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Marine Mammal Strandings (Welsh Coast)

Annual Report 1998

R.S.Penrose. January 1999

Marine Environmental Monitoring Penwalk Llechryd Cardigan Ceredigion West Wales SA43 2PS e-mail: rodpenrose@cix.co.uk

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REPORT DISTRIBUTION

Welsh Office. Dr H. Prosser

Natural History Museum. Dr R. Bamber A. Muir

Institute of Zoology. P. Jepson

Countryside Council for Wales. Dr A. Richards R. Pratt H. Arnold

Environment Agency. R. Miln

University of Liverpool. Dr J.R. Baker University College Cork. Dr E. Rogan Green Seas Initiative. M. Wadley

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CONTENTS Page 1 INTRODUCTION 4 2 MATERIALS AND METHODS 5 2.1 Live animals. 5 2.2 Dead animals. 5 2.3 Storage of animals. 6 3 RESULTS 6 3.1 Marine mammals. 6 3.2 Unusual Occurrences. 8 4 OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK 8 4.1 Turtles. 8 5 SEA EMPRESS OIL SPILL 8 6 SAMPLES 9 7 FUNDING 9 8 EQUIPMENT 9 9 TRAINING 9 10 TRAVEL 9 11 ADMINISTRATION 10 12 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 10 13 APPENDICES 10

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List of Tables. Table 1. 1998 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast). 6

Table 2. 1998 Number of live cetacean strandings

(Welsh Coast). 7 Table 3. 1998 Number of animals suitable for

post-mortem examination. 7 Table 4. 1998 Number of animals decomposed / disposed

of. (Welsh Coast). 7

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1. INTRODUCTION

Little is known about disease and causes of death in marine mammals around the British Isles. In 1990 the Collaborative UK Marine Mammal Strandings Project was initiated and part-funded by the UK Department of the Environment. 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 research is being co-ordinated in England and Wales by the Institute of Zoology (IOZ) in close collaboration with a number of organisations including the Natural History Museum (NHM), 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. Records of live and dead marine mammal strandings are kept by the Strandings Co-ordinator, cetacean records are passed to Alex Muir for correlation at the NHM. Since 1913 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 Office through the Natural History Museum, London, the Countryside Council for Wales (CCW), Department of the Environment through the Institute of Zoology, London and the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). Support of certain items of equipment has been provided by the Environment Agency and the Green Seas Initiative.

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2. MATERIALS AND METHODS A 24 hour Strandings Answerphone (01348 875000), funded by CCW is interrogated at regular intervals. A message requests callers to leave details of the stranding and location, along with their name and contact phone number, so they can be reached if confirmation of details are required. (If the stranding is a live stranding then a message on an answer-phone informs the caller to contact the RSPCA immediately. see 2.1) A network of volunteers, rangers, wardens, coastal officers, harbour masters etc. has been formed who can be contacted by the Strandings Co-ordinator to confirm the stranding, assess its condition and secure the animal from the effects of the tide, predation etc. until it can be dealt with. 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 being handled only with gloved hands. It is placed in a body-bag 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 being handled only with gloved hands. It is placed in a body-bag then taken to a storage facility where it is bagged, labelled and stored for later transportation or transported immediately. (see 2.3). (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 a SS number. Records of all strandings in Wales re kept by the Strandings Co-ordinator and passed on to the NHM and ZSL on a regular basis.

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

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Copies of post-mortem examination reports are sent from the Strandings Co-ordinator to the finder and others associated with the relevant stranding. 2.3 Storage of animals

During 1995 the decision was taken not to store animals frozen, since as a result of freezing the following had been found:-

• Loss of micro-organisms, particularly viruses and bacteria. • Damage to tissue for histological examination. • Decrease in interpretation of normal and abnormal tissues due to haemolysis of red blood

cells. • Internal organs had remained part-frozen in some animals extending and delaying the post-

mortem examination.

If the animal is not to be transported immediately then storage at +40 Celsius is preferable for a maximum time period of one week. As a result of this change of procedure, the present storage facilities kindly provided at Fishguard have been converted by the Strandings Co-ordinator from a -200 C freezer to +40 C cold-store.

3. RESULTS 3.1 Marine Mammals

Table 1.

1998 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTALBottlenose dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2Common dolphin 1 0 0 1 0 1 2 4 0 0 1 1 11Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 3Striped dolphin 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 3Fin whale 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 1Long-finned pilot whale 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2Harbour porpoise 4 4 1 2 4 9 10 7 8 3 4 2 58Cetacean sp. Indent. 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 1 0 1 5

Total cetaceans 6 4 1 3 6 11 16 14 8 4 6 6 85

Grey seal 5 3 4 2 4 4 5 6 13 20 9 5 80

Total animals 11 7 5 5 10 15 21 20 21 24 15 11 165

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Table 2.

