www.strandings.com

Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings (Welsh Coast)

Annual Report 2013

R.S.Penrose. July 2014

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

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2013 saw the sad passing of Robin Pratt.

Robin was a tireless advocate for nature conservation and the natural environment holding positions in both the Pembrokeshire National Park Authority and the Countryside

Council for Wales (CCW) (formally NCC). He had a particular passion for marine mammals and was one of the instigators in 1975 calling for a West Wales Grey Seal

Census. I first met Robin in the late 1980s when he freely offered support of boat and equipment

storage at his farm in Fishguard when the newly formed CCW let one of its first contracts, the West Wales Grey Seal Census. I can remember many a dark cold late

wintry evening returning back to store the boat only to be met by Robin presenting each of us with a glass of single malt whiskey to try and revive our cold tired bodies.

Robin, his daughters and son in law continued their support of the Marine Mammal Strandings Programme in Wales through the 1990s to the present day, without whose

help it would probably not be what it is today. The enthusiasm, drive and generosity that Robin shared was a rarity.

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REPORT DISTRIBUTION.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue. J. Barnett P. Lewis Carmarthen Bay & Estuaries European Marine Site. B. Bullimore Centre for Environment, Fisheries & Aquaculture Science. R. J. Law Dyfed Powys Police (Wildlife Unit) A. Mason Environment Agency. K. Cameron Local Authorities. Anglesey D. Brown

Bridgend G. Hobbs Cardiff R. Chapman Carmarthenshire E. Waters Ceredigion B. Jones Conwy T. Mead Denbighshire M. Bud Flintshire T. Woodall Gwynedd B. Davies Neath Port Talbot G. Marquis Pembrokeshire A. Woods Swansea C. Morgan Vale of Glamorgan R. May

Marine Aware North Wales. N. Jones Maritime & Coastguard Agency. Swansea S. Jones

Milford Haven C. Evans Holyhead R. Carson

Natural History Museum, London. B. Smith

R. Sabin M. Clery

Natural Resources Wales. T. Stringell Pembrokeshire Coast National Park. J. Hodges RSPCA R. Atkinson

R. de Kerckhove SAC Officers. Ceredigion B. Sampson

Pembrokeshire S. Burton Gwynedd A. Hargrave

Scottish Rural University College (SRUC) Inverness. Dr A. Brownlow

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Sea Watch Foundation. Dr P. Evans Snowdonia National Park Authority. I. Eryl Jones The Wildlife Trusts. F. Catternach

S. Kessell University College Cork. Dr E. Rogan University of Liverpool. Dr J.R. Baker Dr J. Chantry WDC N. Hodgins Welsh Government. L. Cosgrove R. Lowcock James J. Williams Welsh Marine Life Rescue. T. Leadbetter Zoological Society of London. Dr P. Jepson

R. Deaville

Others : Jemma & Ray Lerwill Sal Shipley Jan Loveridge, Cornwall Wildlife Trust Strandings Network.

Judith Oakley, Oakley Intertidal/Swansea Metropolitan UWTSD. R. Bailey, Marine Conservation Society.

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CONTENTS Page 1 CRYNODEB GWEITHREDOL 7

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 8 2 INTRODUCTION 9 3 MATERIALS AND METHODS 9 3.1 Live Animals. 10 3.2 Dead Animals. 10 4 RESULTS 11 4.1 Marine Mammals. 11 4.2 Bottlenose Dolphin Attacks. 16 4.3 Unusual Occurrences. 17 4.4 Live Strandings. 20 4.5 Tagging. 21 5 OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK 21 5.1 Marine Turtles. 21 5.2 Seals. 22

5.3 Sharks. 22 6 SAMPLES 22 7 FUNDING 22 8 PUBLICITY 22 9 LEGISLATION 23 10 EQUIPMENT 23 11 TRAVEL 23 12 ADMINISTRATION 24 13 CAUSE OF DEATH 24 14 LIST OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES USED IN THIS REPORT 25 15 MATTERS ARISING 25 16 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS 25 17 APPENDICES 25

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List of Figures. page

Figure 1. Current Technical Co-ordination of the Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP). 9

Figure 2. Reported bottlenose dolphin strandings on the Welsh coast. 13Figure 3. Bottlenose dolphin strandings by month. 13

Figure 4. Bottlenose dolphin strandings averaged over 1990 to 2013. 13Figure 5. Reported harbour porpoise strandings on the Welsh coast. 14

Figure 6. Harbour porpoise strandings by month. 14Figure 7. Harbour porpoise strandings averaged over 1990 to 2013. 14

Figure 8. Reported grey seal mortality on the Welsh coast. 15Figure 9. Grey seal mortality by month. 15Figure 10. Grey seal reports averaged over 1990 to 2013. 15

Figure 11. Stranding locations of the two porpoises, recovered to the project, killed by bottlenose dolphins in 2013. 16

List of Plates.

Plate 1. Remains of a large whale at Tywyn. 17Plate 2. Sea Watch members viewing the porpoise examination. 17

Plate 3. Sowerby's beaked whale SW2013/261. 18Plate 4. SW2013/261 remains being removed. 18Plate 5. Bottlenose dolphin SW2013/332. 19Plate 6. Risso's dolphin SW2013/543. 19

Plate 7. Live-stranded fin whale SW2013/583 at Abergele. 20

List of Tables.

Table 1. 2013 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast).11

Table 2. 2013 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast). 11Table 3. 2013 Number of animals selected for post-mortem examination. 12Table 4. 2013 Number of animals decomposed/discarded (Welsh Coast). 12Table 5. Cause of death (Cetaceans). 24

Table 6. List of scientific names used in this report. 25

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1. CRYNODEB GWEITHREDOL

Caiff yr UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP - rhaglen y DU ar gyfer ymchwilio tiriadau anifeiliaid o deulu'r morfilod) ei gydlynu’n dechnegol gan Gymdeithas Söolegol Llundain (ZSL). Teulu’r Morfilod: Derbyniodd Marine Environmental Monitoring adroddiadau am 114 o anifeiliaid o deulu'r morfil yn 2013. O’r rhain, llamidyddion a grybwyllwyd amlaf (89 ohonynt). Cafwyd adroddiadau ynghylch anifeiliaid eraill o deulu'r morfil wedi tirio ar lannau Cymru yn 2013, gan gynnwys un dolffin trwyn potel, saith dolffin cyffredin, pum dolffin rhesog, naw ‘rhywogaeth amhenodol o deulu’r morfil’, un morfil asgellog llwyd, un dolffin Risso ac un morfil gylfinog Sowerby. Daeth un dolffin cyffredin, un llamhidydd, ac un morfil asgellog llwyd i’r lan yn fyw. Dychwelwyd pob un o’r tri i’r môr Dewiswyd naw ar hugain o greaduriaid i’w harchwilio. Cafwyd dau lamhidydd yn 2013 y gellid dweud eu bod ‘wedi’u lladd gan ddolffin trwyn potel’. Gorfu i’r cynllun wneud llai o gofnodi ers 2006 a gwnaeth hyn hi’n anodd cymharu tueddiadau yn y gweithgaredd hwn â'r blynyddoedd cynt. Samplau: Yn ogystal â'r samplau arferol a gymerwyd o anifeiliaid a gasglwyd ar gyfer archwiliad post-mortem, cymerwyd samplau hefyd o un ar ddeg o anifeiliaid eraill cyn cael gwared arnynt. Morloi: Derbyniodd Marine Environmental Monitoring adroddiadau am 82 morlo llwyd. Ni ddaeth unrhyw arian pellach yn 2013 i ymchwilio toriadau “corcsgriw” mewn morloi. Crwbanod: Cafwyd adroddiad o rywle ar lannau Cymru am un crwban môr yn tirio’n fyw, crwban môr pendew. Yn anffodus, bu farw’r crwban môr drannoeth. Rhwng mis Gorffennaf a mis Awst cafwyd dau adroddiad o weld crwban môr cefn lledr. Heulforgwn: Ni chafwyd unrhyw adroddiad yn ystod 2013 am heulforgi’n tirio. Ariannu: Daeth y cytundeb tair blynedd â Llywodraeth Cynulliad Cymru/Defra, a ddyfarnwyd yn 2011, i ben ar ddiwedd mis Mawrth 2014. Rhoddwyd estyniad i’r cytundeb hyd fis Mehefin 2015.

