Consultancy ReportClient: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
TRENDS IN CETACEAN STRANDINGS AROUND THE UK COASTLINE AND MARINE MAMMAL
POST-MORTEM INVESTIGATIONS FOR THE YEAR 2002 (CONTRACT CRO 238)
Authors:
R. C. Sabin, P. D. Jepson, R.J. Reid, P. D. J. Chimonides, R. Deaville I.A.P. Patterson, C.J. Spurrier
For the attention of: John Clorley
May 2003 Report No. ECM 516F00/03
NHM ConsultingEnvironment: Coastal & Marine Sector
Tel: +44 (0) 207 942 5636The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Rd, London SW7 5BD, U.K.
CONTENTS
General introduction to the joint report 3
Abstract 4
Part A: Trends in cetacean strandings around the UK coastline for the year 2002 6
Introduction 6 Results 8
Distribution of cetacean species 11Balaenoptera acutorostrata 11Delphinus delphis 11
Delphinus delphis/Stenella coeruleoalba 14 Globicephala melas 14 Grampus griseus 15 Lagenorhynchus acutus 15 Lagenorhynchus albirostris 16 Orcinus orca 16 Stenella coeruleoalba 16 Tursiops truncatus 17
Unidentified dolphins 17 Phocoena phocoena 17 Kogia breviceps 20 Physeter catodon 21 Mesoplodon bidens 21 Ziphius cavirostris 22
Unidentified odontocetes and other cetaceans 23
Part B: UK cetacean and marine turtle post-mortem investigationsfor the year 2002 24
Introduction 24 Results 26
Causes of death 26 Bycatch 26 Physical trauma 26 Infectious disease mortality 28 Starvation 28 Live-stranding 28 Tumours 28
Novel cavitary lesion disease 28Other causes of death 28
Causes of mortality in marine turtles 29Trends in UK-stranded cetacean bycatch (1990-2002) 33
A: England and Wales 33Bycatch in harbour porpoises 33Bycatch in common dolphins 36Bycatch in other species 38
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B: Scotland 38Toxicology data from UK-stranded harbour porpoises 39Harbour porpoise molecular genetics study 39
Publications for the year 2002 40
References 41
Appendices 42
Appendix 1: Distribution maps – UK cetacean strandings, 2002 42
Appendix 2: Stranded cetacean lengths by species, 2002 57
Appendix 3: Guidelines for the post-mortem examination and tissue sampling of cetaceans 60
Appendix 4: UK-stranded marine mammals and marine turtles examined at post-mortem during 2002 65
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GENERAL INTRODUCTION TO THE JOINT REPORT
This report is based on research conducted under contract to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) between 1st January and 31st
December 2002. The following organisations were contracted or subcontracted underthese agreements:
Organisation Contract no.
The Natural History Museum (NHM) CRO238Cromwell Road South Kensington LondonSW7 5BD Tel: 020 7942 5155 Fax: 020 7942 5572
Subcontract no.
Institute of Zoology (IoZ) ZRT C S047 516 COa Regent’s Park LondonNW1 4RY Tel: 020 7449 6691 Fax: 020 7586 1457
Wildlife Unit ZRT C S047 516 CObSAC Veterinary Science Division (Inverness) DrummondhillStratherrick Road InvernessIV2 4JZ Tel: 01463 243030 Fax: 01463 711103
The authors involved in the production of this report are as follows:
R. C. Sabin, P. D. J. Chimonides and C.J. Spurrier (NHM) P. D. Jepson and R. Deaville (IoZ)R.J. Reid and I.A.P. Patterson (SAC)
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ABSTRACT
Data compiled by The Natural History Museum give a detailed overview of numbersof cetacean strandings (by species) for 2002 and continue to provide a valuable andhistorical insight into the temporal and geographical patterns of cetacean strandings in the UK. The data show that 655 cetaceans were reported stranded in 2002, the highestnumber recorded within the UK since records began in 1913. The last three years (1999-2002) have seen progressively increasing numbers of UK-stranded cetaceans,predominantly due to increasing winter strandings of common dolphin (Delphinusdelphis) and harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) in Southwest England. Although the frequency and distribution of cetacean strandings are highly correlated with strongonshore winds, the increasing number of harbour porpoise and common dolphin strandings in Southwest England in recent years appears to reflect a genuine increasein (predominantly bycatch-related) mortality of these two species.