1998 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTALCommon dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1Striped dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1Harbour porpoise 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1

Total animals 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 3

Of the 85cetacean strandings 3.5% live-stranded (3 animals), a larger number were determined as having live-stranded under post-mortem examination. Table 3.

1998 Number of animals suitable for post-mortem examination.

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTALCommon dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0 1 1 6Striped dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1Harbour porpoise 0 3 0 0 1 2 1 1 3 2 2 1 16

Total animals 0 3 0 0 1 3 1 4 3 2 3 3 23

Of the 165 strandings 13.9% (23 animals) were suitable for post-mortem examination. Table 4.

1998 Number of animals decomposed / disposed of. (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTALBottlenose dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 2Common dolphin 1 0 0 1 0 0 2 1 0 0 0 0 5Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 2Striped dolphin 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Long-finned pilot whale 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 2Harbour porpoise 4 1 1 2 2 4 6 5 4 0 1 0 30Cetacean sp.indet 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1

Total cetaceans 6 1 1 3 3 5 10 8 4 0 1 1 43

Grey seal 5 3 3 2 3 1 3 4 11 10 6 2 53

Total animals 11 4 4 5 6 6 13 12 15 10 7 3 96

Of the 165 strandings 58.1% (96 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 28% (46 animals) were confirmed reports but were unable to be retrieved or disposed of due to various reasons. i.e. no access to stranding, washed away or retrospective reports.

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3.2 Unusual Occurrences

There were no unusual occurrences this year other than a tagged seal, which was found dead at Prestatyn. Tag details were “Orange 424”, further investigations revealed that this animal had been released from the Welsh Mountain Zoo. No post-mortem examination took place. 4. OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK. 4.1 Turtles

Two Leatherback turtles were recorded stranded during 1998. However, 4 animals were reported live in the Irish Sea. The live animals at sea were probably reported as a result of the Welsh Turtle Code being distributed this year, which was produced by CCW. The aerial survey for live numbers of turtles at sea for 1998, referred to in the 1997 Strandings Report, did not materialise due to a change in procedure, resulting in the curtailing of inshore flights by the MAFF Fisheries Patrol. 5. SEA EMPRESS OIL SPILL. The high recorded mortality of Atlantic Grey Seals in 1996 was attributed at the time to the severe weather and increased reporting through raised awareness of this species following the Sea Empress Oil Spill. In the following year, numbers of reported carcasses fell to a "normal" expected level. In 1998 however, what appeared to be similar weather conditions to 1996 occurred and a mortality figure approaching that year was envisaged. However, numbers reported are not as high as expected. This could be as a result of loss of interest by the public in reporting carcasses, or the SEOS did have an effect on this population that passed unnoticed at the time. A comparative study of weather details for both years will be carried out to see if this coincides with the pup production periods. Fig.5.

Recorded mortality of Atlantic Grey seals (Welsh coast)

0102030405060

J F M A M J J A S O N D

months

anim

als r

ecor

ded 1991

1992199319941995199619971998

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6. SAMPLES. Normal procedure for the taking of samples is from fresh animals that have been taken for post-mortem examination. Samples of muscle have also been taken by the strandings co-ordinator from animals, which would normally have been disposed of. These samples have been stored at -20 degrees C for later radionuclide comparisons with samples taken in Ireland. Starting in 1998, skin has also has been collected from these cetacean carcasses and archived at -20 degrees C. 7. FUNDING. Continuation of Phase 2 of the Welsh Office/NHM contract has been received, this will run until March 2000. As stated previously, funding towards this project in Wales has been provided by the Welsh Office, through the Natural History Museum, London, Countryside Council for Wales and the Department of the Environment through the Institute of Zoology, London. The Environment Agency and the Green Seas Initiative have provided support of certain items of equipment. Unfortunately, the Green Seas Initiative has withdrawn its support in 1998, having to "cut back" on many projects. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Green Seas Initiative for their support of the Marine Mammal Strandings Project in Wales over the past 3 years. Additional funding through the "Interreg" programme, part of the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), has been secured through the Countryside Council for Wales. This funding has allowed further essential equipment to be purchased for the project together with collaboration with the Irish Strandings Network, to enable both sides of the Irish Sea to be monitored to March 1999. This project has been named the Collaborative Celtic Marine Strandings Project and is complementary to the UK project. 8. EQUIPMENT. The -200 C chest freezer at Fishguard has been converted by the Strandings Co-ordinator to a +40 C cold store to comply with carcass storage recommendations (2.3 Storage of animals). 9. TRAINING. Key volunteers were given certified training courses in 4x4 Off-road Safety Driving and Emergency First Aid administration. 10. TRAVEL. In excess of 12,000 miles were covered by the Strandings Co-ordinator in retrieval and transportation of animals in 1998. The majority of suitable animals were taken to Liverpool University and others to the Institute of Zoology London.