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1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) is under the technical co-ordination of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). Cetaceans: 114 cetaceans were reported to Marine Environmental Monitoring in 2013. Harbour porpoise (n=89) was the most frequently reported cetacean. Other cetaceans reported stranded on the Welsh coast in 2013 included one bottlenose dolphin, seven common dolphins, five striped dolphins, nine ‘cetacean species indeterminate’, one fin whale, one Risso’s dolphin and one Sowerby’s beaked whale. One common dolphin, one harbour porpoise and one fin whale live-stranded. All three animals were returned to the sea. Twenty-nine cetaceans were selected for examination. Two harbour porpoises ‘killed by bottlenose dolphin’ were identified in 2013. Imposed reduced effort in recording from 2006 has made trends in this activity difficult to compare with previous years. Samples: In addition to routine samples taken from animals recovered for post-mortem examination, samples have also been taken from eleven further animals before disposal. Seals: Eighty-two grey seals were reported to Marine Environmental Monitoring. No additional funding to investigate “corkscrew cuts” in seals was forthcoming in 2013. Turtles: One live ‘stranded’ marine turtle, a Kemp’s ridley, was reported from around the Welsh coast. Unfortunately, this turtle died the next day. Reports of two leatherback turtle ‘sightings’ were received between July and August. Basking Sharks: No basking shark strandings were reported during 2013. Funding: The three-year contract with WG/Defra, awarded in 2011 terminated at the end of March 2014. An extention to the contract has been let until June 2015.

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

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

Funding to ZSL/IoZ, NHM and SAC was significantly reduced through 2006/2007. Funding to MEM by the Welsh Government and the Countryside Council for Wales fortunately remained at previous levels, however reduced travelling expenses supported by Defra via ZSL/IoZ has had a knock-on effect in Wales resulting in only known ‘fresh to moderate’ carcasses that can be successfully recovered for post-mortem examination being attended. Confirmation of species of other cetacean strandings has relied on digital photographs and known reliable sources. Where animals cannot be identified 100 per cent, the Strandings Co-ordinator has attended at his own expense if within a reasonable distance. Carcasses with unconfirmed species identification generally outside this area have been entered into the database as ‘cetacean species indeterminate’. In an attempt to operate within the reduced travelling budget two chest freezers were purchased and procedures now changed to freeze carcasses. Although this practice results in loss of some information during the post-mortem examination process, carcasses can now be ‘stock-piled’ and transported to London in larger numbers thus reducing the number of journeys per year. 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS A single contact number for the whole of the UK has been maintained. The UK number is a free-phone number 0800 6520333 and a stepped menu system takes the caller through whether the stranding is live or dead and directs them to the correct organisation and the correct strandings co-ordinator for the appropriate country. The old Welsh Strandings number 01348 875000 has now been cancelled. A network of volunteers, rangers, wardens, coastal officers, Harbour Masters etc. has been maintained who can be contacted by the Strandings Co-ordinator to confirm the stranding, assess its condition and

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secure the animal from the effects of the tide, predation etc. until it can be dealt with. In recent years the use of digital cameras has vastly improved the quality of reporting as species, sex, and condition of carcass can be ascertained from the e-mailed image. A dedicated email address to receive digital photographs has been created info@strandings.demon.co.uk It is hoped this will reduce the number of ‘cetacean species indeterminate’ recorded in the database. The following criteria are applied: - 3.1 Live Animals

(Condition code 1)1 In 1994 the Marine Animal Rescue Coalition (MARC) was formed. This consists of all the major animal welfare and conservation bodies involved with marine mammals in the UK. It has been agreed that in the case of a live stranding the first point of call would be the RSPCA as they support a manned 24-hour emergency phone. The RSPCA would then contact the relevant organisations, Marine Environmental Monitoring etc. 3.2 Dead Animals

(Condition code 2a extremely fresh as if just died) 1 (Condition code 2b slight decomposition)1 (Condition code 3 moderate decomposition)1

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

(Condition code 5 mummified carcass)1

Species identified, basic measurements taken if possible. Health and safety precautions being observed. Local council then contacted for safe disposal of remains. The CSIP database http://data.ukstrandings.org/ has continued to be the UK repository for all records with the exception of the TURTLE database which is yet to be incorporated into this web-based system. Members of the CSIP are now able to enter data directly to the database. Each access point or ‘node’ is password protected and the database automatically designates the appropriate reference number for the species being entered. Additional to this, the public are now able to access stranding data through regular updates to the National Biodiversity Network (NBN) Gateway ( www.nbn.org.uk ). Copies of post-mortem examination reports have been continued to be sent from the Strandings Co-ordinator to the finder and others associated with each relevant stranding.

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

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4. RESULTS 4.1 Marine Mammals

Table 1.

2013 Total number of reported marine mammal strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL

Baleen whale (indeterminate sp.) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Bottlenose dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Cetacean sp. Indet. 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 4Common dolphin 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 2 0 0 0 1 7Common/striped dolphin (indetermin 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 1 1 0 4Fin whale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1Harbour porpoise 4 2 0 5 13 20 10 16 3 5 4 7 89Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1Sowerby's beaked whale 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Striped dolphin 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 0 1 0 5Total cetaceans 0 3 0 5 18 0 0 19 6 7 8 9 114

Grey seal 4 2 0 0 4 11 7 3 8 15 24 4 82

Total animals 9 8 0 10 40 32 20 41 20 29 40 22 196

Table 2.

2013 Number of live cetacean strandings (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL

Baleen whale (indeterminate sp.) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Bottlenose dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Cetacean sp. Indet. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Common dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1Common/striped dolphin (indetermin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Fin whale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1Harbour porpoise 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Sowerby's beaked whale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Striped dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Total cetaceans 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 1 3

Of the 114 cetacean strandings 3 animals were found live-stranded during 2013.

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Table 3.

