List of Figures.

Reported Harbour porpoise strandings from the Figure 1. Welsh coast. 7

Figure 2. Porpoises killed by Bottlenose dolphins from the Welsh coast. 10

Figure 3. All 28 porpoises killed by Bottlenose dolphins from 1995-2001 are plotted on the Welsh coast. 11

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1. 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). The UK DEFRA contract is held by the Natural History Museum (NHM), with research being co-ordinated in England and Wales by the Institute of Zoology (IOZ) and the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) in Scotland. A number of other organisations are involved with the collaboration which include Marine Environmental Monitoring (MEM), the Centre for Environmental Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (CEFAS), the University College Cork and the Department of Agriculture for Northern Ireland. Post-mortem examinations of Welsh strandings are carried out by the Department of Veterinary Pathology, University of Liverpool and the Institute of Zoology, London. In addition to pathological and related investigations, a range of frozen and fixed material, collected post-mortem, are currently archived at the Institute of Zoology. As from 2001, marine turtles have been included within the project and dead carcasses have been 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 are kept by the Welsh Strandings Co-ordinator. Cetacean records are passed to Richard Sabin for correlation at the NHM. 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.

Funding towards this project in Wales has been provided by the Welsh Assembly through the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) and DEFRA through the Institute of Zoology, London. Support of certain items of equipment has been provided by the Environment Agency.

2. MATERIALS AND METHODS

A 24 hour Strandings Answerphone (01348 875000), is interrogated at regular intervals. A message requests callers to leave details of the stranding and location, along with their name and contact phone number, so they can be reached if confirmation of details are required. (If the stranding is a live stranding then a message on the Answerphone 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.

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The following criteria are applied: -

2.1 Live Animals

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

2.2 Dead Animals

(Condition code 2a extremely fresh as if just died) 1 (Condition code 2b slight decomposition) 1 The animal is retrieved using a 4-wheel drive vehicle and trailer. Health and safety precautions are followed with the animal only being handled with gloved hands. It is then taken immediately for post-mortem examination. .

(Condition code 3 moderate decomposition)1 The animal is retrieved using a 4-wheel drive vehicle and trailer. Health and safety precautions are followed with the animal only being handled with gloved hands. Preferably it is taken immediately for post-mortem examination. Storage at +40 Celsius is permissible for a maximum of 1 week.

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

All live and dead stranded cetaceans are reported to the NHM and are allocated a “SW” number. All dead seals are reported to the IOZ and are allocated an “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 IOZ 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.

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

3. RESULTS

3.1 Marine Mammals

Table 1. 2001 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 000010101110 5 Common dolphin 220100220201 12 Common/Striped dolphin 000000100000 1 Risso's dolphin 000000001010 2 Striped dolphin 100000000000 1 Harbour porpoise 1422121516971583 94 Cetacean sp. Indent. 120012210000 9 Total cetaceans 582314172212918104 124 Grey seal 220033761233164 88

Total animals 7 10 2 3 17 20 29 18 21 51 26 8 212

Table 2. 2001 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Common dolphin 100000000000 1 Harbour porpoise 001100110000 4 Cetacean sp. Indent. 000000110000 2

Total animals 101100220000 7

Of the 124 cetacean strandings 5.6% live stranded (7 animals). Under post-mortem examination a larger number were determined as having live stranded.

Table 3. 2001 Number of animals suitable for post-mortem examination.

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Common dolphin 100000000000 1 Harbour porpoise 002113554441 30 Risso's dolphin 000000001000 1

Total animals 102113555441 32

Of the 124 cetacean strandings, 25.8% (32 animals) were suitable for post-mortem examination. In addition, one Grey seal was also taken for post-mortem examination.

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Table 4.

2001 Number of Animals decomposed / disposed of. (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL Bottlenose dolphin 000010101110 5 Common dolphin 020100220201 10 Risso's dolphin 000000000010 1 Harbour porpoise 1350011831631 42 Cetacean sp. Indent. 000011000000 2 Total cetaceans 15512121152952 60 Grey seal 22003374833124 78 Total animals 37515151891042176 138

Of the 212 strandings, 65% (138 animals) were decomposed and the relevant local council contacted for safe disposal of remains. Funding for seals again was limited throughout the year and this is reflected in the relatively high numbers of animals passed to local councils for safe disposal.

The remaining 19.8% (42 animals) were confirmed reports but were found alive and returned to the sea, or were unable to be retrieved or disposed of due to various reasons. i.e. no access to stranding, washed away or retrospective reports.

100 Numbers of strandings increased again in 2001 as indicated by the reported Harbour 80 porpoise strandings shown in Figure 1. 60 It is not clear if the increase in reported 40 porpoise strandings each year is as a result of number increasing awareness by the general public of 20 the Strandings Project. Certainly, porpoises 0 killed by Bottlenose dolphins would appear

to be an increasing factor in the last few 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 years (Figure 2) page 10. Year

Figure 1. Reported Harbour porpoise strandings from the Welsh coast.

3.2 Unusual Occurrences

SW2001/12 a freshly dead common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) was found floating in the Menai Straits. The blowhole was completely blocked by seaweed. The carcass was retrieved with the help of Alan Salisbury, Dave Grove, Ivor Rees and John Goold. The carcass was delivered to Dr John Baker for post-mortem examination by Dr Mandy McMath.

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SW2001/40 was reported by staff at Swansea University who had been given the animal by a local authority beach cleaner. Unfortunately, students at the university had carried out a cursory investigation of the reproductive organs of this female harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) before the carcass was reported to the project. The frozen remains were retrieved for post-mortem examination within the UK project. Both Swansea leisure department and staff at Swansea University were written to, to inform them of correct reporting procedure and of the Collaborative UK Research Project.

SW2001/234 although this animal did not strand on the Welsh coast its close proximity and rarity are worthy of note. This animal, a male killer whale (Orcinus orca) live- stranded in the River Mersey on the 8th October. The Welsh Strandings Co-ordinator assisted staff from NHM, IoZ and Liverpool University with a post-mortem examination on the mud flats.

photo by Rob Deaville IoZ.

SW2001/242 a female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) in a state of advanced decomposition was reported stranded at Pwllheli on the 18th October. The animal had indications that samples of skin and blubber had been taken when the carcass had stranded at a previous location, probably several weeks prior. A request for information and discussion with other researchers on the List server UKCetnet and European Cetacean Society discussion server did not reveal any information on the previous stranding of this animal.

The remains of female Bottlenose dolphin SW2001/242 showing cut edges in blubber from a previous sample?

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SW2001/251 was a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) found stranded at Port Talbot on the 9th November. This animal had quite clearly been by-caught in monofilament netting. This had once been the major cause of death on the Welsh coast for porpoises but recently it has become an unusual occurrence.

Harbour porpoise SW2001/251 showing cuts around the mouth, pectoral fin and indentations in the skin over the head and body caused by monofilament netting.

3.3 Live Strandings

SW2001/15a was a live-stranded common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) reported on the 20th January, which had stranded at , Ceredigion. The RSPCA with veterinarian support attended. Terry Leadbetter of Welsh Marine Life Rescue (WMLR) also attended. The dolphin was released before arrival of WMLR or myself and after a period of what appeared to be uncoordinated activity by the dolphin, the animal eventually swam away. No further information.

SW2001/62 was a live-stranded harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) reported on the 21st March, which had stranded at Angle Bay, Pembrokeshire. RSPCA with veterinary assistance attended and the animal was eventually euthanased and taken for post-mortem examination.

SW2001/84 was a live-stranded harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) reported on the 21st April, which had stranded entangled in fishing gear at Harlech, Gwynedd. Inspector Phil Lewis, RSPCA attended and de-entangled the animal and successfully returned it to the sea. No further information.

SW2001/143a was a live-stranded cetacean reported on the 8th July, which had stranded at Newborough Warren, Anglesey. The animal was put back in the sea by the public before the arrival of the RSPCA. The animal re-stranded the following day and again was put back in the sea by the public. No identification of species available. No further information.