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The World Marine Mammal Science Conference in Monaco on the 18th January - 25th January was attended. 11. ADMINISTRATION. In excess of 47 copies of post mortem examination reports were posted out to finders and associated interested parties concerning each relevant stranding. Through Interreg funding, Posters and Leaflets have been produced to increase awareness in the project. (Appendix 4 and 5). These have been distributed throughout the coast of Wales and the East Coast of Ireland. Turtle Codes produced by CCW have also been distributed throughout the Welsh Coast. 12. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. Gerry Jones, Paul Newman, Lin Gander and Jemma Pratt for their help in retrieving animals. Robin Pratt for providing base of operation at Fishguard Strandings Network volunteers, too numerous to mention for their help confirming, reporting and securing animals for collection. Welsh Office / Natural History Museum, Countryside Council for Wales for providing funds towards the project. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Green Seas Initiative on behalf of the Marine Mammal Strandings Project in Wales for their support over the past 3 years. 13. APPENDICES. Appendix 1. Cetacean stranding data for 1998. Appendix 2. Atlantic Grey Seal stranding data for 1998. Appendix 3. Leatherback Turtle stranding data for 1998. Appendix 4. Poster. Appendix 5. Leaflet.

Appendix 1. Marine Environmental Monitoring 1998 Welsh Coast Strandings (Cetaceans).