2013 Number of animals selected for post-mortem examination.

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL

Baleen whale (indeterminate sp.) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Bottlenose dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Cetacean sp. Indet. 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Common dolphin 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 3Common/striped dolphin (indetermin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Fin whale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Harbour porpoise 0 2 0 2 5 5 3 1 0 2 0 2 22Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Sowerby's beaked whale 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Striped dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0 3

Total cetaceans 0 2 0 2 8 5 3 2 2 2 1 2 29

Of the 114 cetacean strandings, 29 animals (25.4%) were selected or were available for examination. The animals selected for post-mortem examination are listed, together with the cause of death, in 13. CAUSE OF DEATH. Page 24. Table 4.

2013 Number of animals decomposed / discarded. (Welsh Coast).

Species Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec TOTAL

Baleen whale (indeterminate sp.) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Bottlenose dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1Cetacean sp. Indet. 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 1 0 4Common dolphin 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 3Common/striped dolphin (indetermin 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 3Fin whale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Harbour porpoise 2 0 0 1 4 10 4 11 3 2 3 5 45Risso's dolphin 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Sowerby's beaked whale 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0Striped dolphin 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2Total cetaceans 3 1 0 1 6 11 7 11 4 4 5 6 59

Grey seal 2 1 0 0 3 10 5 2 7 9 17 3 59

Total animals 5 2 0 1 9 21 12 13 11 13 22 9 118

Of the 196 total strandings in 2013 (seals and cetaceans), 60% (118 animals) were decomposed or discarded and the relevant local council contacted for safe disposal of remains. The remaining 25% (49 animals) (excluding the 29 selected for examination) were confirmed reports but were unable to be retrieved or disposed of due to various reasons i.e. no access to stranding, washed away, retrospective report or were found alive and returned to the sea.

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Figure 2. Reported bottlenose dolphin strandings on theWelsh coast.

Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) Although there is a resident population of bottlenose dolphins off the Welsh coast, strandings of this species are relatively unusual. Bottlenose dolphins are also a feature of the relevant Special Areas of Conservation (SAC’s) on the Welsh coast and are a priority species within the CSIP, it is for this reason that any available information on strandings of this species are included in this section. One bottlenose dolphin was reported stranded during 2013, unfortunately, this animal was in a state of advanced decomposition and not suitable for collection for a full post-mortem examination at ZSL. Basic samples were taken from this animal and the carcass removed for disposal. Numbers of bottlenose dolphin strandings are normally low and individual cases are listed with further details under 4.3 Unusual Occurrences page 17. Bottlenose dolphins in UK waters are large robust animals often measuring over three metres in length, these animals have a substantial mass of muscle. It may be possible, that once dead, these large animals become negatively buoyant only returning to the surface once gasses from decomposition counteract this effect. This may explain why so few bottlenose dolphins are found stranded dead in a fresh condition compared to decomposed carcasses.

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Figure 3. Bottlenose dolphin strandings by month. Figure 4. Bottlenose dolphin strandings averaged over 1990 to 2013.

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Figure 5. Reported harbour porpoise strandings on the Welsh coast.

Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) The harbour porpoise was the most frequently reported stranded cetacean during 2013. The black line shown running through the bar chart in Figure 5. indicates harbour porpoise neonates3 recovered in each year. This line has roughly mimicked and followed the totals for each year however, 2004 shows a marked decline in neonates compared to the reported total of porpoises for that year. Due to changes in funding and restrictions placed on transport arrangements introduced in 2006/2007, the numbers of porpoises recorded since 2006, (shaded yellow in Figure 5.) may be lower than the actual number stranded as not all carcasses were attended or identified to species. In an attempt to address this deficiency, various measures have been implemented, described in further detail in 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS. Page 9.

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

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Figure 8. Reported grey seal mortality on the Welsh coast.

Atlantic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) Atlantic grey seal mortality reported to Marine Environmental Monitoring was only slightly above the average figure for 1990-2013. The average being 74. Previous highs shown in Figure 8. occurred in 2004, due to severe weather during the pupping season, and 1996 and 2002. In both these years, 1996 and 2002, there was a high public effort in reporting as 1996 followed the Sea Empress Oil Spill (SEOS) and 2002 was the Phocine Distemper Virus (PDV) epizootic. Both these years also include data from the Pembrokeshire Islands which has not been recorded in other years. Animals retrieved for full post-mortem examination post SEOS4 and during the PDV5 epizootic showed no evidence that either of these events had any effect on the Welsh grey seal population. High mortality is normally associated with the pupping season which has been around September to November on the Welsh coast. However, this period appears to be extending earlier in the year to include August.

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

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Figure 11. Stranding locations of the two porpoises, recovered to the project, killed by bottlenose dolphins in 2013.

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4.2 Bottlenose Dolphin Attacks.

Two harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) that had died of injuries consistent with attack by one or more bottlenose dolphins (Jepson & Baker 1998), were found in 2013. The number of harbour porpoise carcasses reported to the project, identified as being “killed by bottlenose dolphins”, appear to have declined over time. However care should be used when interpreting this data as not all porpoise strandings have been examined since the beginning of 2006. The stranding locations for the animals retrieved for post-mortem examination determined as being killed by bottlenose dolphins is plotted in Figure 11. As stated above, caution should be used in interpreting this data however, even with the restriction on carcass numbers being examined post-mortem, I am surprised that no additional evidence of bottlenose dolphin killed porpoises was found within Cardigan Bay during 2013.

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Plate 1. Remains of a large whale at Tywyn.

Photo by: Sal Shipley.

Plate 2. Sea Watch members viewing the porpoise examination.

Photo by: Lin Gander

4.3 Unusual Occurrences.

SW2013/11 was the remains of a large unidentified whale consisting of a mass of blubber and a string of vertebrae found at Tywyn, Gwynedd on the 12th January 2013. Gwynedd Maritime Services were contacted for safe disposal. SW2012/222 was a juvenile 1.00 metre male harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) found floating offshore at New Quay, Ceredigion by Steve Hartley (CBMWG) on the 4th May 2013. CSIP pathologist Andrew Brownlow from SRUC was staying in New Quay that weekend coincidently with the Annual General Meeting of the Sea Watch Foundation also being held in New Quay. As the carcass was extremely fresh, a convenient back garden was sourced and Andrew kindly offered a demonstration porpoise post-mortem examination to members of the Sea Watch Foundation who were keen to observe. The cause of death was:- Physical trauma, bycatch.

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Plate 3. Sowerby’s beaked whale SW2013/261 Photo by: Lin Gander

Plate 4. SW2013/261 remains being removed.

Photo by: Lin Gander

SW2013/261 was a 4.62 metre male Sowerby’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon bidens) found stranded at Clarach, Ceredigion on the 9th May 2013. The carcass was winched above the high water mark and secured from the effects of the tide. A team from ZSL arrived the following day and a full post-mortem examination was conducted. Ceredigion County Council were contacted for disposal and the remains were cleared immediately on completion of the examination. The cause of death was:- Live stranding. There have been a total of four Sowerby’s beaked whale strandings in Wales since 2004, five, if you include a live-stranded Sowerby’s beaked whale under the Severn Bridge last year which narrowly missed Wales. Of these five, three, were live stranded or found to have live stranded on post-mortem examination.