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SW2001/150 was a live-stranded neonate harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) reported on the 12th July at Cemaes Bay, Anglesey. Claire White, Anglesey Sea Zoo attended. The animal’s behaviour was uncoordinated but became stronger and was escorted to deeper water as it could not be re-caught. The animal re-appeared on the next tide later the same day and was again escorted to deeper water by a canoeist. No further information.

SW2001/181 no positive identification on species was possible on this animal other than it was a cetacean. The animal stranded at Rhyl, Flintshire on the 28th July and was refloated by members of the public. No sign of animal on arrival of RSPCA. No further information.

SW2001/186 was a harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) reported on the 5th August at Oxwich Bay on the Gower. The animal was reported in very shallow water but not found by the RSPCA due to lack of daylight. A fresh male porpoise 1.49 metres long was found dead on Oxwich the next day and taken for post-mortem examination.

3.4 Bottlenose dolphin Attacks.

Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) were continued to be found through 2001 that had died of injuries consistent with attack by one or more Bottlenose dolphin (Jepson & Baker 1998).

A particularly clear example of Bottlenose dolphin rake marks on a Harbour porpoise tail stock from . The marks measure approximately 11mm apart. The photograph on the right shows broken ribs protruding into the pleural cavity, typical damage to the rib cage caused by dolphin ramming.

10 Not all Harbour porpoise killed by 8 Bottlenose dolphin exhibit rake marks or 6 other external indications. Full examination 4

at post-mortem is the only way to positively number identify this cause of death. The unique 2 combination of injuries diagnostic of 0 Bottlenose dolphin kills, enabled an

additional porpoise, killed in 1991, to be 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 identified following a search through Year archived post-mortem examination reports. Figure 2. Porpoises killed by Bottlenose dolphins from the Welsh coast. 10

The plots of all identified harbour porpoises killed by bottlenose dolphin to date have been plotted in Figure 3. 4 All the carcasses were found in except for one animal which was found at Trefor beach, Gwynedd. This carcass was in a fresh condition which would indicate it had not travelled far. Cardigan Bay is one of the few accepted home ranges around the UK for resident populations of Bottlenose dolphins. 3

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2 3 Figure 3. All 28 porpoises killed by Bottlenose dolphin from 1995-2001 are plotted on the Welsh coast.

SW2000/174 This porpoise was found at Black Rock Sands in 2000. The post- A possible bite mark on the flank of a porpoise killed mortem examination determined the by Bottlenose dolphin. animal had been killed by Bottlenose dolphin. Two unusual marks were found on the flank of the animal. Under close examination each mark was found to consist of three puncture wounds. An adult Bottlenose dolphin jaw was photographed at the Natural History Museum and overlaid the photograph of the porpoise at the same scale. The width of the jaw, angle and tooth spacings indicate that these marks could have been caused by this species.

4. OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK.

4.1 Turtles

As from 2001, marine turtles have been included within the project and dead carcasses have been routinely collected wherever possible for post-mortem examination. Dead turtles are not afforded the same legal status as dead cetaceans (Royal Fishes, which are the property of the Crown). In a few cases the finder/fisherman has not released the turtle carcass for post-mortem examination and decided to keep the carcass as a “trophy”.

Around the coast of Wales, six marine turtles were reported to the network. These were all reported as leatherback turtles (Dermochelys coriacea). Of the six animals, four were live sightings at sea and two were dead strandings. The dead strandings are listed below.

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T2001/8 a leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) in a state of advanced decomposition was reported at Amroth, Pembrokeshire on the 19th August. Skin taken for DNA.

T2001/19 part of leatherback turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) carapace found at , Ceredigion on the 19th November. Skin taken for DNA.

5. FOOT & MOUTH DISEASE (FMD).

Due to FMD the cold store located at Fishguard was not accessible to the project as it is located on farmland.

SW2001/94 a harbour porpoise killed by Bottlenose dolphin was successfully held stored in ice for several days with the repeated help of the Cardigan branch of Tesco’s during a hot period in May.

SW2001/94 Held in an open trailer during hot weather, covered in ice kindly supplied by Tesco. A result of FMD causing the cold store at Fishguard to be inaccessible.

SW2001/97 a fresh harbour porpoise that was moved from its stranding site by a well meaning individual, was not immediately found and consequently missed the opportunity for a post-mortem examination when pathologists were available. As a result the animal was lost to the project as no cold-storage facilities were available due to FMD.

Neonates that were able to fit into a domestic freezer were being frozen. This is an unsatisfactory procedure also brought about by lack of cold storage.

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Negotiations are currently underway with QinetiQ, formerly DERA, for temporary storage facilities at their Aberporth site. Funds for a refrigerated vehicle are still being sought.

6. SAMPLES.

The normal procedure for the taking of samples is from fresh animals that have been taken for post-mortem examination. Samples of muscle have continued to be taken by the Strandings Co-ordinator from animals which would normally have been disposed of. These samples have been stored at –200 C for later radionuclide comparisons with samples taken in Ireland. Since 1998 skin has also has been collected from these cetacean carcasses and archived at –200 C for IOZ, hopefully for later DNA analysis. The following Bottlenose dolphins found stranded were deemed too decomposed for useful post-mortem examination but the following samples were taken by the Strandings Co- ordinator.

SW2001/114 a female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) 3.25 metres long reported on the 28th May. This animal was removed from its stranding site at Borth to the council depot at . A small cetacean found with the animal (shown) could not be identified but may have been its calf. Skin was taken from both animals for future DNA analysis. Samples of skin, muscle, liver, heartblood and stomachs taken.

SW2001/177 a male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) 2.36 metres long reported on the 26th July. This animal was reported at Afonwen on the Lleyn Penninsula. Samples of skin, muscle, blubber, and lower jaw taken. The remains were disposed of by the Local Authority.

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SW2001/201 was a female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) 2.90 metres long reported on the 3rd of September. This animal was reported at Southerndown, Vale of Glamorgan. There were two large indentations around the animal as if made by ropes. The carcass could not be removed from the site due to lack of access. Samples of skin, muscle and blubber taken and the carcass was left to decompose naturally.

SW2001/242 a female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) 2.93 metres long reported on the 18th October. This animal was reported at Pwllheli, Gwynedd. The animal had obviously stranded elsewhere as samples had already been taken previously by persons unknown. Skin and blubber had been taken from the tailstock as well as the chest (see 3.2 Unusual Occurrences SW2001/242). Samples of skin, muscle, blubber, liver, kidney, stomachs, PCF and lower jaw taken. The remains were disposed of by the Local Authority.

SW2001/261 a male bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) 3.10 metres long reported on the 27th November. This animal was reported at , Ceredigion. Samples of skin, muscle, testes, liver, kidney, stomachs and PCF taken. The remains were disposed of by the Local Authority.

Skin from UK turtle strandings has also been sampled and stored in alcohol at –200 C.

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7. FUNDING.

The Welsh Assembly/ Countryside Council for Wales contract continues until 31st March 2003.

DEFRA, through the Institute of Zoology, London, continue to cover transportation costs and the Environment Agency has also maintained support of a high-powered microscope.

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. Morphometrics for turtles has been added to the site at www.strandings.com/biometrics.html Posters and leaflets produced to increase awareness of the project have continued to be distributed throughout the coast of Wales. Turtle Codes produced by CCW have also been distributed throughout the Welsh coast.

The national magazine, “Land Rover enthusiast”, covered the work of the Land Rover on the Strandings Project in their December 2001 issue. Appendix 3.

9. EQUIPMENT.

The battery in the Quad bike failed, out of warranty in May, but was kindly replaced as a donation by Nick Davies, Yamaha Farm Bikes Ltd, Pembrokeshire.

10. TRAVEL.

In excess of 15,000 miles were covered by the Strandings Co-ordinator in retrieval and transportation of animals in 2001.

The European Cetacean Society Conference in Rome on the 6th – 10th May 2001 was attended.