There were no unusual mass mortality events or cases of morbillivirus infection in cetaceans or marine turtles during 2002, which are consistent with findings in recent years. In mid-August, the 2002 European phocine distemper virus (PDV) epizootic reached the UK. The common seal (Phoca vitulina) population in the Wash was mostseverely affected with over 2000 dead seal reports recorded from the region. Although cases of PDV-positive common and grey (Halichoerus grypus) seals were alsoidentified in Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, little or no increased seal mortality was observed in these regions. The DEFRA-funded investigation into the impact of the PDV epizootic on UK seal populations will be completed in 2003.
Consistent with previous years, the most common UK-stranded cetacean species in 2002 was the harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) of which 347 were recorded. The most common causes of mortality of the 119 UK-stranded harbour porpoises examined at post-mortem in 2002 were attack from bottlenose dolphins (Tursiopstruncatus) (n=24), entanglement in fishing gear (bycatch) (n=24) and pneumonias due to combinations of parasitic, bacterial and fungal infections (n=21). All cases of fatalattack from bottlenose dolphins occurred in Northeast Scotland and Wales whereporpoise and resident bottlenose dolphin populations are sympatric. Most harbour porpoise bycatches stranded around Southwest England. The number of harbour porpoises killed by bottlenose dolphins has increased significantly in West Walesbetween 1999-2002. As in previous years, bycatch was the most common cause of death in UK-stranded common dolphins accounting for 29 of the 44 examined in 2002. Of these common dolphin bycatches, 28 stranded in Southwest England in December or between January-April.
A review of the data relating to UK-stranded cetacean bycatches that occurred fromSeptember 1990 to December 2002, has been carried out. Within England and Wales,bycatch was the most common cause of mortality accounting for 156 (30% of established causes of death) individual harbour porpoises and 176 (66% of established causes of death) common dolphins. Harbour porpoise bycatches frequently demonstrated external injuries consistent with wide-meshed monofilament gillnet-type fishing gear and these strandings had a wide spatial and temporal distribution within England and Wales. In contrast, common dolphin bycatches almost exclusively stranded in Southwest England between December-April thus demonstrating a strong
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spatio-temporal correlation with winter mid-water pelagic trawl fisheries operating off the south-west coastline of England. The number and proportion of by-caught harbour porpoises stranded within Wales/Northwest England and along the East coast ofEngland peaked in the mid-1990s and declined markedly thereafter, whereas the number of stranded harbour porpoises and common dolphins diagnosed as bycatches in Southwest England increased annually between 1999 and 2002. In Scotland, only14 stranded cetaceans bycatches were diagnosed between 1992-2002 consistent with the very low fisheries effort in Scottish waters during this period.
During 2002, data on contaminant levels (organochlorines, heavy metals, butyltins and polybrominated flame retardants) in a number of UK-stranded harbour porpoises stranded between 1996-2001 were completed by the CEFAS Burnham Laboratory, Essex. Statistical investigations into potential relationships between suchcontaminants and the health status of stranded harbour porpoises were delayed until early 2003 due to the priority given to the investigation of the impact of the 2002 PDV epizootic on UK seals.
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Part A
TRENDS IN CETACEAN STRANDINGS AROUND THE COASTLINES OF THE UNITED KINGDOM
FOR 2002
Introduction
The Natural History Museum (NHM) has been recording and investigating incidents of cetacean strandings from around the coasts of the United Kingdom for more than 100 years. The work was formalised in 1913 when an agreement was made with the British Board of Trade, giving the Museum first claim to the carcasses of dead, stranded cetaceans for scientific investigation and subsequent incorporation into theMuseum’s research collections.
Since 1990, the work has been funded by the Department of the Environment (DoE, later DETR), now the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA). Under the terms of the current contract with DEFRA, the Natural History Museum co-ordinates and investigates cetacean strandings in the United Kingdom aspart of a partnership with the Institute of Zoology (IoZ), London, and the Scottish Agricultural College Veterinary Science Division (SAC), Inverness.
All strandings information recorded by the NHM since 1913 has been entered onto computer database at the Museum, allowing the rapid extraction, detailed analysis and interpretation of the data.