Family/Genus species Sex Length Condition Date SW Number County Locality Grid CommentDelphinus delphis M 2.13 moderate decomposition 02-Jan-98 SW1998/001b Pembrokeshire Fort Popton SM897020 severe scavenger damage. animal removed to car park for disposal by local authorityPhocoena phocoena ? ? moderate decomposition 12-Jan-98 SW1998/005 Gwynedd Morfa Buchan SH540370 council informed for disposal.Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 12-Jan-98 SW1998/006 Gwynedd Morfa Buchan SH540370 council informed for disposal.Phocoena phocoena ? ? moderate decomposition 15-Jan-98 SW1998/011 Ceredigion Borth SN607900 council informed for disposal.Globicephala melas ? ? moderate decomposition 16-Jan-98 SW1998/012 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM880007 council informed for disposal.Phocoena phocoena ? ? moderate decomposition 28-Jan-98 SW1998/017 Gwynedd Criccieth SH515378 council informed for disposal.Phocoena phocoena M 1.29 fresh 08-Feb-98 SW1998/021 Pembrokeshire Tenby SS125995 retrieved for pm.Phocoena phocoena F 1.22 slight decomposition 13-Feb-98 SW1998/024 Vale of Glamorgan Atlantic College SS937677Phocoena phocoena M 1.34 advanced decomposition 18-Feb-98 SW1998/026 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN606928 Disposed of by SC.Phocoena phocoena F 1.30 slight decomposition 21-Feb-98 SW1998/029 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM880007 taken for pm.Phocoena phocoena F 1.62 advanced decomposition 08-Mar-98 SW1998/043 Gwynedd Fairbourne SH614145 Skin taken for dna, carcass bagged and tagged. Council informed for disposal.Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 02-Apr-98 SW1998/060 Gwynedd Pwllheli SH380350 disposed of by CC.Delphinus delphis ? 2.00 advanced decomposition 02-Apr-98 SW1998/062 Swansea Oxwich Bay SS510870 buried on beach.Phocoena phocoena M 1.53 advanced decomposition 10-Apr-98 SW1998/072 Ceredigion Tresaith SN276516 Samples taken, skin, blubber & muscle. Tagged and council informed for disposal.Phocoena phocoena M 1.26 moderate decomposition 07-May-98 SW1998/088 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN606925 Samples taken. Animal delivered to council depot.Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? ? 09-May-98 SW1998/091a Ceredigion Llanon SN507670 reported by Aberaeron HM as half baby dolphin. first seen on the 8th nothing found on 9th.Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 18-May-98 SW1998/095 Pembrokeshire Musslewick SM783087 first seen Sat 16th.Phocoena phocoena F 1.33 slight decomposition 21-May-98 SW1998/097 Pembrokeshire Caldy Island SS137969Stenella coeruleoalba ? F ? advanced decomposition 30-May-98 SW1998/099 Ceredigion Traeth Bach SN301536 Main part of decomposed juv. samples taken, tagged.Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 30-May-98 SW1998/100 Ceredigion Sarn Gynfelyn SN589857 reported by Milford C.G. and John Egan. Skin taken and carcass removed.Cetacean sp. indet. M 0.76 advanced decomposition 03-Jun-98 SW1998/102 Gwynedd Abersoch SH332302 reported by Pwllheli HM. as baby dolphin, ID not possible, removed by LA.Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 03-Jun-98 SW1998/103 Carmarthenshire SS351925 reported by the RV Prince Madoc 3 miles West of Burry Holms.Delphinus delphis F 2.08 slight decomposition 10-Jun-98 SW1998/104 Ceredigion Aberaeron SN452627Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 19-Jun-98 SW1998/108 Ceredigion Clarach SN586837 Nothing found.Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 21-Jun-98 SW1998/109c Pembrokeshire Tenby SS128995 (retrospective report)Phocoena phocoena ? 1.60 moderate decomposition 24-Jun-98 SW1998/110 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH316728 Checked out by Rob Greig. LA informed for disposal.Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 24-Jun-98 SW1998/111 Gwynedd Harlech SH558335Phocoena phocoena F 0.74 fresh 25-Jun-98 SW1998/112 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN606925Phocoena phocoena M 0.77 fresh 28-Jun-98 SW1998/116 Ceredigion Borth SN605923Phocoena phocoena F c.0.75 advanced decomposition 29-Jun-98 SW1998/117 Bridgend Kenfig NNR SS788805 carcass not intact. removed from beach by SC. samples taken.Phocoena phocoena F 1.47 advanced decomposition 29-Jun-98 SW1998/118 Bridgend Kenfig NNR SS788799 carcass not intact. animal tagged for collection. samples taken.Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 01-Jul-98 SW1998/123 Carmarthenshire Pendine SN270070 Nothing found by MOD police. Nothing found on council beach.Phocoena phocoena ? 1.00 advanced decomposition 04-Jul-98 SW1998/124 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN522687 samples taken. carcass buried on beach.Phocoena phocoena F c.0.75 advanced decomposition 04-Jul-98 SW1998/125 Ceredigion Llanina SN402597 samples taken. carcass removed to rear of beach. headless.Phocoena phocoena F 1.20 advanced decomposition 04-Jul-98 SW1998/126 Ceredigion Tan y bwlch SN578797 found on 9th July removed to council depot.Delphinus delphis F 2.04 advanced decomposition 09-Jul-98 SW1998/130 Ceredigion New Quay SN395604 reported by and towed in by Steve Hartley. Taken to council depot, skin, muscle and teeth taken.Phocoena phocoena M 1.35 advanced decomposition 14-Jul-98 SW1998/133 Ceredigion Tan y bwlch SN578797 removed to council depot.Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? advanced decomposition 16-Jul-98 SW1998/133b SM342060 reported by Milford Haven CG as Dead Whale floating 51 41.4N 005 50.7W 50-60ft long with 2ft of body above water.Balaenoptera physalus M ? advanced decomposition 31-Jul-98 SW1998/133b Anglesey Porth Cwyfan SH337676 50-55ft long, poss. fin whale. John Goold attended.Delphinus delphis ? ? 1.80 advanced decomposition 18-Jul-98 SW1998/134 Gwynedd Tal-y-bont SH580210 removed by LA.Phocoena phocoena M 0.76 fresh 18-Jul-98 SW1998/135 Ceredigion Borth SN608905Phocoena phocoena F 1.78 moderate decomposition 23-Jul-98 SW1998/138 Carmarthenshire RAF Pembrey SN365035 Samples taken. Animal buried on beach.Phocoena phocoena ? ? fresh 25-Jul-98 SW1998/140 Gwynedd Tal-y-bont SH580210 nothing found on 26th.Grampus griseus ? ? advanced decomposition 29-Jul-98 SW1998/141 Gwynedd Harlech SH558335 Partial remains 2.1metres. Samples taken, local authority informed for disposal.Tursiops truncatus F? 3.27 advanced decomposition 30-Jul-98 SW1998/142 Gwynedd Tal-y-bont SH580210 Skin, blubber, muscle, melon and tooth taken. LA informed for disposal.Phocoena phocoena F 1.17 moderate decomposition 31-Jul-98 SW1998/143 Pembrokeshire Abereiddy SM796310 Heavy scavenger damage. Tagged.Phocoena phocoena ? c.0.75 advanced decomposition 31-Jul-98 SW1998/143a Gwynedd Tywyn SN583994 reported by Geraldine Gorbon? on 20th Aug 98.Delphinus delphis F 1.07 moderate decomposition 04-Aug-98 SW1998/146 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN602940 reported by Grace at CCW visitor centre.Tursiops truncatus ?? ? ? advanced decomposition 04-Aug-98 SW1998/147 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH530370 Animal removed by Local Authority before confirmation.Delphinus delphis F 2.09 live 05-Aug-98 SW1998/148 Pembrokeshire Saundersfoot SN138046 Repeated stranding at various locations. Terry Leadbetter attended.Delphinus delphis F 0.91 moderate decomposition 05-Aug-98 SW1998/150 Pembrokeshire St Brides SM802109 reported by ?Phocoena phocoena F 1.65 moderate decomposition 06-Aug-98 SW1998/152 Conwy Penmaenmawr SH735779 5'-5"long. boat impact or deformed head. John Goold attended.Delphinus delphis M 0.86 advanced decomposition 06-Aug-98 SW1998/153 Pembrokeshire Settlands SM857133 reported by ? Removed to incinerator by S.C.Grampus griseus ? ? ? advanced decomposition 11-Aug-98 SW1998/155a Anglesey Porth Twyn-mawr SH368654 reported via Francis Catternach NWT on 18th Aug.Phocoena phocoena M ? advanced decomposition 15-Aug-98 SW1998/157 Gwynedd Barmouth SH611153 Local Authority disposed of.Phocoena phocoena F ? advanced decomposition 15-Aug-98 SW1998/158 Denbighshire Rhyl SJ005817 Checked out by John Baker. L.A. informed for disposal.Phocoena phocoena ? c.0.75 advanced decomposition 20-Aug-98 SW1998/159 Ceredigion Traeth Bach SN301537 reported by Jean Page to Liz Allen. Left at site but moved to higher ground on island.Phocoena phocoena ? c.1.00 advanced decomposition 21-Aug-98 SW1998/160 Gwynedd Barmouth SH605165 Confirmed by Barmouth HM and disposed of LA.