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Plate 5. Bottlenose dolphin SW2013/332.

Photo by: Lin Gander.

Plate 6. Risso’s dolphin SW2013/543 .

SW2013/332 was a 1.95 metre female bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) reported stranded at Porthmadog, Gwynedd on the 15th June 2013. Unfortunately the carcass was in a state of advanced decomposition and therefore not suitable for a full post-mortem examination. Basic samples were taken and left and right photographs of the dorsal fin were taken and circulated to both Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Centre (CBMWC) and the Sea Watch Foundation but no matches were recorded, which was not surprising given the degree of decomposition. The carcass was removed for safe disposal by Gwynedd Maritime Services. SW2013/543 was a Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) found floating dead, at sea, off Point Lynas, Anglesey around 4th November 2013. The fresh carcass, reported as approximately 8 foot long, was unfortunately not recovered or landed. No reports of any strandings in the general area were received in the following days and there were no further reports on the carcass.

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Plate 7. Live-stranded fin whale SW2013/583 at Abergele. Photo by: Holyhead Coastguard. .

SW2013/583 was a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) live-stranded at Abergele, Conwy on the 9th December 2013. The animal was only metres from the beach but in thigh deep water on an incoming tide. Both offshore and inshore lifeboats were launched and crews from the coastguard, RSPCA and RNLI attended. At the height of the tide, crews entered the water and pushed the whales head round until it was facing the open sea where it slowly began to move off. The whale was shadowed for about a mile by the inshore lifeboat to make sure it didn’t change its course. No further reports were received on the UK coast but a 17 metre fin whale live-stranded and died on the Irish coast at Keel Beach, Achill Island, Mayo on the 24th December 2013. (IWDG web-site). As there were no distinguishing features on this animal no positive links can be made between the two strandings. 4.4 Live Strandings.

Three live cetacean strandings were reported in 2013. These are listed below. SW2013/260 was a harbour porpoise reported by Dyfed-Powys Police and Terry Leadbetter live-stranded at Freshwater East, Pembrokeshire on the 8th May 2013. The porpoise was returned to the sea. No further information. SW2013/445 was a 2.00 metre female common dolphin reported live-stranded at Saltney, Flintshire on the 23rd August 2013. The dolphin was returned to the sea. No further information. SW2013/583 was a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus) reported by Holyhead Coastguard live-stranded at Abergele, Conwy. The whale was returned to the sea. (see above). Several other animals were determined to have live-stranded on post-mortem examination (See Table 5).

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4.5 Tagging.

Occasionally dead cetaceans are encountered at sea by various research groups undergoing surveys off the Welsh coast. These groups are encouraged to retrieve any carcass whenever possible to enable it to be included and examined through the ‘Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme’. If the carcass is in a state of advanced decomposition, or cannot be recovered for any other reason, I have requested that these groups tag the carcass and leave it at sea. Numbered tags have been supplied by Marine Environmental Monitoring to each group, these consist of a yellow plastic cable-tie with a unique number allocated to each group, these have been allocated as follows. 1 Not allocated 6.

2 Cardigan Bay Marine Wildlife Group. (CBMWG). 3 Sea Watch New Quay. 4 Sea Trust. 5 Friends of Cardigan Bay (FoCB, Sarns Project).

The tag can be conveniently tied around the tail-stock, pectoral fin or, in the case of advanced decomposition, any exposed rib. The purpose of these tags is to stop animals being recorded twice but also it is of interest to record the date/time and position when tagged and the eventual date and location of any landfall the carcass may make. Over time this may enable a better understanding of how these carcasses are affected by tidal currents and wind direction. No carcasses were tagged in 2013. 5. OTHER MARINE ANIMALS REPORTED TO THE NETWORK. 5.1 Marine Turtles.

There was only one report of a stranded marine turtle and two reports of sightings received around the Welsh coast during 2013. The stranded turtle was a Kemp’s Ridley turtle (Lepidochelys kempii). All sightings were Leatherback turtles. These are listed below. Strandings T2013/026 was a Kemp’s Ridley turtle reported stranded alive at Tresaith beach, Ceredigion, on the 7th December 2013. The animal was recovered by the Strandings Co-ordinator and held overnight in accordance with the current rehabilitation procedure but was found to be dead the next morning. The carcass was stored frozen for later full post-mortem examination. The cause of death was; ‘Cold stunning’. Sightings T2013/002 was a Leatherback turtle reported alive off Criccieth, Gwynedd, on the 8th July 2013. T2013/012 was a Leatherback turtle reported alive at Tenby, Pembrokeshire, on the 18thAugust 2013. Further marine turtle reports outside of Wales can be found in the British Isles & Republic of Ireland Marine Turtle Strandings & Sightings Annual Reports at; http://www.strandings.com/Wales.html

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

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5.2 Seals.

Seals have not been routinely investigated by the CSIP since 1994. However records of mortality of these species have been maintained and the figures for the Welsh coast can be found on page 15. Following two Phocine Distemper Virus (PDV) epizootic events affecting seals in the UK in 1988 and 2002, the then CSIP (The Collaborative UK Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings Project) and the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) were tasked to investigate the 2002 event and monitored the Atlantic grey seal and harbour seal together with selected post-mortem examinations. In Wales, PDV monitoring of the Atlantic grey seal was investigated by the CSIP/MEM and ran for 6 months from 13th August 2002 to 13th February 2003. In recent years, seal carcasses have been found in England and Scotland exhibiting cuts in the skin and blubber starting at the head and circumscribing the animal to the tail. These unusual injuries have been named helical, spiral or corkscrew cuts. These injuries are covered in greater detail in the 2012 Marine Mammal & Marine Turtle Strandings (Welsh Coast) annual report. Attempts at securing funding for a scoping project to investigate the magnitude, any spatio-temporal patterns and identify the cause of this apparently emerging fatal interaction in Wales have not been successful but attempts for funding will continue through 2014. 5.3 Sharks.

As of 2007, Defra requested that stranded basking shark (Cetorhinus maximus) investigations be included within the project. No sharks were reported during 2013. 6. SAMPLES. The normal procedure for the taking of samples is from animals that have been taken for post-mortem examination. Additional to this, samples (mostly skin, muscle & teeth) have been taken from a further 11 animals during 2013 by the Strandings Co-ordinator and volunteers. Animals sampled are listed below. 1 baleen whale (indeterminate species). 1 bottlenose dolphin. 1 common dolphin. 7 harbour porpoises. 1 striped dolphin. 7. FUNDING. Marine Environmental Monitoring continued to be funded in Wales by The Welsh Government (WG)/ Countryside Council for Wales (CCW) contract during 2013. Defra, through the Zoological Society, London, continued to cover transportation costs. 8. PUBLICITY. The Strandings Web-site has been maintained to provide details of the ‘UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme’, although this is intended primarily for Wales. The pages can be viewed at www.strandings.com/ A ‘Seal’ and ‘Turtle’ page have been created on the site and related information and annual reports are