The Natural History Museum continues to use the knowledge and expertise gained through the UK Cetacean Strandings programme to participate in the production of the ASCOBANS (Agreement on the Conservation of Small Cetaceans Of the BalticAnd North Seas) Annual National Report. Data for the 2002 report were submitted inFebruary 2002. The NHM continues to be a member of the DEFRA Cetacean and Marine Turtle Group, which meets twice yearly and is responsible for implementingfive UK Species Action Plans for cetaceans and marine turtles.
Ten members of staff from the Natural History Museum were responsible for retrieving the carcasses of 22 cetaceans from locations around the country for post-mortem analysis in 2002. Staff from the NHM also carried out on-site retrieval of tissue samples from the carcasses of four cetaceans too large to be transportedelsewhere for examination.
The year 2002 saw the highest number of stranded cetaceans reported around the United Kingdom since records began in 1913. From 1st January to 31st December 2002, 655 reports were received, exceeding the previous highest annual total (for2001) by 106. The main area of increase was seen in the number of reported harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) – 347 in 2002 compared with 259 in 2001. Numbersof reported common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) were comparable with 2001, but
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were still significantly higher than previous years (see Table 3). Additionally, thenumber of reported dolphins that were too damaged or decomposed for identification to species, doubled in 2002. Numbers of other cetacean species reported were comparable with previous years.
In 2002, the carcasses of 25 cetaceans were reported as seen floating dead at sea, atdistances of between 300 metres to several kilometres from shore. In these instances,the NHM collects as much descriptive information as possible, then waits for approximately 1 to 2 weeks before adding the reports to its records. Wind speed and direction are taken into account over this period, and notes are made regarding where carcasses may eventually beach. Reports received of cetaceans stranded in thoseareas highlighted in the 1 to 2 weeks after the initial sightings, are compared with theoriginal reports to check for possible similarities. In addition, most volunteers working to gather information on behalf of the NHM have developed tagging and marking techniques to ensure that the same carcass is not recorded more than once by different individuals. The NHM has established these checks in order to ensure as far as possible that no duplication of records is made, and would rather under-estimatenumbers.
Increased publicity for the DEFRA-funded cetacean strandings programme since 1997 has led to an increase in reporting effort nationally, and a corresponding increase in the number of animals recorded. However, records held by the NHM indicate thatover the past 3 years, broadly the same range of individuals and organisations have been responsible for reporting cetacean strandings.
The success of the UK Cetacean Strandings programme relies heavily upon the efforts of the countless numbers of individuals and organisations that make regular reports tothe NHM. The Natural History Museum continues to be greatly helped in its work by H. M. Coastguard, the Cornwall Wildlife Trust (for strandings in Cornwall), BrixhamSeawatch, Devon Wildlife Trust and the National Marine Aquarium (for strandings in Devon), Durlston Marine Project and Hampshire Wildlife Trust (for strandings in Dorset and Hampshire), Marine Environmental Monitoring (for strandings in Wales)and the Ulster Museum (for strandings in Northern Ireland).