RSP 1

Appendix 1. Marine Environmental Monitoring 1998 Welsh Coast Strandings (Cetaceans).

Family/Genus species Sex Length Condition Date SW Number County Locality Grid CommentPhocoena phocoena ? c.1.00 fresh 22-Aug-98 SW1998/161 Anglesey Newborough Warren SH416624Globicephala melas ? 4.35 advanced decomposition 24-Aug-98 SW1998/163 Ceredigion Aberwenole SN601884 Lower jaw removed and 1 tooth retrieved from locals.Phocoena phocoena M 1.42 decomposition 25-Aug-98 SW1998/164 Ceredigion Llanon SN507670 reported by Sue at CCW Aberystwyth / Phil Coates SWSF.Phocoena phocoena ? ? ? 01-Sep-98 SW1998/165a Pembrokeshire Tenby SS128995 (retrospective report)Phocoena phocoena F 1.10 moderate decomposition 07-Sep-98 SW1998/167 Pembrokeshire Tenby SS127994Phocoena phocoena F ? advanced decomposition 10-Sep-98 SW1998/168 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN602940 animal buried by Dave.Phocoena phocoena M 1.37 advanced decomposition 13-Sep-98 SW1998/169 Bridgend Kenfig NNR SS788799 Samples skin, muscle and melon taken. Council informed for disposal.Phocoena phocoena M 1.43 slight decomposition 17-Sep-98 SW1998/170 Swansea Swansea SS650922Phocoena phocoena ? ? advanced decomposition 18-Sep-98 SW1998/172 Ceredigion Borth SN607900Phocoena phocoena M 0.90 advanced decomposition 29-Sep-98 SW1998/173a Pembrokeshire Barafundle Bay SR991951 First found 24th Sept. Samples, skin & muscle taken, carcass buried.Phocoena phocoena M 1.47 slight decomposition 28-Sep-98 SW1998/174 Pembrokeshire Newport SN041400Phocoena phocoena M 1.19 slight decomposition 11-Oct-98 SW1998/179 Pembrokeshire Fishguard SM960373 reported by Mrs Strawbridge to RSPCA.Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? ? 12-Oct-98 SW1998/180 Gwynedd Barmouth SH605165 Nothing found on 13th.Phocoena phocoena F c.1.50 live 16-Oct-98 SW1998/181 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN602940 RSPCA attended and released animal back to sea with the aid of Borth IRB.Phocoena phocoena M 1.21 slight decomposition 18-Oct-98 SW1998/183 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN530700Phocoena phocoena F 1.10 moderate decomposition 06-Nov-98 SW1998/188 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN606943 Samples taken and removed LA depot.Phocoena phocoena ? ? fresh 09-Nov-98 SW1998/190 Pembrokeshire Manorbier SS060974 reported by Mrs Bailey / PCNP. Not found.Phocoena phocoena F 1.57 slight decomposition 09-Nov-98 SW1998/191 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN580820Delphinus delphis M 1.28 fresh 13-Nov-98 SW1998/193 Ceredigion Borth SN607900 reported by ?Stenella coeruleoalba ? ? live 25-Nov-98 SW1998/197 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SR979939 Animal put back in sea by members of public.Phocoena phocoena F 1.23 slight decomposition 27-Nov-98 SW1998/198 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN602940Stenella coeruleoalba F 1.96 fresh 07-Dec-98 SW1998/200 Nth Somerset Clevedon WSM ST396711 reported by Philip Vincent LA > Roger Miln EA. Picked en route to London.Phocoena phocoena M 1.60 moderate decomposition 10-Dec-98 SW1998/204 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM850215 Severe post mortem damage. Samples taken.Cetacean sp. indet. ? ? ? 13-Dec-98 SW1998/205 Pembrokeshire Musslewick SM783087 reported as Dolphin floating upside down off Musslewick. Severe SW forecast all week.Phocoena phocoena F 1.08 fresh 14-Dec-98 SW1998/207 Gwynedd Port Dinorwic SH525678 Taken to Dr John Baker by Mandy Richards CCW.Delphinus delphis ? ? slight decomposition 18-Dec-98 SW1998/210 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM880007 Front half of animal only.Grampus griseus F? 3.10 advanced decomposition 23-Dec-98 SW1998/212 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM853208 reported by E.A. and Mrs Carter. poss. same animal reported on 20th off Littlehaven and 13th off Musslewick.