23

posted here:- Seals: www.strandings.com/Seals.html Turtles: www.strandings.com/Turtlepage.html Posters and leaflets produced to increase awareness of the project have continued to be distributed throughout the coast of Wales. Turtle Codes have also been distributed throughout the Welsh coast. The UK CSIP web-site can be found at www.ukstrandings.org 9. LEGISLATION. In 2007 new legislation came in to force, the "Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) (amendment) Regulations 2007". This makes changes to the Conservation (Natural Habitats, &c) Regulations 1994. It is now prohibited by regulation 39(2)(a) and (b) to posses and transport dead specimens and/or derivatives of species listed on Annex IV to the EC Habitats Directive (92/43/EEC) without a licence. Annex IV includes all cetaceans and all marine turtles. Please note the "50 year" date applied to "worked specimens" of CITES listed species has now changed - from 1 June 1947 as previously used, to 3 March 1947. http://animalhealth.defra.gov.uk/cites/news/120131-cites-antiques-derogation.htm For research and educational purposes the current licensing authorities are the three government statutory conservation bodies, Natural Resources Wales, Natural England and Scottish Natural Heritage. For possession of samples for research or educational purposes, licence cover should be obtained via the use of existing general licences or a specific licence. Information and application forms are available from the relevant organisations listed above. 10. EQUIPMENT. The 01348 875000 contact number has no longer been maintained changing now completely to the new number 01239 683033. This now becomes part of the stepped menu system explained in 3. MATERIALS AND METHODS but can still be accessed and contacted directly if needed. The preferred method of contact for the general public is through the 0800 6520333 number which should filter out calls on live animals directly to British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) etc. 11. TRAVEL. In excess of 7, 344 miles were covered on the project in retrieval and transportation of animals in 2013. In addition, assistance was given to the Irish Republic concerning a mass stranding event 4th February 2013. The CCW Workshop was attended 20-21 February 2013. A meeting with Dr Alford at Chippenham concerning euthanasia of large whales was organised 13th March 2013. The European Cetacean Society conference in Setabul, Portugal 8th - 10th April was attended. A presentation was given to the Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Strandings Network, Truro on the 26th October 2013.

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12. ADMINISTRATION. Copies of post-mortem examination reports were posted out to finders and associated interested parties concerning each relevant stranding. 13. CAUSE OF DEATH. The provisional causes of death for the 29 selected cetaceans in a suitable condition for necropsy in 2013 are given in Table 5. These carcasses underwent a full post-mortem examination at the Zoological Society of London (ZSL). Please note these are provisional causes of death, and may change when additional laboratory analyses have been conducted. Table 5.

SW Number Family/Genus Species County Locality Cause of Death

SW2013/045 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Aberffraw Live stranding (pending histopathology)SW2013/047 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Tanybwlch Physical trauma, by-catchSW2013/188 Phocoena phocoena Pembrokeshire Amroth Physical trauma, by-catchSW2013/199 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Caernarfon Airport Parasitism, pulmonary (heavy)SW2013/222 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Off New Quay Physical trauma, by-catchSW2013/261 Mesoplodon bidens Ceredigion Clarach Live stranding (suspected)SW2013/267 Delphinus delphis Pembrokeshire Newgale Gastric impactionSW2013/273 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Porth Dafarch Starvation/hypothermiaSW2013/274 Delphinus delphis Ceredigion Cwmtydu Not establishedSW2013/277 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Off New Quay Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attackSW2013/283 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Aberystwyth Physical trauma, bottlenose dolphin attackSW2013/298 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Aberporth PendingSW2013/327 Phocoena phocoena Anglesey Porth Dafarch Starvation/hypothermia (neonate)SW2013/329 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Tywyn Starvation/hypothermia (neonate)SW2013/330 Phocoena phocoena Pembrokeshire Monk Haven Starvation/hypothermia (neonate)SW2013/356 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Dyffryn Starvation/hypothermia (neonate)SW2013/357 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Borth Starvation/hypothermia (neonate)SW2013/373 Phocoena phocoena Vale of Glamorgan Dunraven Bay Starvation/hypothermia (neonate)SW2013/380 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Penbryn Starvation/hypothermia (neonate)SW2013/381 Phocoena phocoena Denbighshire Prestatyn Not establishedSW2013/411 Phocoena phocoena Pembrokeshire Tenby Starvation/hypothermia (neonate)SW2013/449 Delphinus delphis Ceredigion Tanybwlch Live strandingSW2013/487 Stenalla coeruleoalba Pembrokeshire Tenby PendingSW2013/490 Stenalla coeruleoalba Gwynedd Tywyn Starvation/hypothermia SW2013/497 Phocoena phocoena Carmarthenshire Llanelli PendingSW2013/538 Phocoena phocoena Neath Port Talbot Aberavon Starvation/hypothermia (neonate)SW2013/565 Stenalla coeruleoalba Pembrokeshire Manorbier Physical trauma, acuteSW2013/567 Phocoena phocoena Ceredigion Llangrannog PendingSW2013/590 Phocoena phocoena Gwynedd Black Rock Sands Physical trauma, by-catch (possible)

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14. LIST OF SCIENTIFIC NAMES USED IN THIS REPORT.

Table 6.

15. MATTERS ARISING. Kemp’s Ridley turtles (Lepidochelys kempii) T2011/051 and T2011/053 together with T2012/001 are stored frozen at ZSL pending post-mortem examinations. 16. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS. Marine Environmental Monitoring wishes to acknowledge the following: Paul Newman, Lin Gander, Sal Shipley, Steve Hartley, Sarah Perry, Cliff Benson, Dan Worth, Ron Jones, Gavin Hall, Wyn Parry, Glyn Jones, Clive Morgan, Judith Oakley and Nia Jones for their support with the project and help in retrieving animals. Strandings Network volunteers, too numerous to mention for their help confirming, reporting and securing animals for collection. Swansea Coastguard, Milford Haven Coastguard, Holyhead Coastguard for reporting strandings plus the many auxiliary coastguards who assisted in searching, securing carcasses and recoveries etc. Welsh Government/Countryside Council for Wales/Natural Resources Wales & Defra for providing funds towards the project. 17. APPENDICES. Appendix 1. Cetacean stranding data 2013. Appendix 2. Marine turtle data 2013. Appendix 3. Seal data 2013.

Common name. Scientific name.

Bottlenose dolphin Tursiops truncatusCommon dolphin Delphinus delphisFin whale Balaenoptera physalusGrey seal Halichoerus grypusHarbour porpoise Phocoena phocoenaKemp's Ridley turtle Lepidochelys kempiiLeatherback turtle Dermochelys coriaceaRisso's dolphin Grampus griseusSowerby's beaked whale Mesoplodon bidensStriped dolphin Stenella coeruleoalba

Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Family/Genus species Sex Length Condition Date County Locality Grid