The year 2002 saw the continuing development of the Natural History Museum’s ‘UK Cetacean Strandings’ website. The website, developed with the approval of DEFRA, presents background information about the Museum’s work, provides an historical overview of the UK Cetacean Strandings Programme, has a ‘Recent Events’ section detailing strandings of particular interest, an identification guide and a searchablelimited-access database which allows visitors to the site to investigate recent reportsfor their area. The website also contains an up-to-date electronic copy of the NHM’s reporting form 136, which has now been circulated widely to UK Coastguard Stations via the Receiver of Wreck. The website can viewed at the following address:
http://www.nhm.ac.uk/zoology/stranding
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Results
In 2002, a total of 655 reports were received by the Natural History Museum relating to strandings of dead cetaceans, strandings and sightings of live cetaceans, reports ofcarcasses seen floating dead at sea and cetacean bycatch:
Table 1: Report categoriesStranded, dead cetaceans 596Live-strandings 29Carcasses seen floating at sea 25Observed cetacean bycatch 5
Total 655
Records for the year 2002 include details of at least 14 cetacean species:
Table 2: Reported cetacean strandings etc. in the UK for 2002 by region and species
ENGLAND,WALES
& ISLE OF MAN
SCOTLAND NORTHERNIRELAND
TOTAL
BALAENOPTERIDAEBalaenoptera acutorostrata 5 13 - 18DELPHINIDAEDelphinus delphis 111 8 - 119D. delphis/ S. coeruleoalba 5 2 - 7Globicephala melas 15 6 - 21Grampus griseus 3 7 1 11Lagenorhynchus acutus 2 2 - 4Lagenorhynchus albirostris 2 5 - 7Orcinus orca 1 - - 1Stenella coeruleoalba 4 5 - 9Tursiops truncatus 4 2 - 6Unidentified dolphins 49 2 - 51PHOCOENIDAEPhocoena phocoena 283 60 4 347PHYSETERIDAEKogia breviceps 1 - - 1Physeter catodon - 4 - 4ZIPHIIDAEMesoplodon bidens 1 - - 1Ziphius cavirostris 2 1 - 3
Unidentified toothed whales 14 4 - 18Unidentified cetaceans 23 4 - 27TOTALS 524 125 5 655
The total for the year 2002 shows a clear increase when compared with UK records for previous years (see Figure 1 and Table 3):
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Figure 1. Total number of reported UK strandings etc. 1990 to 2002
1 4 4
1 9 1
4 1 8
3 2 0
3 6 6
2 6 5
3 4 4 3 4 83 6 9
3 8 64 2 1
5 4 9
6 5 5
0
1 0 0
2 0 0
3 0 0
4 0 0
5 0 0
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1 9 9 0 1 9 9 1 1 9 9 2 1 9 9 3 1 9 9 4 1 9 9 5 1 9 9 6 1 9 9 7 1 9 9 8 1 9 9 9 2 0 0 0 2 0 0 1 2 0 0 2
Tota
ls
Table 3. Numbers of all cetacean species stranded around the UK, 1992 - 2002
1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002BALAENOPTERIDAEBalaenoptera acutorostrata 7 15 3 10 7 15 11 16 19 14 18Balaenoptera borealis - - - - - - - - - 1 -Balaenoptera physalus 1 - 1 2 - - 1 - 4 - -Megaptera novaeangliae - - - - - - - - - 2 -DELPHINIDAEDelphinus delphis 172 47 43 20 42 46 43 44 65 126 119D. delphis/ S. coeruleoalba 2 - 1 4 5 4 6 6 1 3 7Globicephala melas 37 10 8 18 12 16 14 16 16 27 21Grampus griseus 7 9 7 8 9 4 14 12 11 6 11Orcinus orca - - 10 4 - 1 - - - 1 1Lagenodelphis hosei - - - - 1 - - - - - -Lagenorhynchus acutus 4 7 20 8 10 17 16 5 14 4 4Lagenorhynchus albirostris 21 11 15 16 11 9 8 8 8 14 7Lagenorhynchus sp. 3 1 5 - 3 - 2 1 3 2 -Stenella coeruleoalba 7 4 9 11 9 4 17 17 13 14 9Tursiops truncatus 10 10 5 6 1 2 6 10 5 9 6Unidentified dolphins 2 19 20 13 15 17 16 13 23 29 51PHOCOENIDAEPhocoena phocoena 114 150 167 119 186 178 178 177 197 259 347PHYSETERIDAEKogia breviceps - 1 - - - 2 - 2 - - 1Physeter catodon 5 5 18 4 8 8 8 4 6 6 4ZIPHIIDAEHyperoodon ampullatus - 2 1 2 1 - 1 - 1 3 -Mesoplodon bidens 6 - 3 - 2 - 1 1 3 3 1Mesoplodon densirostris - 1 - - - - - - - - -Ziphius cavirostris - 3 1 - - - - 2 - - 3Unidentified odontocetes 4 13 20 6 5 15 16 17 7 4 18Unidentified cetaceans 16 12 9 14 17 10 11 13 25 22 27TOTALS 418 320 366 265 344 348 369 386 421 549 655
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Table 3 shows the totals for each species recorded from 1992 to 2002. Minor fluctuations in numbers remains a feature for most species represented across this period. The most significant increase for 2002 can be seen in the number of harbour porpoise reported, which exceeds the total for 2001 by 88 records.