11. ADMINISTRATION.

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

12. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS.

Gerry Jones, Paul Newman, Lin Gander, Jemma Lerwill, John Goold, Sal Shipley and Emily Dicks for their support with the project and help in retrieving animals.

Robin Pratt for providing support and base of operations at Fishguard

Strandings Network volunteers, too numerous to mention for their help confirming, reporting

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and securing animals for collection.

Tesco’s, Cardigan for supplying ice, free of charge, for the storage of animals during the FMD outbreak.

Nick Davies, Yamaha Farm Bikes Ltd for donation of Quad bike battery.

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

13. APPENDICES.

Appendix 1. Cetacean stranding data for 2001. Appendix 2. Atlantic Grey Seal stranding data for 2001. Appendix 3. Land Rover enthusiast article.

16 Appendix 1.

SW Number Family/Genus species Sex Length Condition Date County Locality Grid Reported by Comment SW2001/014a Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 16-Jan-2001 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH514378 Ivor Rees Local authority informed for disposal. SW2001/015a Delphinus delphis ? ? live 20-Jan-2001 Ceredigion Llanrhstud SN527695 Terry Leadbetter Animal returned to the sea by RSPCA. SW2001/012 Delphinus delphis F 2.08 fresh 14-Jan-2001 Gwynedd Menai Straits SH582738 Alan Salsbury SW2001/024e Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? moderate decomposition 27-Jan-2001 Gwynedd Aberdaron SH216230 Nick Harris Animal washed away. SW2001/025b Stenella coeruleoalba ? 1.70 slight decomposition 28-Jan-2001 Ceredigion Aberwenole SN602885 Milford Haven C.G. Confirmed by Mike Bailey Ynyslas warden.Unable to recover. Reported by Mrs Aisles 6th Feb. SW2001/026d Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? moderate decomposition 01-Feb-2001 Cardiff Lavenock Beach ST182677 Mr John Hughes Washed away. SW2001/026e Phocoena phocoena ? ? skeletal remains 02-Feb-2001 Gwynedd Aberdaron SH216230 Nick Harris SW2001/027b Delphinus delphis ? ? moderate decomposition 05-Feb-2001 Swansea Llangenith SS408916 Martin Stockdale Animal reported as having no tail and with guts hanging out. Subsequent photo showed that fins had been removed SW2001/031b Delphinus delphis F 1.90 advanced decomposition 08-Feb-2001 Pembrokeshire Newport SN055402 Chris Benson Species confirmed and measured by Chris Pierpoint. SW2001/035a Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 13-Feb-2001 Gwynedd Llandanwg SH567276 Dave Thorpe reported by Dave Thorpe, Env. Agency. SW2001/036b Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? ? 19-Feb-2001 Pembrokeshire Westdale SM798056 Rick Lewis reported by Rick Lewis Pembs CC. Nothing found by CG search. SW2001/038 Phocoena phocoena M 1.60 moderate decomposition 25-Feb-2001 Gwynedd Aberdaron SH213262 Stephen Wescott reported by Stephen Wescott. Animal unrecoverable by land. SW2001/040 Phocoena phocoena F 1.05 fresh 05-Mar-2001 Swansea Swansea Beach SS649917 Dr John Lancaster reported on 7th March. Animal had been taken to Swansea Uni. SW2001/027c Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 05-Feb-2001 Swansea Black Pill Beach SS631903 Dave Smith reported by Dave Smith Pollution Control Swansea CC. SW2001/062 Phocoena phocoena F 1.22 live 21-Mar-2001 Pembrokeshire Angle Bay SM876032 RSPCA reported by Simon Aggott RSPCA. Animal live stranded / euthanased. SW2001/084 Phocoena phocoena ? 1.07 live 21-Apr-2001 Gwynedd Harlech SH525304 RSPCA reported by Insp. Phil Lewis. Animal entangled live in monofilament set net on beach. Animal returned to the sea. SW2001/085 Phocoena phocoena F 1.22 slight/moderate decomposition 21-Apr-2001 Ceredigion SN467635 Steve Pontin SW2001/091 Delphinus delphis F 1.54 advanced decomposition 29-Apr-2001 Ceredigion SN508670 Mr Foster Moved from beach to sewage works. Skin, teeth and muscle taken. Council informed for disposal. SW2001/094 Phocoena phocoena M 1.19 slight decomposition 01-May-2001 Ceredigion Aberporth SN272513 Dewi Roberts CCC SW2001/095 Phocoena phocoena ? 1.40 fresh 03-May-2001 Ceredigion Llangranog SN310543 Mrs Palsranan Unable to retrieve carcass as tide had refloated it. Carcass looked very fresh but had been heavily scavenged or opened up. Op SW2001/096 Phocoena phocoena M 1.22 slight/moderate decomposition 04-May-2001 Ceredigion SN395595 Liz Allen re-stranded on 7th May and removed by local authority. SW2001/097 Phocoena phocoena F 1.22 fresh 04-May-2001 Ceredigion Borth SN607892 Sue Kilminster & MHC Animal was moved from original stranding location and missed by Gerry Jones. Carcass buried at Ynyslas. SW2001/098 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 05-May-2001 Ceredigion SN292525 Glyn Harries Headless carcass removed by local authority SW2001/099 Phocoena phocoena M 1.25 moderate decomposition 05-May-2001 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN519689 Jean Bryant & MHC re-reported on 11th May by Jean Bryant. Skin, muscle and photos taken. Bnd kill. SW2001/101 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 08-May-2001 Cardiff Barry Island ST116663 Joanna Windsor SW2001/102 Phocoena phocoena F 1.18 moderate decomposition 09-May-2001 Ceredigion Borth SN606909 ? Animal investigated by Gerry Jones. Carcass removed by local authority. SW2001/105 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 12-May-2001 Pembrokeshire Strumble Head SM893412 Tom McOwat reported by Tom McOwat. Rob Colley reported 3 days later. SW2001/108 Phocoena phocoena F 1.33 moderate decomposition 18-May-2001 Ceredigion Aberarth SN478637 Nicola CCC Carcass heavily scavanged. Skin, teeth, muscle and stomach taken, carcass tagged. MHCG and LA informed. SW2001/109 Phocoena phocoena M 1.08 moderate decomposition 18-May-2001 Ceredigion Aberarth SN478637 Nicola CCC Skin and muscle taken, carcass tagged. MHCG and LA informed. SW2001/114 Tursiops truncatus F 3.25 moderate decomposition 28-May-2001 Ceredigion Borth SN607888 Aberystwyth HM Carcass removed from beach to depot by CCC. Skin, muscle, liver, heart blood and stomachs taken. Assisted by Andy Moore. SW2001/114a Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? moderate decomposition 28-May-2001 Ceredigion Borth SN607888 Aberystwyth HM Headless heavily scavenged carcass removed from beach to depot by CCC. Found with Bnd SW2001/114. Skin taken. SW2001/115 Phocoena phocoena ? 