SW2013/002 Phocoena phocoena F 163 moderate decomposition (code 3) 05-Jan-13 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 370 030SW2013/003 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 05-Jan-13 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 380 010SW2013/008 Phocoena phocoena F 121 moderate decomposition (code 3) 09-Jan-13 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 572 014SW2013/011 Unknown Baleen whale (indeterminate species) U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12-Jan-13 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 580 998SW2013/013 Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 13-Jan-13 Swansea Whiteford Sands SS 445 965SW2013/045 Y Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 04-Feb-13 Anglesey Aberffraw SH 355 677SW2013/046 Stenella coeruleoalba M 180 slight decomposition (code 2b) 03-Feb-13 Pembrokeshire Angle Bay SM 893 019SW2013/047 Y Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 06-Feb-13 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 577 797SW2013/186 Phocoena phocoena M 130 moderate decomposition (code 3) 23-Apr-13 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 245 284SW2013/187 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 23-Apr-13 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH 530 370SW2013/188 Y Phocoena phocoena M -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 27-Apr-13 Pembrokeshire Amroth SN 165 070SW2013/198 Phocoena phocoena M 112 freshly dead (code 2a) 27-Apr-13 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 564 032SW2013/199 Y Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 30-Apr-13 Gwynedd Caernarfon Airport SH 431 588SW2013/221 Unknown Short-beaked common dolphin/striped dolphin (indeterminate species) U 125 advanced decomposition (code 4) 03-May-13 Ceredigion New Quay SN 400 596SW2013/222 Y Phocoena phocoena M 100 freshly dead (code 2a) 04-May-13 Ceredigion Off New Quay SN 366 607SW2013/246 Phocoena phocoena M 121 moderate decomposition (code 3) 06-May-13 Denbighshire Rhyl SJ 001 823SW2013/247 Phocoena phocoena U 76 unknown 07-May-13 Monmouthshire Magor Pil ST 439 848SW2013/260 Phocoena phocoena U -9 alive- refloated (code 1) 08-May-13 Pembrokeshire Freshwater East SS 025 981SW2013/261 Y Mesoplodon bidens M 462 slight decomposition (code 2b) 09-May-13 Ceredigion Clarach SN 586 837SW2013/267 Y Delphinus delphis F 137 slight decomposition (code 2b) 10-May-13 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM 850 215SW2013/273 Y Phocoena phocoena M -9 unknown 13-May-13 Anglesey Porth Dafarch SH 233 799SW2013/274 Y Delphinus delphis M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 15-May-13 Ceredigion Cwmtydu SN 355 576SW2013/277 Y Phocoena phocoena M -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 19-May-13 Ceredigion Off New Quay SN 390 608SW2013/280 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 19-May-13 Gwynedd Harlech SH 574 302SW2013/282 Delphinus delphis F 137 moderate decomposition (code 3) 20-May-13 Ceredigion Llanon SN 504 665SW2013/283 Y Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 23-May-13 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 581 819SW2013/292 Phocoena phocoena F moderate decomposition (code 3) 18-May-13 Gwynedd Menai Strait SH 570 730SW2013/296 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 24-May-13 Gwynedd Morfa Nefyn SH 282 408SW2013/297 Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 25-May-13 Flintshire Ffynnongroyw SJ 145 815SW2013/298 Y Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 25-May-13 Ceredigion Aberporth SN 256 517SW2013/323 Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 02-May-13 Gwynedd Barmouth SH 580 210SW2013/324 Phocoena phocoena F 91 advanced decomposition (code 4) 03-Jun-13 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ 069 840SW2013/325 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 01-Jun-13 Flintshire Gronant Dunes SJ 105 851SW2013/326 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 09-Jun-13 Pembrokeshire Amroth SN 170 071SW2013/327 Y Phocoena phocoena M -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 13-Jun-13 Anglesey Porth Dafarch SH 233 799SW2013/328 Phocoena phocoena M 146 moderate decomposition (code 3) 13-Jun-13 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon SS 732 908SW2013/329 Y Phocoena phocoena -9 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 14-Jun-13 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 580 997SW2013/330 Y Phocoena phocoena F -9 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 14-Jun-13 Pembrokeshire Monk Haven SM 828 063SW2013/332 Tursiops truncatus F 195 advanced decomposition (code 4) 15-Jun-13 Gwynedd Porthmadog SH 554 368SW2013/333 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 16-Jun-13 Swansea Pwll Du SS 575 870SW2013/334 Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 15-Jun-13 Gwynedd Off Pwllheli SH 385 310SW2013/355 Phocoena phocoena M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 19-Jun-13 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon SS 730 908SW2013/356 Y Phocoena phocoena U -9 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 22-Jun-13 Gwynedd Dyffryn SH 565 230SW2013/357 Y Phocoena phocoena F -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 24-Jun-13 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 908SW2013/358 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 24-Jun-13 Ceredigion Tresaith SN 278 516SW2013/359 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 25-Jun-13 Gwynedd Barmouth SH 604 165SW2013/360 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 25-Jun-13 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SM 858 138SW2013/361 Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 26-Jun-13 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 605 945SW2013/362 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 28-Jun-13 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SN 360 050SW2013/363 Phocoena phocoena F 170 advanced decomposition (code 4) 28-Jun-13 Ceredigion Aberarth SN 470 637SW2013/364 Phocoena phocoena F 120 advanced decomposition (code 4) 30-Jun-13 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 604 924SW2013/365 Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 30-Jun-13 Ceredigion Borth SN 606 894

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetaceans 2013 Page 1

Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Family/Genus species Sex Length Condition Date County Locality Grid