RSP 2

Appendix 2. Marine Environmental Monitoring 1998 Welsh Coast Strandings (Grey Seals).

species Sex Length (heaCondition Date SS_No County Locality Grid_ref CommentHalichoerus grypus ? adult live/died 15-Jun-98 S1988 Anglesey Red Wharf Bay SH540810 reported by John Baker. Taken to Welsh Mountain Zoo, died following morning.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate decomposition. 04-Jan-98 SS1998/001 Gwynedd Hellsmouth SH283264 reported by Tim Jones CCW. Whitecoated pup, headless found with 2 other pups.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate decomposition. 04-Jan-98 SS1998/002 Gwynedd Hellsmouth SH283264 reported by Tim Jones CCW. Whitecoated pup, headless found with 2 other pups.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate decomposition. 04-Jan-98 SS1998/003 Gwynedd Hellsmouth SH283264 reported by Tim Jones CCW. Whitecoated pup, headless found with 2 other pups.Halichoerus grypus ? adult advanced decomposition 12-Jan-98 SS1998/004 Gwynedd Criccieth SH494376 reported by Barry Davies Maritime Officer. Headless disposed of by council.Halichoerus grypus ? ? advanced decomposition 12-Jan-98 SS1998/005 Swansea Swansea SS650922 reported by Sian Morgan. council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? advanced decomposition 09-Feb-98 SS1998/007 Gwynedd Afon Dwyryd SH640399 reported by Iwan Williams EA.Halichoerus grypus ? c1.5 moderate decomposition. 09-Feb-98 SS1998/009 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM880006 reported by Ron Jones, Pembrokeshire council.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 17-Feb-98 SS1998/010 Pembrokeshire Broadhaven SM860135 reported by Pembrokeshire. council. disposed of.Halichoerus grypus ? adult fresh? 07-Mar-98 SS1998/014 Denbighshire Rhyl SJ005817 reported by RSPCA. Dr J Baker not contactable, council informed for disposal on Monday.Halichoerus grypus ? adult advanced decomposition 10-Mar-98 SS1998/015 Gwynedd Morfa Dyffryn SH569229 reported by Robin PrattHalichoerus grypus F adult fresh? 11-Mar-98 SS1998/016 Pembrokeshire Abermawr SM881346 reported by Steve Wilson. Headless animal. council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced decomposition 13-Mar-98 SS1998/017 Pembrokeshire Newgale Beach SM850215 reported by Jane Hodges. First seen 8th March 98.Halichoerus grypus ? ? moderate decomposition. 01-Apr-98 SS1998/018 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ085845 reported by Lucy Appleton / Holyhead CG. Tagged 424 orange. Council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? adult ? 19-Apr-98 SS1998/020 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ085845 reported by duty manager Nova leisure centre. Council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? adult ? 11-May-98 SS1998/021 Pembrokeshire Abereiddy (by slipway) SM796312 Council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 24-May-98 SS1998/022 Ceredigion Aberarth SN470637 reported by Mr Evans.Halichoerus grypus ? ? part of 27-May-98 SS1998/023 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ085845 reported by Brian Mydan, Technical Services.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 27-May-98 SS1998/024 Pembrokeshire Abereiddy (blue lagoon) SM794314 reported by Brian Mcfarlain. Council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? adult ? 01-Jun-98 SS1998/026 Anglesey Red Wharf Bay SH540810 reported by John Coppock.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 15-Jun-98 SS1998/029 Conwy Kinmel Bay SH980800 reported by John BakerHalichoerus grypus ? adult ? 29-Jun-98 SS1998/031 Ceredigion Borth SN607900 reported by Env. Health.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 09-Jul-98 SS1998/039 Pembrokeshire Strumble SM889393 reported by N.T. SolvaHalichoerus grypus ? adult ? 10-Jul-98 SS1998/040 Conwy Pensarn SH946788 reported by Conwy Council. Disposed of by L.A.Halichoerus grypus ? adult ? 13-Jul-98 SS1998/041 Ceredigion Borth SN607900 reported by Milford Haven CG. Council informed for safe disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? sub-adult advanced decomposition 14-Jul-98 SS1998/042 Ceredigion Clarach SN587837 reported by Jean Bryant. Council informed for safe disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 23-Jul-98 SS1998/050 Carmarthenshire Pendine SN260070 reported by MOD Police. No access to beach due to range firing.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p moderate decomposition. 09-Aug-98 SS1998/051 Ceredigion Tresaith SN278516 reported by Mr Alexander aux CG. Found at sea and brought in by Dave Wakelam. Taken to transfer station.Halichoerus grypus M ? p moderate decomposition. 11-Aug-98 SS1998/074 Pembrokeshire Newgale Beach SM850215 reported by Pembrokeshire Council. Retreived and bagged by SC.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 14-Aug-98 SS1998/075 Ceredigion Borth SN607900 reported by Borth launch controller. Nothing found by Local Authority.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 21-Aug-98 SS1998/076 Ceredigion Aberarth SN470637 reported by ? L.A. informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 24-Aug-98 SS1998/078 Pembrokeshire Littlehaven SM852125 reported by Pembrokeshire Council.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 25-Aug-98 SS1998/079 Anglesey Moelfre SH515869 reported by Caroline Davies CCW.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 02-Sep-98 SS1998/082 Anglesey SH611765 reported by Jane Walsh.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced decomposition 02-Sep-98 SS1998/084 Pembrokeshire Lydstep SS091980 reported by Rod Jones, Pembrokeshire L.A.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 11-Sep-98 SS1998/085 Pembrokeshire Newgale Beach SM850215 reported by Ross Grizbrook, E.A.. Council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 13-Sep-98 SS1998/087 Gwynedd Aberdaron SH173263 reported by ? Council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 13-Sep-98 SS1998/088 Gwynedd Aberdaron SH173263 reported by ? Council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 13-Sep-98 SS1998/089 Pembrokeshire Whitesands beach SM730263 reported by ? Council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 13-Sep-98 SS1998/090 Ceredigion Aberaeron Sth beach SN452628 reported by ? Council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 13-Sep-98 SS1998/091 Pembrokeshire Newgale Beach SM850215 reported by John Thomas. Council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 14-Sep-98 SS1998/092 Pembrokeshire Ceibwr Bay SN105456 reported by John Messenger. Council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? adult moderate decomposition. 14-Sep-98 SS1998/093 Pembrokeshire West Dale SM798058 reported by Kate CCW MNR. Council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 17-Sep-98 SS1998/097 Pembrokeshire Ceibwr Bay SN105456 reported by Peter Pritchard. Council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 17-Sep-98 SS1998/098 Pembrokeshire Ceibwr Bay SN105456 reported by Peter Pritchard. Council informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 22-Sep-98 SS1998/113 Pembrokeshire Burnett Beach SN003090 reported by Jean Bryant.Halichoerus grypus ? adult ? 01-Oct-98 SS1998/114 Swansea Oxwich Bay SS520875 reported by Swansea Coastguard. (private beach)Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 05-Oct-98 SS1998/115 Gwynedd Abersoch SH315285 reported by Will Sanderson CCW. Retrospective report by member of public.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 05-Oct-98 SS1998/116 Gwynedd Porth Ceiriad SH310247 reported by Will Sanderson CCW. Retrospective report by member of public.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 05-Oct-98 SS1998/117 Gwynedd Porth Ceiriad SH310247 reported by Will Sanderson CCW. Retrospective report by member of public.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh 12-Oct-98 SS1998/118 Pembrokeshire Newgale Beach SM850215 reported by Mrs Scammel. L,A. informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 10-Oct-98 SS1998/122 Pembrokeshire Abermawr SM881346 reported by member of public. retro report.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 14-Oct-98 SS1998/123 Pembrokeshire Broadhaven SM860135 reported by ?Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced decomposition 14-Oct-98 SS1998/124 Pembrokeshire Newgale Beach SM850215 reported by Andy Rees.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 16-Oct-98 SS1998/125 Ceredigion Borth SN607900 reported by ?Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced decomposition 20-Oct-98 SS1998/126 Pembrokeshire Newgale Beach SM850215 reported by Mrs Scammel. L,A. informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? adult? ? 20-Oct-98 SS1998/127 Pembrokeshire Broadhaven SM860135 reported by Pembrokeshire Parks Shop. LA informed for disposal.