0.75 moderate decomposition 31-May-2001 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SS414989 Wyn Parry reported by Wyn Parry, Pembrey ranger, animal not found next day, presumed taken by tide. SW2001/116 Phocoena phocoena ? ? fresh 03-Jun-2001 Ceredigion SN589857 Mr Evershed Carcass taken by tide. SW2001/117 Phocoena phocoena F 0.82 advanced decomposition 04-Jun-2001 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SM859137 Kate Lock CCW reported by Kate Lock CCW and Mike Lord Pembs CC. Skin & muscle taken, carcass bagged and left for LA. SW2001/118 Phocoena phocoena F 0.75 fresh 04-Jun-2001 Anglesey Ynys Feirig SH303735 Jim Dustow RSPB picked up and taken to Dr John Baker by Emily Dicks. SW2001/121 Phocoena phocoena M 1.22 mod/advanced decomposition 10-Jun-2001 Glamorgan Merthyr Mawr SS876766 Linda Nottage Visited on 12th June, LA informed for disposal. SW2001/122 Phocoena phocoena M 0.71 slight decomposition 11-Jun-2001 Ceredigion Aberarth SN478637 Graham Wiggall Stored in freezer at Llechyd. SW2001/121a Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? ? 10-Jun-2001 Pembrokeshire Newport SN061428 Sarah Middleton retro report 13th June on headless dolphin seen on 10th entangled in netting below cliffs east of Newport. SW2001/123 Phocoena phocoena M 0.82 slight decomposition 13-Jun-2001 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SS414989 Wyn Parry Stored in freezer at Llechyd. SW2001/124 Phocoena phocoena F 1.60 moderate decomposition 14-Jun-2001 Pembrokeshire Newport SN058395 Mick Baines Skin & muscle taken, carcass reported to LA for disposal due to scavenger damage. SW2001/125 Phocoena phocoena ? 0.75 slight/moderate decomposition 20-Jun-2001 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SS414989 Wyn Parry buried by ranger. SW2001/128 Phocoena phocoena F 1.12 mod/advanced decomposition 23-Jun-2001 Swansea Swansea SS654920 Swansea police Skin, muscle and teeth taken, carcass removed from beach and delivered to Swansea CC animal health officer. SW2001/129 Phocoena phocoena M 1.33 mod/advanced decomposition 27-Jun-2001 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN580812 MHC and Aber HM. Skin and muscle taken, carcass removed from beach and left in harbour for Ceredigion CC. SW2001/131 Phocoena phocoena M 1.34 mod/advanced decomposition 28-Jun-2001 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN580812 Aberystwyth HM Skin and muscle taken, carcass removed from beach and taken to Ceredigion CC depot. SW2001/132 Phocoena phocoena ? 0.61 advanced decomposition 29-Jun-2001 Gwynedd Tywyn SH565026 Mr Brown Confirmed by Aberdovey HM. SW2001/133 Cetacean sp. indet. ? 1.22 advanced decomposition 29-Jun-2001 Gwynedd Tywyn SH565026 Mr Brown Not found by Aberdovey HM. SW2001/134 Phocoena phocoena F 1.66 mod/advanced decomposition 29-Jun-2001 Carmarthenshire Pendine SN269065 Milford Haven C.G. Skin & muscle taken, carcass tagged and dragged to back of beach. LA informed. SW2001/135 Phocoena phocoena F 0.81 mod/advanced decomposition 29-Jun-2001 Carmarthenshire Pendine SN269065 Milford Haven C.G. found with SW2001/134. Skin taken, carcass tagged and dragged to back of beach. LA informed. SW2001/136 Phocoena phocoena ? ? fresh 30-Jun-2001 Swansea Llangennith SS412900 Caravan Park NT informed for disposal. Retrospective report on body condition from Rob Colley. SW2001/137 Phocoena phocoena F 1.40 mod/advanced decomposition 01-Jul-2001 Ceredigion Borth SN607890 Police and Aber HM. Skin & muscle taken carcass removed to LA depot. SW2001/138 Phocoena phocoena M 0.78 fresh 01-Jul-2001 Carmarthenshire Pendine SN269065 Alan Thomas EA Carcass taken by Alan Thomas to Carmarthen VI lab for cold storage. SW2001/142 Phocoena phocoena M 0.71 advanced decomposition 08-Jul-2001 Gwynedd Tywyn SH592978 Paul Edwards Aberdovey HM Skin taken carcass removed to LA depot. Assisted by Paul Newman. SW2001/143a Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? live 08-Jul-2001 Anglesey Warren SH415621 RSPCA reported by Insp. Phil Lewis RSPCA. Animal re-stranded at same location on 9th Jul and put back in water by holiday makers. SW2001/145 Phocoena phocoena M 1.20 moderate decomposition 10-Jul-2001 Ceredigion Borth SN607900 Saleem Halik Skin & muscle taken carcass removed to LA depot. Assisted by Paul Newman. SW2001/146 Phocoena phocoena ? 1.50 ? 10-Jul-2001 Gwynedd Sth of Shell Island ? Aberdovey HM asked to search for carcass. SW2001/150 Phocoena phocoena ? ? live 12-Jul-2001 Anglesey Cemaes Bay SH367939 Karen Tuson ASZ Not euthanased repeated stranding next day. SW2001/151 Delphinus delphis F 2.20 advanced decomposition 12-Jul-2001 Ceredigion Wallog SN589857 CCW for disposal. SW2001/152 Phocoena phocoena F 1.37 advanced decomposition 12-Jul-2001 Gwynedd Barmouth SH597179 Member of Public Cae Daniel Caravan Park, Llanaber. Details confirmed by Glyn Jones ass HM Barmouth. SW2001/153 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 12-Jul-2001 Pembrokeshire Penycwm SM843227 ? Not found as originally told Newgale beach. SW2001/154 Phocoena phocoena ? 0.92 advanced decomposition 12-Jul-2001 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH528373 EA Species confirmed by Porthmadoc HM, removed for disposal. SW2001/156 Delphinus delphis ? 2.10 advanced decomposition 15-Jul-2001 Ceredigion Penbryn SN295528 Mrs Kidd Skin, teeth and muscle taken. LA informed for disposal. SW2001/163 Phocoena phocoena ? 0.61 moderate decomposition 18-Jul-2001 Gwynedd Abersoch SH319265 Ken Fitzpatrick Pwllheli HM. Removed for disposal by LA. SW2001/163a Phocoena phocoena M 0.85 slight decomposition 19-Jul-2001 Gwynedd Plas Menai SH465624 Emily Dicks Delivered to John Baker for pme by Emily. SW2001/168 Phocoena phocoena F 0.88 slight/moderate decomposition 22-Jul-2001 Ceredigion Penbryn SN295528 SW2001/170 Phocoena phocoena F 0.73 fresh 22-Jul-2001 Carmarthenshire Llansteffen SN348096 Mr Broadbent SW2001/171 Phocoena phocoena ? 1.22 ? 22-Jul-2001 Pembrokeshire Cardigan Bar SN150500 Milford Haven C.G. Nothing found. SW2001/172 Delph/Stenella delp/coerul M 1.79 advanced decomposition 23-Jul-2001 Gwynedd Tywyn SH592978 Master Carcass removed to depot by beach cleaner. Investigated by Aux CG Sal Shipley. SW2001/173 Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 25-Jul-2001 Ceredigion Tan y bwlch SN580799 Mike Yemens Front half of AD adult only. Carcass tagged and LA informed for disposal. Skin taken. SW2001/174 Phocoena phocoena F 0.91 slight/moderate decomposition 25-Jul-2001 Ceredigion Morfa Buchan SN564773 Milford Haven C.G. SW2001/177 Tursiops truncatus M 2.36 advanced decomposition 26-Jul-2001 Gwynedd Afonwen SN607888 Barry Davies, Maritime Officer Skin, muscle, blubber and lower jaw taken. Carcass tagged and left for LA. SW2001/181 Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? live 28-Jul-2001 Flintshire Rhyl SJ010824 RSPCA reported by Insp. Phil Lewis RSPCA. No sign of animal on RSPCA arrival, presumed put back in water by holiday makers. SW2001/182 Delphinus delphis ? 1.52 advanced decomposition 02-Aug-2001 Swansea Rhossili Bay SS413893 Milford Haven C.G. Sian Musgrove NT contacted for disposal.

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetacean 2001 Page 1 Appendix 1.