SW2013/366 Unknown Cetacean (indeterminate species) U -9 unknown 02-Jul-13 Pembrokeshire Gravel Bay SM 878 005SW2013/367 Phocoena phocoena U 120 freshly dead (code 2a) 02-Jul-13 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 603 938SW2013/368 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 02-Jul-13 Vale of Glamorgan Ogmore SS 860 750SW2013/369 Phocoena phocoena U 75 advanced decomposition (code 4) 02-Jul-13 Ceredigion Clarach SN 586 838SW2013/370 Delphinus delphis M 195 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 04-Jul-13 Swansea Llangennith SS 410 910SW2013/373 Y Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 05-Jul-13 Vale of Glamorgan Dunraven Bay SS 884 730SW2013/374 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 06-Jul-13 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 901SW2013/379 Unknown Cetacean (indeterminate species) U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12-Jul-13 Gwynedd Criccieth SH 503 380SW2013/380 Y Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 15-Jul-13 Ceredigion Penbryn SN 290 523SW2013/381 Y Phocoena phocoena F 91 slight decomposition (code 2b) 17-Jul-13 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ 058 838SW2013/382 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 18-Jul-13 Swansea Worms Head SS 383 877SW2013/389 Phocoena phocoena F 75 slight decomposition (code 2b) 20-Jul-13 Pembrokeshire Stackpole Quay SR 993 957SW2013/409 Phocoena phocoena U 75 advanced decomposition (code 4) 20-Jul-13 Swansea Swansea SS 618 900SW2013/410 Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 01-Aug-13 Gwynedd Harlech SH 570 315SW2013/411 Y Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 03-Aug-13 Pembrokeshire Tenby SS 127 996SW2013/421 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 07-Aug-13 Ceredigion Llangrannog SN 312 546SW2013/422 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 03-Aug-13 Swansea Tears Point Gower SS 410 869SW2013/435 Phocoena phocoena U 137 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12-Aug-13 Anglesey Cymyran Bay SH 304 747SW2013/436 Phocoena phocoena U 120 moderate decomposition (code 3) 14-Aug-13 Ceredigion Llanon SN 498 657SW2013/437 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 14-Aug-13 Ceredigion Llanon SN 495 653SW2013/438 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 14-Aug-13 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 435 560SW2013/439 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 18-Aug-13 Ceredigion Clarach SN 586 838SW2013/440 Phocoena phocoena M 130 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 19-Aug-13 Ceredigion New Quay SN 389 603SW2013/442 Phocoena phocoena U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 21-Aug-13 Ceredigion New Quay SN 400 596SW2013/443 Phocoena phocoena U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 22-Aug-13 Swansea Llangennith SS 406 918SW2013/444 Phocoena phocoena F 80 advanced decomposition (code 4) 22-Aug-13 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 573 011SW2013/445 Delphinus delphis F alive- refloated (code 1) 23-Aug-13 Flintshire Saltney SJ 377 654SW2013/446 Phocoena phocoena F 115 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 23-Aug-13 Carmarthenshire Llansteffan SN 362 113SW2013/448 Unknown Short-beaked common dolphin/striped dolphin (indeterminate species) U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 27-Aug-13 Pembrokeshire Ramsey Sound SM 710 240SW2013/449 Y Delphinus delphis M 181 slight decomposition (code 2b) 30-Aug-13 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 578 798SW2013/450 Phocoena phocoena U moderate decomposition (code 3) 31-Aug-13 Gwynedd Fairbourne SH 610 130SW2013/451 Phocoena phocoena F 155 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 31-Aug-13 Pembrokeshire Poppit Beach SN 149 489SW2013/452 Stenella coeruleoalba M 155 slight decomposition (code 2b) 01-Sep-13 Gwynedd Dinas Dinlle SH 432 579SW2013/453 Phocoena phocoena M 75 advanced decomposition (code 4) 02-Sep-13 Pembrokeshire Pembrey SN 370 030SW2013/486 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 04-Sep-13 Neath Port Talbot Margam Sands SS 775 840SW2013/487 Y Stenella coeruleoalba M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 24-Sep-13 Pembrokeshire Tenby SN 134 012SW2013/490 Y Stenella coeruleoalba M 233 slight decomposition (code 2b) 26-Sep-13 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 583 991SW2013/495 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 28-Sep-13 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 577 798SW2013/496 Phocoena phocoena F -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 03-Oct-13 Pembrokeshire Barafundle Bay SR 992 951SW2013/497 Y Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 08-Oct-13 Carmarthenshire Llanelli SS 495 996SW2013/535 Unknown Cetacean (indeterminate species) U -9 unknown 22-Oct-13 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 880 005SW2013/536 Phocoena phocoena U -9 unknown 23-Oct-13 Gwynedd Criccieth SH 507 379SW2013/537 Phocoena phocoena F -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 26-Oct-13 Pembrokeshire Giltar Point SS 125 983SW2013/538 Y Phocoena phocoena M -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 27-Oct-13 Neath Port Talbot Aberavon SS 730 910SW2013/539 Unknown Short-beaked common dolphin/striped dolphin (indeterminate species) U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 29-Oct-13 Neath Port Talbot Margam Sands SS 773 847SW2013/541 Unknown Cetacean (indeterminate species) U -9 unknown 03-Nov-13 Pembrokeshire Newgale SM 848 220SW2013/542 Phocoena phocoena M 120 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 03-Nov-13 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 583 822SW2013/543 Grampus griseus U 243 freshly dead (code 2a) 04-Nov-13 Anglesey Point Lynas SH 480 940SW2013/544 Unknown Short-beaked common dolphin/striped dolphin (indeterminate species) M 206 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 04-Nov-13 Carmarthenshire Pembrey SS 400 998SW2013/563 Phocoena phocoena F 168 advanced decomposition (code 4) 07-Nov-13 Gwynedd Menai Strait SH 524 683SW2013/564 Phocoena phocoena F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 08-Nov-13 Carmarthenshire Llanelli SS 496 995SW2013/565 Y Stenella coeruleoalba F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 15-Nov-13 Pembrokeshire Manorbier SS 060 974

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetaceans 2013 Page 2

Appendix 1.

SW Number PM Family/Genus species Sex Length Condition Date County Locality Grid

SW2013/566 Phocoena phocoena M 121 slight decomposition (code 2b) 26-Nov-13 Anglesey Holyhead SH 245 833SW2013/567 Y Phocoena phocoena F -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 01-Dec-13 Ceredigion Llangrannog SN 310 543SW2013/581 Phocoena phocoena U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 05-Dec-13 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 580 807SW2013/582 Phocoena phocoena M -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 06-Dec-13 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH 530 370SW2013/583 Balaenoptera physalus U -9 alive- refloated (code 1) 09-Dec-13 Conwy Abergele SH 944 787SW2013/585 Phocoena phocoena U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 07-Dec-13 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 580 807SW2013/589 Delphinus delphis M -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 15-Dec-13 Conwy Rhos-on-Sea SH 843 806SW2013/590 Y Phocoena phocoena F -9 freshly dead- died on beach (code 2a) 16-Dec-13 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH 530 370SW2013/605 Phocoena phocoena U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 26-Dec-13 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 578 807SW2013/606 Phocoena phocoena M 152 moderate decomposition (code 3) 28-Dec-13 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 579 805

Marine Environmental Monitoring Cetaceans 2013 Page 3

Appendix 2.

RecordKey PMSpeciesCodeSightStrandAliveDead StartDate Country County Location GridReference Notes ReportBy

T2013/002 LBT SEA ALIVE 08/07/2013 WALES GWYNEDD off Criccieth SH500372 Seen from land , feeding 40m off Marine Terrace (seen from 70m) David Davies

T2013/012 LBT SEA ALIVE 18/08/2013 WALES PEMBROKESHIRE Tenby SN137007 Definite ID with bins. Length 1 metre (have queried, no reply) Naomi Ford

T2013/026 Y KR ST ALIVE 07/12/2013 WALES CEREDIGION Tresaith Beach SN278515 Found by holiday maker. Collected by MEM. Died later. Held in freezer for PM. Kate Warren

Marine Environmental Monitoring Turtles 2013 Page 1

Appendix 3.

SS_No pm species SexLength (head-tail) Condition Date County Locality Grid_ref

SS2013/001.1 Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 01-Jan-13 Pembrokeshire Caer Fai SM 760 243

SS2013/001.2 Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 01-Jan-13 Pembrokeshire Caer Fai SM 760 243

SS2013/002 Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 02-Jan-13 Ceredigion Ynyslas SN 604 922

SS2013/004 Halichoerus grypus M 79 moderate decomposition (code 3) 08-Jan-13 Gwynedd Tywyn SN 581 993

SS2013/023 Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate-advanced decomposition (code 3-4) 02-Feb-13 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 526 698

SS2013/024 Halichoerus grypus M -9 unknown 07-Feb-13 Ceredigion Mwnt SN 193 519

SS2013/081 Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 19-May-13 Gwynedd Fairbourne SH 610 140

SS2013/088 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 24-May-13 Pembrokeshire Newport SN 052 405

SS2013/089 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 26-May-13 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 526 698

SS2013/107 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 31-May-13 Pembrokeshire Abercastle SM 850 338

SS2013/108 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 02-Jun-13 Pembrokeshire Poppit Sands SN 151 489