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Appendix 2. Marine Environmental Monitoring 1998 Welsh Coast Strandings (Grey Seals).

species Sex Length (heaCondition Date SS_No County Locality Grid_ref CommentHalichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 20-Oct-98 SS1998/128 Pembrokeshire Whitesands Beach SM730263 reported by Stephen Campachinic. LA informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 23-Oct-98 SS1998/129 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN602940 reported by Mr Scattergood. LA informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 26-Oct-98 SS1998/130 Ceredigion Borth SN607900 reported by ? LA informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 26-Oct-98 SS1998/131 Gwynedd Barmouth SH605165 reported by Holyhead Coastguard. LA informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 22-Oct-98 SS1998/132 Pembrokeshire Newgale Beach SM850215 reported by Mrs Scammel. L,A. informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 26-Oct-98 SS1998/133 Swansea Rhossili SS411881 reported by Sian National Trust.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 27-Oct-98 SS1998/134 Ceredigion Penbryn SN290524 reported by Holly Arnold.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 28-Oct-98 SS1998/135 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN526697 reported by ? LA informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 02-Nov-98 SS1998/136 Pembrokeshire Martins Haven SM760092 reported by Phil Newman CCW.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 02-Nov-98 SS1998/137 Pembrokeshire Deer Park SM754095 reported by Kate Lock CCWHalichoerus grypus ? ? ? 30-Oct-98 SS1998/138 Ceredigion Aberarth SN470637 reported by Mr Wilding. (retro)Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 05-Nov-98 SS1998/139 Ceredigion Tresaith SN278516 reported by Mr Alexander. LA informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 09-Nov-98 SS1998/140 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN578797 reported by ? LA informed.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p ? 11-Nov-98 SS1998/142 Ceredigion Mwnt SN194518 reported by Paul Evans, Heritage Coast. LA informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus F ? juv moderate decomposition. 12-Nov-98 SS1998/143 Ceredigion Borth SN607900 reported by ?Halichoerus grypus ? ? p advanced decomposition 19-Nov-98 SS1998/145 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN602940 reported by Mr Scattergood. L.A. informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus F ? juv moderate decomposition. 20-Nov-98 SS1998/146 Anglesey Traeth Cymyran SH304746 reported by Dawn Smith. L.A. informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 27-Nov-98 SS1998/147 Ceredigion Borth SN607900 reported by Mr Howe. L.A. informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? p fresh 01-Dec-98 SS1998/148 Ceredigion Borth SN607900 reported by Anna Hubbard. L.A. informed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? adult? ? 03-Dec-98 SS1998/150 Gwynedd Porth Colman SH200343 reported by Mr & Mrs Harris. LA infomed for disposal.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 16-Dec-98 SS1998/151 Pembrokeshire Amroth SN167071 reported by ?Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 18-Dec-98 SS1998/152 Gwynedd Kinmel Bay SH980805 reported by Sharon Jones, Golden Sands.Halichoerus grypus ? ? ? 28-Dec-98 SS1998/153 Anglesey Rhoscolyn SH256755 reported by Holyhead C.G.

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Appendix 3. Marine Environmental Monitoring 1998 Welsh Coast Strandings (Leatherback Turtles).

Species Sex Length Condition Date ST Number County Location GridRef NotesDermochelys coriacea ? part of Advanced decomposition Wednesday, February 18, 1998 ST1998/1 PEMBROKESHIRE ABERBACH SM883350 PART OF CARAPACE FOUND ON BEACH. COULD BE TURTLE WHICH NOT FOUND ON 09-Sep-97.Dermochelys coriacea ? ? live Thursday, August 06, 1998 ST1998/sas1 CARMARTHENSHIRE 2 1/2 MILES OFF PENDINE REPORTED BY FISHERMANDermochelys coriacea ? ? live Saturday, August 15, 1998 ST1998/sas2 53.22N 5.21W IRISH SEA, REPORTED BY IVOR REES TO MANDY RICHARDS.Dermochelys coriacea ? ? live Saturday, August 29, 1998 ST1998/sas3 SWANSEA RHOSSILI REPORTED BY ROD, WARDEN AT KENFIG NNR.Dermochelys coriacea ? c. 0.91c live Tuesday, October 13, 1998 ST1998/sas4 53.29N 3.28W IRISH SEA, REPORTED BY IVOR REES TO MANDY RICHARDS. VICINITY OF HAMILTON NTH PLATFORM.Dermochelys coriacea ? 40"x30"c part of Monday, November 23, 1998 ST1998/6 CARMARTHENSHIRE PEMBREY SN386008 REPORTED BY DAVID HUGHES, PEMBREY COUNTRY PARK.

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Rod PenroseAppendix 4.

Rod PenroseAppendix 5.