SW Number Family/Genus species Sex Length Condition Date County Locality Grid Reported by Comment SW2001/183 Phocoena phocoena M 1.40 moderate decomposition 03-Aug-2001 Gwynedd Barmouth SH598175 Keith Allday Barmouth HM Carcass held over weekend in ice from Tesco's but deemed to decomposed for pme due to hot weather by Monday. Skin and muscle taken. SW2001/184 Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 06-Aug-2001 Gwynedd Aberdovey Dave Davies Aberdovey HM. SW2001/186 Phocoena phocoena M 1.49 slight decomposition 06-Aug-2001 Swansea Oxwich Bay SS505865 Mrs Cambell. SW2001/187 Phocoena phocoena ? 1.37 advanced decomposition 07-Aug-2001 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH303749 Holyhead Coastguard Skin taken by John Goold. SW2001/190 Delphinus delphis ? 1.83 advanced decomposition 17-Aug-2001 Glamorgan Nash Point SS912683 Heritage Coast Rangers. Carcass not found by rangers on day of reporting. Re-stranded several days later. SW2001/191 Phocoena phocoena F 0.83 mod/advanced decomposition 18-Aug-2001 Ceredigion Borth SN600884 Ben at Ynyslas visitor centre Carcass left on Ynyslas Interpritation centre steps by member of public. SW2001/193 Phocoena phocoena M 1.47 slight/moderate decomposition 21-Aug-2001 Pembrokeshire Freshwater East SS024980 Glen Wharton Carcass stored at VI centre Carmarthen due to lack of alternative storage. SW2001/195 Phocoena phocoena F 0.92 fresh 24-Aug-2001 Gwynedd Abersoch SH321280 Stephen Wescott Carcass found 300metres off Abersoch, stored in freezer ?. SW2001/196 Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? ? 24-Aug-2001 Anglesey Beaumaris Claire at Anglesey Seazoo Found floating in sea off Beaumaris. Recovery of carcass failed, animal not found. SW2001/197 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 27-Aug-2001 Ceredigion Borth SN602917 reported by members of public + Ceredigion out of hours officer. LA informed for disposal. SW2001/198 Phocoena phocoena F 0.82 slight decomposition 28-Aug-2001 Ceredigion Cei Bach SN410596 Milford Haven C.G. SW2001/201 Tursiops truncatus F 2.90 advanced decomposition 03-Sep-2001 Glamorgan Southerndown SS890727 Glamorgan Heritage Rangers Skin, muscle and blubber taken. Carcass tagged and left to decompose as difficult access. SW2001/202 Phocoena phocoena M ? moderate decomposition 03-Sep-2001 Ceredigion New Quay SN403597 New Quay HM Carcass headless but would have been c. 85cm in length. Skin & muscle taken remains disposed of. SW2001/203 Phocoena phocoena M 1.13 fresh 03-Sep-2001 Ceredigion Llangranog SN310542 Lifeguards. SW2001/204 Phocoena phocoena ? 0.80 ? 04-Sep-2001 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN533700 Pencarreg Caravan Park Carcass dragged up above HW mark by Caravan Park staff but dissapeared next day. SW2001/207 Phocoena phocoena M 1.13 moderate decomposition 16-Sep-2001 Ceredigion SN290521 Mr Alexander aux CG SW2001/206a Phocoena phocoena F 0.79 slight decomposition 15-Sep-2001 Anglesey Anglesey? SH387954 John Goold retro report by John Goold, details to follow. Animal taken by JG to John Baker 17th Sep. SW2001/210 Phocoena phocoena M 1.10 fresh 18-Sep-2001 Ceredigion Poppit Sands SN136495 Mike Davies. SW2001/211 Grampus griseus F 3.14 moderate decomposition 20-Sep-2001 Ceredigion Borth SN604925 Ben at Ynyslas visitor centre SW2001/215 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 26-Sep-2001 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN524689 Dewi Roberts Env. Health Nothing found by search. Council later contacted who reported seeing carcass in sea. SW2001/225 Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 03-Oct-2001 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SS414989 Wyn Parry, Pembrey ranger. No head or dorsal fin on carcass. SW2001/226 Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 03-Oct-2001 Gwynedd Criccieth SH520374 Daffydd Philips Portmadoc HM. Carcass disposed of by LA. SW2001/228 Phocoena phocoena M 1.22 moderate decomposition 04-Oct-2001 Gwynedd Tywyn SH573010 ? Search by aux. CG Sal Shipley confirmed slightly decomp porpoise. SW2001/230 Phocoena phocoena M 1.46 moderate decomposition 06-Oct-2001 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SH365037 Frank Thomas, park ranger. SW2001/232 Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 07-Oct-2001 Gwynedd Porth Ceiriad SH195259 member of public. LA informed for disposal. SW2001/232a Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 08-Oct-2001 Ceredigion Llanon SN513681 Gary Easton May be SW2001/215. Nothing found by search by Lin Gander 9th Oct 01. SW2001/233 Phocoena phocoena M 0.98 fresh 09-Oct-2001 Pembrokeshire Newport SN053410 Natalie Merour. SW2001/233a Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 09-Oct-2001 Ceredigion Poppit Sands SN139496 reported by ? Nothing found by Lin Gander. SW2001/235 Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 10-Oct-2001 Gwynedd Hells Mouth SH269271 Dave Lamacraft Animal buried by Pwllheli HM. SW2001/236 Phocoena phocoena F 0.98 fresh 12-Oct-2001 Gwynedd Hells Mouth SH283264 Ken Fitzpatrick, Pwllheli HM. Found whilst burying SW2001/235. SW2001/235a Delphinus delphis ? 1.66 moderate decomposition 12-Oct-2001 Swansea Rhossili SS408916 ? Teeth skin and muscle taken. Carcass heavily scavenged. SW2001/237 Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 13-Oct-2001 Gwynedd Aberdovey SN594961 Sal Shipley aux CG. SW2001/239 Phocoena phocoena ? 1.35 advanced decomposition 16-Oct-2001 Gwynedd Tywyn SN583992 Sal Shipley aux CG. (Penclene ? Beach) SW2001/240 Phocoena phocoena M 1.28 advanced decomposition 17-Oct-2001 Gwynedd Tywyn SN582996 Sal Shipley aux CG. SW2001/241 Delphinus delphis F 1.28 slight decomposition 17-Oct-2001 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SR881996 Cath Neville Carcass heavily scavenged. SW2001/242 Tursiops truncatus F 2.93 advanced decomposition 18-Oct-2001 Gwynedd Pwllheli SH361337 Ken Fitzpatrick, Pwllheli HM. Stomach, liver, kidney, PCF and lower jaw taken as well as skin, muscle and blubber. Carcass tagged. SW2001/243 Phocoena phocoena M 1.27 moderate decomposition 19-Oct-2001 Pembrokeshire Amroth SN172068 Hugh Marriott PCNP. Possible post-mortem prop strike, skin & muscle taken, carcass tagged and PCNP informed for disposal. SW2001/244 Phocoena phocoena M 1.25 moderate decomposition 20-Oct-2001 Gwynedd Harlech SN172068 Molly Lear. Carcass almost completely destroyed and eaten by dogs or foxes. SW2001/246 Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 01-Nov-01 Gwynedd Llanfaglan SH435605 Kate Williamson. Nothing found by Emily Dicks. SW2001/247 Phocoena phocoena ? 1.22 moderate decomposition 03-Nov-01 Ceredigion Tan-y-blwch SN578794 Phillip Ley. Carcass heavily scavenged, back broken in several places, Skin & muscle taken. SW2001/248 Phocoena phocoena F 1.15 moderate decomposition 05-Nov-01 Ceredigion Cwmtydu SN356574 Jean Bryant. SW2001/250 Phocoena phocoena F 1.42 moderate decomposition 08-Nov-01 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SM859137 Milford Haven C.G. Jemma confirmed stranding and identified species, sex and measured (scavenger damage). LA contacted for disposal. SW2001/251 Phocoena phocoena F 1.08 fresh 08-Nov-01 Neath, Port Talbot Aberavon SS740899 Talbot CC. SW2001/253 Phocoena phocoena M 1.10 moderate decomposition 09-Nov-01 Ceredigion New Quay SN400594 Nick Glanville. Carcass heavilly scavenged but evidence of Bnd teeth marks on tail stock. SW2001/254 Grampus griseus M 1.32 decomposition 17-Nov-01 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH434557 Elaine Moss Reported as porpoise. Digital photographs by Jill Jackson revealed animal to be Risso's calf. SW2001/261 Tursiops truncatus M 3.10 advanced decomposition 27-Nov-01 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN603936 Colin Hancock Skin & muscle taken 28/11/01. Stomach, liver, kidney, PCF and teste taken 29/11/01. SW2001/262 Phocoena phocoena M 0.98 moderate decomposition 28-Nov-01 Gwynedd Harlech SH574316 Edmund Brown. SW2001/265 Phocoena phocoena M 1.25 moderate decomposition 30-Nov-01 Pembrokeshire Manorbier SS060975 Milford Haven C.G. Carcass heavily scavenged, skin & muscle taken carcass tagged and LA informed for disposal. SW2001/266 Phocoena phocoena F 1.15 moderate decomposition 03-Dec-01 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN581816 Scott Slate Carcass heavily scavenged, skin & muscle taken carcass tagged and LA informed for disposal. SW2001/269 Delphinus delphis ? 1.55 slight decomposition 08-Dec-01 Glamorgan Gileston Beach ST020660 Swansea C.G. Carcass mutilated and cut in two. Skin & muscle taken, tagged and LA informed for disposal. SW2001/282 Phocoena phocoena ? ? moderate decomposition 28-Dec-01 Ceredigion Aberarth SN473636 Graham Wiggall SW2001/283 Phocoena phocoena ? ? moderate decomposition 31-Dec-01 Gwynedd Barmouth SH608146 Angela Shepherd Reported out by the beacon. Nothing found on either Barmouth or Fairbourne beach 1st Jan 2002.