SS2013/109 Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 02-Jun-13 Pembrokeshire Poppit Sands SN 152 489

SS2013/110 Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 02-Jun-13 Pembrokeshire Poppit Sands SN 154 488

SS2013/111 Halichoerus grypus M -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 02-Jun-13 Pembrokeshire Poppit Sands SN 158 481

SS2013/112 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 03-Jun-13 Denbighshire Prestatyn SJ 069 840

SS2013/113 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 05-Jun-13 Ceredigion Patch Cardigan SN 165 485

SS2013/114 Halichoerus grypus U -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 09-Jun-13 Anglesey Red Wharf Bay SH 535 799

SS2013/130 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 27-Jun-13 Pembrokeshire Nolton Haven SM 857 185

SS2013/131 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 29-Jun-13 Ceredigion Cei bach SN 406 600

SS2013/132 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 29-Jun-13 Ceredigion Cei bach SN 407 598

SS2013/133 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 30-Jun-13 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 880 000

SS2013/134 Halichoerus grypus F 190 unknown 02-Jul-13 Gwynedd Tywyn SH 565 030

SS2013/135 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 04-Jul-13 Ceredigion Cei bach SN 407 597

SS2013/136 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 07-Jul-13 Gwynedd Tal-y-bont SH 580 210

SS2013/140 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 08-Jul-13 Swansea Rhossili SS 410 900

SS2013/141 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 10-Jul-13 Ceredigion Llanrhystud SN 526 697

SS2013/142 Halichoerus grypus F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 15-Jul-13 Ceredigion Penbryn SN 290 523

SS2013/160 Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 24-Jul-13 Ceredigion Borth SN 607 901

SS2013/180 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 09-Aug-13 Pembrokeshire Aber bach SM 883 350

SS2013/181 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 19-Aug-13 Gwynedd Harlech SH 565 320

SS2013/182 Halichoerus grypus U 91 freshly dead (code 2a) 31-Aug-13 Ceredigion New Quay SN 395 595

SS2013/210 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 03-Sep-13 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 880 000

SS2013/211 Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 07-Sep-13 Ceredigion Cwmtydu SN 355 576

SS2013/212 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 11-Sep-13 Pembrokeshire Newport SN 052 405

SS2013/213 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 11-Sep-13 Gwynedd Abererch SH 415 357

SS2013/214 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 14-Sep-13 Pembrokeshire Poppit Beach SN 155 488

SS2013/215 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 24-Sep-13 Pembrokeshire Newgale Beach SM 854 202

SS2013/220 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 25-Sep-13 Swansea Rhosilli SS 413 885

SS2013/229 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 30-Sep-13 Pembrokeshire Lydstep Haven SS 093 983

SS2013/230 Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 02-Oct-13 Pembrokeshire Barafundle Bay SR 992 950

SS2013/231 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 05-Oct-13 Pembrokeshire Newport SN 052 400

SS2013/232 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 05-Oct-13 Pembrokeshire Mill Bay SM 809 034

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2013 Page 1

Appendix 3.

SS_No pm species SexLength (head-tail) Condition Date County Locality Grid_ref

SS2013/233 Halichoerus grypus U 100 moderate decomposition (code 3) 06-Oct-13 Anglesey Rhosneigr SH 317 736

SS2013/258 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 12-Oct-13 Pembrokeshire Newgale beach SM 850 210

SS2013/259 Halichoerus grypus F -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 12-Oct-13 Pembrokeshire Cwm-yr-Eglwys SN 016 402

SS2013/260 Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 13-Oct-13 Pembrokeshire Brandy Bay SM 819 128

SS2013/261 Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 13-Oct-13 Pembrokeshire Mill Haven SM 816 124

SS2013/262 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 13-Oct-13 Ceredigion New Quay SN 400 596

SS2013/263 Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 14-Oct-13 Ceredigion Ynys-Lochtyn SN 313 547

SS2013/264 Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 17-Oct-13 Swansea Mewslade SS 422 872

SS2013/265 Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 19-Oct-13 Pembrokeshire Solva SM 803 240

SS2013/266 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 19-Oct-13 Pembrokeshire Solva SM 804 241

SS2013/267 Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 23-Oct-13 Pembrokeshire Marloes SM 780 076

SS2013/268 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 23-Oct-13 Pembrokeshire Marloes SM 781 075

SS2013/269 Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 03-Nov-13 Ceredigion Mwnt SN 193 519

SS2013/270 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 04-Nov-13 Gwynedd Fairbourne SH 610 143

SS2013/271 Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 04-Nov-13 Pembrokeshire Abereiddi Bay SM 796 314

SS2013/272 Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 04-Nov-13 Pembrokeshire Abereiddi Bay SM 796 313

SS2013/273 Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 04-Nov-13 Gwynedd Harlech SH 570 314

SS2013/300 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 05-Nov-13 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH 530 370

SS2013/301 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 05-Nov-13 Gwynedd Black Rock Sands SH 531 370

SS2013/302 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 05-Nov-13 Gwynedd Friog SH 610 120

SS2013/303 Halichoerus grypus M -9 unknown 07-Nov-13 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 260 280

SS2013/304 Halichoerus grypus F -9 unknown 07-Nov-13 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 261 279

SS2013/305 Halichoerus grypus F -9 unknown 07-Nov-13 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 262 278

SS2013/306 Halichoerus grypus F -9 unknown 07-Nov-13 Gwynedd Hell's Mouth SH 263 277

SS2013/307 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 12-Nov-13 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 880 004

SS2013/308 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 12-Nov-13 Pembrokeshire Freshwater West SM 881 004

SS2013/309 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 17-Nov-13 Pembrokeshire Poppit Sands SN 153 488

SS2013/310 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 17-Nov-13 Pembrokeshire Newport SN 053 406

SS2013/311 Halichoerus grypus U -9 advanced decomposition (code 4) 17-Nov-13 Gwynedd Tal y bont SH 575 215

SS2013/312 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 17-Nov-13 Ceredigion Aberystwyth SN 579 813

SS2013/313 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 17-Nov-13 Bridgend Pink Bay SS 795 792

SS2013/314 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 19-Nov-13 Ceredigion Penbryn SN 292 525

SS2013/315 Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 20-Nov-13 Ceredigion Aberporth SN 259 516

SS2013/316 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 21-Nov-13 Ceredigion New Quay SN 400 596

SS2013/317 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 21-Nov-13 Ceredigion Tanybwlch SN 578 798

SS2013/318 Halichoerus grypus U unknown 24-Nov-13 Flintshire Talacre SJ 120 850

SS2013/338 Halichoerus grypus U -9 freshly dead (code 2a) 05-Dec-13 Pembrokeshire Broad Haven SM 860 135

SS2013/339 Halichoerus grypus -9 slight decomposition (code 2b) 12-Dec-13 Pembrokeshire Freshwater East SS 020 980

SS2013/362 Halichoerus grypus U -9 unknown 16-Dec-13 Gwynedd Tal-y-Bont SH 579 211

SS2013/363 Halichoerus grypus U -9 moderate decomposition (code 3) 19-Dec-13 Pembrokeshire Pwllgwaelod SN 004 399

Marine Environmental Monitoring Seals 2013 Page 2