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetacean 2001 Page 2 Appendix 2.

SS_No species Sexpup Length Condition Date County Locality Grid_ref reported by Comment SS2001/011 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? January 4, 2001 Gwynedd Afon wen SH443370 Reported by CCW. SS2001/002 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? January 16, 2001 Gwynedd Sands SH509381 Reported by Ivor Rees, LA informed for disposal. SS2001/012 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? February 14, 2001 Swansea Marina beach SS659921 Carcass removed by LA. SS2001/013 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? February 14, 2001 Pembrokeshire West Dale SM799054 Carcass removed by LA. SS2001/014 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? May 2, 2001 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ060841 Headless carcass removed by LA. SS2001/015 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? May 7, 2001 Carmarthenshire slipway SN413197 Carcass removed by LA. SS2001/016 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? May 28, 2001 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ060841 Carcass removed by LA. SS2001/017 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? June 8, 2001 Gwynedd Harlech SH564328 reported by Paul Evans SS2001/018 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? June 16, 2001 Pembrokeshire Caerfai SM760243 reported by Mrs Sheila Bowlan. SS2001/019 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? June 28, 2001 Ceredigion Borth SN606908 reported by CCC. SS2001/020 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? July 5, 2001 Carmarthenshire Pendine SN271067 reported by MOD Police. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/021 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? July 10, 2001 Anglesey Aberffraw SH336685 reported by Ed Gold. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/022 Halichoerus grypus F 1.93 moderate decomposition July 13, 2001 Ceredigion Wallog SN589857 found with SW2001/151. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/024 Halichoerus grypus F 1.22 advanced decomposition July 18, 2001 Pembrokeshire Tenby SS128990 reported by beach cleaner. SS2001/025 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? July 25, 2001 Pembrokeshire Newport SN051405 reported by PCC. SS2001/026 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? July 27, 2001 Swansea Swansea beach SS656919 reported by RSPCA. LA informed. SS2001/027 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? July 30, 2001 Gwynedd Barmouth SH607149 reported as headless. SS2001/028 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? August 8, 2001 Ceredigion Borth SN606908 reported by TI centre. SS2001/029 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? August 9, 2001 Ceredigion Llanina point SN405599 SS2001/045 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? August 13, 2001 Pembrokeshire West Dale SM800055 reported by Mr Dyke SS2001/046 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? August 15, 2001 Gwynedd Pwlhelli SH386351 reported by Harbourmaster SS2001/047 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? August 19, 2001 Pembrokeshire Manorbier SS061974 reported by Nigel Cole. SS2001/048 Halichoerus grypus ? ? fresh August 30, 2001 Ceredigion Tiefi River SN255419 reported by Mrs Davies. Animal reported as shot. Washed away? SS2001/049 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? September 3, 2001 Pembrokeshire Abereiddy SM794308 ? SS2001/050 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? September 6, 2001 Pembrokeshire Newport SN051405 ? SS2001/051 Halichoerus grypus ? Adult ? September 6, 2001 Ceredigion Cei Bach SN410596 ? SS2001/052 Halichoerus grypus ? 1.50 ? September 12, 2001 Ceredigion SN450624 reported by Harbourmaster SS2001/053 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? September 14, 2001 Pembrokeshire Newport SN053409 Ann Hollyfield. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/054 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? September 14, 2001 Pembrokeshire Newport SN053409 Ann Hollyfield. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/058 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? September 20, 2001 Anglesey Valley SH297762 Mrs Wood. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/059 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? September 20, 2001 Pembrokeshire Newport SN049396 LA informed for disposal. SS2001/060 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? September 20, 2001 Pembrokeshire Newport SN049396 LA informed for disposal. SS2001/061 Halichoerus grypus ? Adult ? September 24, 2001 Pembrokeshire Whitesands SM720254 Animal seen between Whitesands and St Justinians. Injury to neck. SS2001/062 Halichoerus grypus F Adult advanced decomposition September 26, 2001 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN523688 reported by Dewi Roberts CCC. SS2001/063 Halichoerus grypus ? ? advanced decomposition September 27, 2001 Gwynedd Abersoch SH318290 reported by Ken Fitzpatrick Pwllheli HM. SS2001/064 Halichoerus grypus ? Adult ? October 1, 2001 Pembrokeshire Milford Haven SM893054 reported by Port Authority to MHC. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/065 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 2, 2001 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN369031 LA informed for disposal. SS2001/068 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 2, 2001 Pembrokeshire Whitesands SM731267 LA informed for disposal. SS2001/069 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 3, 2001 Pembrokeshire Pwllgwaelod SN002399 LA informed for disposal. SS2001/070 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? October 6, 2001 Swansea Worms Head SS409879 reported by CCW as headless carcass. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/071 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 6, 2001 Gwynedd Hells Mouth SH268272 LA informed for disposal. SS2001/072 Halichoerus grypus ? 2.00 ? October 7, 2001 Bridgend Newton Beach SS833763 reported by Mr Rob Murray to Swansea CG. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/073 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 8, 2001 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN361048 reported by Sgt Eades. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/074 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 8, 2001 Gwynedd Criccieth SH510378 reported by RSPCA. LA informed for disposal. (carcass headless, 1 of 2). SS2001/075 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 8, 2001 Gwynedd Criccieth SH510378 reported by RSPCA. LA informed for disposal. (carcass headless, 2 of 2). SS2001/076 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 9, 2001 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN372031 Eades) SS2001/077 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 9, 2001 Carmarthenshire Llanelli SS495992 reported by Mark Page. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/078 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 11, 2001 Pembrokeshire Newport SN049397 LA informed for disposal. SS2001/079 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 12, 2001 Gwynedd Aberdovey SN597959 reported by Aberdovey HM Paul Edwards. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/080 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 12, 2001 Gwynedd Aberdovey SN577004 reported by aux CG Sal Shipley. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/081 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 12, 2001 Gwynedd Aberdovey SN582995 reported by aux CG Sal Shipley. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/082 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? October 13, 2001 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN389008 reported by Dave park ranger. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/083 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? October 13, 2001 Gwynedd Talybont SH584206 reported by Mrs Rowley to RSPCA. LA informed for disposal.

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seal 2001 Page 1 Appendix 2.

SS_No species Sexpup Length Condition Date County Locality Grid_ref reported by Comment SS2001/084 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? October 15, 2001 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN383013 reported by Gavin Hol park ranger. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/085 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 16, 2001 Pembrokeshire Pen y cwm SM847228 reported by Melina Walters. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/086 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 25, 2001 Pembrokeshire Trevine SM833325 LA informed for disposal. SS2001/087 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 28, 2001 Pembrokeshire Aberfelin SM929403 Mr Obradovic LA informed for disposal. (1 of 3). SS2001/088 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 28, 2001 Pembrokeshire Aberfelin SM929403 Mr Obradovic LA informed for disposal. (2 of 3). SS2001/089 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 28, 2001 Pembrokeshire Aberfelin SM929403 Mr Obradovic LA informed for disposal. (3 of 3). SS2001/090 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 29, 2001 Gwynedd Aberdaron SH169262 Sonya LA informed for disposal. (1 of 3 headless). SS2001/091 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 29, 2001 Gwynedd Aberdaron SH169262 Sonya LA informed for disposal. (2 of 3 headless). SS2001/092 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 29, 2001 Gwynedd Aberdaron SH169262 Sonya LA informed for disposal. (3 of 3). SS2001/093 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 30, 2001 Pembrokeshire Caerbwdi Bay SM766244 Debbie Kearsley NT LA informed for disposal. ( 1 of 4 ). SS2001/094 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 30, 2001 Pembrokeshire Caerbwdi Bay SM766244 Debbie Kearsley NT LA informed for disposal. ( 2 of 4 ). SS2001/095 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? October 30, 2001 Pembrokeshire Caerbwdi Bay SM766244 Debbie Kearsley NT LA informed for disposal. ( 3 of 4 ). SS2001/096 Halichoerus grypus F adult ? October 30, 2001 Pembrokeshire Caerbwdi Bay SM766244 Debbie Kearsley NT LA informed for disposal. ( 4 of 4 ). SS2001/097 Halichoerus grypus ? juv. ? October 31, 2001 Pembrokeshire Sandy Haven SM855075 Mrs Jocomen LA informed for disposal. ( 1 of 2 ). SS2001/098 Halichoerus grypus ? juv. ? October 31, 2001 Pembrokeshire Sandy Haven SM855075 Mrs Jocomen LA informed for disposal. ( 2 of 2 ). SS2001/099 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? moderate decomposition November 1, 2001 Gwynedd Pontllyfni SH431529 Sonny LA informed for disposal. SS2001/100 Halichoerus grypus ? ? moderate decomposition November 1, 2001 Pembrokeshire Marloes SM780075 Mrs Smithurst LA informed for disposal. SS2001/101 Halichoerus grypus ? juv. fresh November 2, 2001 Pembrokeshire Aberpwll SM784307 RSPCA Animal found with 10' of net around neck. Pme by RSPCA vets. SS2001/102 Halichoerus grypus ? Y ? ? November 2, 2001 Gwynedd Pontllyfni SH431529 Sonny LA informed for disposal. Second pup (headless). SS2001/103 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? November 3, 2001 Anglesey Aberffraw SH338684 Karen Tuson ASZ LA informed for disposal. (1 of 4). SS2001/104 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? November 3, 2001 Anglesey Aberffraw SH338684 Karen Tuson ASZ LA informed for disposal. (2 of 4). SS2001/105 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? November 3, 2001 Anglesey Aberffraw SH338684 Karen Tuson ASZ LA informed for disposal. (3 of 4). SS2001/106 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? November 3, 2001 Anglesey Aberffraw SH338684 Karen Tuson ASZ LA informed for disposal. (4 of 4). SS2001/107 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? November 4, 2001 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH299752 Karen Tuson ASZ LA informed for disposal. SS2001/108 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? November 4, 2001 Gwynedd Caernarfon SH479633 Karen Tuson ASZ LA informed for disposal. SS2001/109 Halichoerus grypus ? adult ? November 6, 2001 Pembrokeshire Manorbier SS058976 Pat Crisp LA informed for disposal. SS2001/118 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? November 30, 2001 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM847217 ? LA informed for disposal. SS2001/114 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? November 24, 2001 Conwy Penmaenmawr SH720770 RSPCA retro report SS2001/115 Halichoerus grypus ? ? advanced decomposition November 26, 2001 Pembrokeshire West SM883000 PCNP retro report SS2001/125 Halichoerus grypus ? ? advanced decomposition December 1, 2001 Pembrokeshire Musslewick SM812067 Mr Jessop LA informed for disposal. SS2001/116 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? November 26, 2001 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM855198 CCW H,West LA informed for disposal. SS2001/117 Halichoerus grypus ? juv fresh November 28, 2001 Pembrokeshire Penycwm SM845227 Terry Leadbetter euthanased SS2001/126 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? December 2, 2001 Pembrokeshire Marloes SM782073 MHCG Entangled in fishing net. LA informed for disposal. SS2001/127 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? December 9, 2001 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM855198 ? LA informed for disposal. SS2001/128 Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? December 29, 2001 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN582823 Police LA informed for disposal.

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seal 2001 Page 2 involved by carrying out a survey of seal colonies on the Welsh coast. Soon he was also picking up dead animals for post-mortem examination on a voluntary basis and

WORKING VEHICLE for three years used WORKING VEHICLE his B-reg Range Rover Vogue coupled to a small wooden trailer for the job. Following the seal survey, Rod won the contract to recover stranded marine mammals in Wales and was faced with the need to replace his Range Rover. “A Land Rover Defender was the only thing man enough for the job and fitted the bill exactly,” he says. The vehicle was bought using funding from the Welsh Office and from Welsh Water under the Green Seas initiative, a scheme to Photographs: Jane Newman and Rod Penrose clean up Welsh beaches. His rig consists of the Defender, a Top: Quad bike gets to the modified twin-axle Ifor Williams parts the 110 can’t reach mini-plant trailer, and what he describes as a “sacrificial” Above: Fridge for samples Yamaha quad bike. Right: Rod’s place of work DolphinDolphin DefenderDefender Modified Rod has modified the trailer by Below: Tightly packed gear in to ask the cabby sitting in the University for post-mortem. adding a rail at the front, to racks and crates Paul Newman looks at an queue next to him for Beaches present one of the stop the quad bike from unusual rôle for a 110 hardtop directions and was greeted most demanding off-road launching itself into the rear of When working on with silence. environments available and Rod the Defender in the case of a beaches the hazards n a trip to the Zoo But as Rod’s line started to has an intimate knowledge of shunt, and ramps which allow are not always with a large dead move, the unco-operative cabby virtually every one on the the quad to sit high up so an obvious. The nearest dolphin in the trailer spotted the beast in the trailer, 1135km Welsh coastline. His animal can be carried in the Rod has come to Below: Rod destined for post- with its tail fluke poking vehicle for this task is his N-reg trailer below it. The trailer is also getting seriously Penrose says mortem examination upwards against the rear ramp. Defender 110, which since equipped with a stainless steel stuck is when he his Defender is Oby the Institute of Zoology “Blimey, mate, follow me!” he 1996 has covered over 100,000 drip tray and hand winch. once left the the right (IOZ), Rod Penrose got stuck shouted. After some fast back- miles and is still giving good The Defender is fitted with a Defender on mud vehicle for the in traffic and took a wrong road manoeuvres the animal service. Husky Superwinch rated at with the engine job turning. Now lost, he decided was delivered safely to the Zoo. Rod is on station seven days 8500lbs and carrying 38m of running while he Only then did the cabby realise a week and receives reports on 9mm cable, while an additional checked an animal it was dead. more than 170 strandings in a 20m of cable is carried to out. The slight Negotiating London traffic typical year. This year, however, extend its reach. The winch has vibrations from the jams with dead marine he has already exceeded this been modified by replacing the engine caused the mammals or turtles in the trailer figure. original cast fairlead with a mud under the is all in a day’s work for Rod, The roots of the project date heavy-duty roller fitment. This wheels to liquefy and who runs the West Wales-based back to 1988 when a mass die- was needed because it’s used in the vehicle started to Marine Environmental off of common seals in the all kinds of awkward situations sink. By the time he returned a off-road paraphernalia of strops, Monitoring. This project covers North Sea prompted a public for pulling animals off beaches bit of rapid self-recovery was shackles, snatch blocks, bridle, the entire Welsh coastline, and outcry. In response, the then and up shingle banks or over needed and a lesson was tow rope and High-Lift jack. Rod took it on in 1993. He is Department of the Environment sea walls. Rod works closely learned. Any longer and the More specialist kit includes a dry tasked with recovering stranded started the Collaborative UK with the coastguard, harbour situation would have been suit, in case he has to get into animals and, if they are in Marine Mammal Strandings masters and local authorities serious. the water with a live animal, sufficiently good condition, Project to investigate the health and is allowed access to the A wide range of kit fills the and towels to keep live animals getting them to either the IOZ status of marine mammals beaches where other vehicles somewhat cluttered rear wet. He also carries a first-aid in London or Liverpool around the UK coast. Rod got are banned. loadspace. It includes the usual kit, three reflective and

76 LANDROVER enthusiast December 2001 December 2001 LANDROVER enthusiast 77 animal that for need for motorway speeds.” not the best vehicle for a five- some reason So far the Defender has hour motorway journey. Rod cannot be lasted well but the salt air and jokes that when he gets to the recovered. Samples water are beginning to take zoo he spends the first 20 may include skin, their toll. The front bumper minutes shouting at everybody blubber, muscle needs some attention and the because he has gone deaf! and teeth which chassis is beginning to turn red. With this in mind he is are all eventually “I think I might get it sprayed currently putting together the sent to the IOZ for with old engine oil,” he says. funding for a Mercedes panel

WORKING VEHICLE analysis. All this kit However Rod pressure-washes van which will have a WORKING VEHICLE is packed tightly the rig after a call-out to refrigerated compartment for into plastic bins minimise salt damage and also the animals and a sleeping area lining the sides of to get rid of contamination for volunteers. While this takes the load bay. from the animals. This is a care of the trips to London and However, Rod possible source of disease and Liverpool, the Defender will be still has a wish list odour, so the trailer is also given released to stay on station in of further a dose of disinfectant. The Wales. It will also hide the equipment. This includes engine is also treated to regular animals from sight and prevent galvanised jackable sills, diff once-overs with the pressure them from alarming London lockers front and rear and a washer to get off any salty mud. cabbies. rear-mounted winch, or at least He is now looking to change continually replaced. The juices Above: A some method of backward the Defender before it starts to Call-out from dead marine mammals are leatherback recovery. “The chances are that get too expensive to keep LAND ROVER enthusiast extremely hazardous and can turtle is on a beach the vehicle could running. If funding becomes attended a typical call-out in contain diseases which can winched off get stuck nose down and facing available he hopes to trade up September. A Risso’s dolphin infect humans, so all who theTenby rocks an incoming tide, so a rear pull- to a Td5 Defender. The extra had been reported stranded on handle them have to be out capability would be useful. power will be useful for pulling Borth beach and was lying well properly kitted out. Left: Light So far I haven’t seen anything the trailer and the quieter below the strand line. This is a Once on top of the bank, the fading fast as that fits the bill. There is one engine will be very welcome. particularly large species with animal was winched into the the Risso’s that bolts onto the chassis However he still has plenty of adults reaching nearly four trailer and we took it back to dolphin is underneath the rear and praise for the 300 Tdi. “You metres, so Rod was assisted by Rod’s base where it was kept pulled up a another that drops onto the can’t fault it. It’s an excellent two of his regular volunteers, overnight before being taken to shingle bank at Top: Thorough rear tow ball, but I haven’t seen engine, especially the low-down Gerry Jones and me. Rod had Liverpool for post-mortem Borth cleaning is vital that advertised recently,” he torque, but you can always do just returned from a five-hour examination. to get salty says. with a bit more power, drive from the IOZ in London so As well as recovering Below: Vogue mud and The Defender is shod with especially for towing and on the I took control of the rig with stranded dolphins, Rod now has was project’s animal Avon Rangemasters and Rod motorway.” Rod and Gerry squeezed in next responsibility for stranded first vehicle contamination says he has never had it break to me. Rod has fitted the marine turtles. A surprising off the 110 and away from him, even with a Training Defender with an inward-facing amount of these turn up on UK trailer dolphin and the quad bike on Rod has put the four volunteers jockey seat positioned just beaches every year. He has the trailer. “I’m very impressed he regularly uses through an behind the driver, but this has always attended these out of Above: These with them; they seem to last off-road driving course at proved unpopular with personal interest but now these serious chocks quite well and they have a good Woodpark Off-Road, a training volunteers. too have been officially included are used when insulated jackets, foul weather hard edge so they are good off- facility run by Richard (Jumbo) Time was short as it was in the project and have to make large animals gear, wellies, fire extinguisher, road,” he says. The James near Haverfordwest, getting dark and the tide was the trip to London for post- such as whales two crash helmets for quad bike Rangemasters are a suitable Pembrokeshire, which is also on the turn. If a stranded mortem examination. need to be riders, and a supply of charcoal- compromise, but driving onto used by the police and the animal re-floats, Rod could end If the beast is a fully-grown moved with the lined body bags. A marine VHF beaches needs special care. He utilities. The volunteers have up chasing it from beach to leatherback, this can be a major winch radio, flares and mobile phone, has to take account of tides and also been given courses in quad beach as the tides dump it task. They can grow to the size with hands-free mount, are also the sand can be unpredictable. bike handling and first aid. The further up the coast. of a VW Beetle and all of Rod’s Right: Bridle carried to summon emergency A beach that was safe to drive Defender is insured for any When we got to Borth, a winching expertise is called into If you find a dead stranded marine mammal rig for heavy assistance in case the vehicle one day can be impassable the driver over 25 so the volunteers Countryside Council for Wales action to get one of these off or turtle on a beach, don’t touch the animal recovery. MEM gets stuck on a beach in the next if a storm has gone can take over at any time. warden was already in the beach and into the trailer. In as it is a potential source of infection. Instead is advised on face of a fast incoming tide. through. Rod has a lot of admiration attendance with his Defender this case the quad bike is just specialist tackle Maps covering the entire Before the quad bike arrived, for his trusty Defender which 90 and agreed to pull the not man enough for the job call one of the following numbers. by Simon Welsh coastline are stored in a the Defender did all the beach has given him good service. “Its animal along the beach. Once it and the winch, combined with In Wales call MEM on 01348 875000. Safety and watertight ammunition box. recoveries. “In the back of my been running really sweet since had reached the shingle bank, some impressive galvanised In Scotland call The National Strandings Lifting Centre, Also carried are boxes of latex mind I always had the thought I’ve had it,” he says. Rod does and with the light quickly steel chocks, is called into Neyland which gloves, dissection knives and that this is my only vehicle. about 15,000 miles a year, a lot fading, we took over and rigged action. Line on 01463 243030. supplies all the scalpels and a special bin for There is always a chance of of which is on the M4 to and the 110 for a winch pull up the Rod’s Defender is very much In England call The Natural History heavy kit used their safe disposal as well as a getting it bogged and with an from the IOZ in London. The stones. Dolphins are not fitted a working vehicle which has to Museum on 0207 942 5155. on the project fibreglass measuring tape and a incoming tide you could totally down side of this is that the with shackle points so Rod do its job under some pretty supply of alcohol for preserving lose it. Plus it has to do all the vehicle is not always on station carries a comprehensive range hostile conditions. So far it’s To find out more about Marine Environmental samples. A small fridge is motorway work and on the in West Wales. Although the of strops for the job. These never let him down. Let’s hope Motoring and the UK strandings project, log installed to keep samples fresh if beach you could be reducing Defender is vital for access to inevitably get pretty its replacement gives the same on to www.strandings.com they have to be taken from an the life of running gear that you awkward beach locations, it is contaminated and have to be loyal service. ■

78 LANDROVER enthusiast December 2001 December 2001 LANDROVER enthusiast 79