Figure 2. Reported cetacean strandings etc. for England, Wales, Northern Ireland,the Isle of Man, compared with Scotland, 1998 – 2002
235249
281
413
530
134 137 140 136 125
0
100
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300
400
500
600
1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Tota
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England, Wales, N. Ireland, I. of Man Scotland
Figure 2, shows the reported number of cetacean strandings etc. for England, Wales,Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man compared with those for Scotland. The numberof reports for Scotland has remained fairly consistent over the past five years, with little variation in the number of species recorded - 11 in 2002 compared with 13 in 2001. The most commonly reported cetacean in Scotland in 2002 was the harbour porpoise, with 60 records received (see Table 2).
In Northern Ireland, only 5 cetaceans were reported, the same number as 2001. Here too, the harbour porpoise was the most commonly reported cetacean (Table 2).
The marked increase in the English and Welsh data is primarily the result of highernumbers of unidentified dolphins and harbour porpoise being reported (see Tables 2 and 3) along the coasts of Wales and Southwest England.
Map 1, shows the distribution of all cetaceans reported to the Natural HistoryMuseum in the year 2002. Overall, species distribution continues to be similar to previous years, with concentrations of strandings found around the coasts of Cornwall, west Wales, the Outer Hebrides and scattered along North Sea coasts fromcentral East Anglia to the Shetland Islands.
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Distribution of cetacean species
Balaenoptera acutorostrata (minke whale or lesser rorqual)
Eighteen minke whales were reported stranded around the UK in 2002, a figureconsistent with previous years (see Map 2 and Tables 2 & 3). Whilst the majority of minke whales continue to be reported from the north of the UK, the distribution pattern for 2002 differs slightly compared to previous years, with fewer animals seen along the North Sea coast. Four strandings were reported from the Western Isles and four from Strathclyde, whilst three strandings occurred in the southwest of England and one on the coast of North Wales (see Appendix 2, table 2.1). The dates of stranding illustrated by the data broadly support field observations made by the Sea Watch Foundation. Their work has detailed the presence of groups of minke whales in coastal waters of the northern North Sea primarily from May to October each year(Evans, 1995; p.12).
Growth parameters established for North Atlantic populations of minke whales give the mean length at sexual maturity for males at 6.75 metres and females at 7.2 metres(Christensen, 1980). Using these parameters, the data in Appendix 2 indicate that twoof the minke whales stranded at Strathclyde in January 2002 may not have reachedsexual maturity (SW.2002/14a & 26b).
One minke whale was reported stranded alive at Portland Harbour in Dorset on the 27 December 2002 (SW.2002/387). The animal became stranded on rocks near theharbour wall but was able to free itself with the rising tide. The animal was later seenreturning to the open sea, although in a rather weakened state, and suffering from extensive abrasions to its underside and flanks.
Delphinus delphis (common dolphin)
In 2002, 119 common dolphins were reported to the Natural History Museum (Map 3). The total for 2002 is comparable with 2001 (see Table 3), and is the second-highest figure recorded since the bycatch-related mass mortality event of 1992, described by Kuiken et al (1994; p. 81-89).
In the first three months of 1992, one hundred and eighteen common dolphins were reported stranded on the coast of Cornwall and Devon. Figure 3, shows the breakdown of numbers by month and region for 2002; the majority of common dolphins reported in 2002 were found stranded around the south-west of England (Cornwall including the Isles of Scilly, and Devon = 86), continuing the distribution trend seen in previous years. Although the numbers of animals reported monthlywere comparatively low for each region represented, and are not comparable with data for 1992 (Jan-Mar 1992 = 118; Jan-Mar 2002 = 71), January, March/April and December 2002 show a marked increase for the south-west of England. Outside of Devon and Cornwall, the only other English counties which saw strandings of common dolphins in 2002 were Dorset, Hampshire (including the Isle of Wight) andWest Sussex.
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Data collected in 2002 also indicate that bycatch-related strandings of common dolphins are not an issue in Welsh and Scottish waters, where 5 and 8 animals were recorded respectively, none of which had cause of death diagnosed as bycatch.
Figure 3. Strandings etc. of common dolphin by month for 2002
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Cornwall Devon Rest of England W ales Scotland
Previous reports have commented on the possible effects of the annual mid-waterpelagic trawl fishing activities around the south-west of England, which are believedto commence at the beginning of December, and the seasonal movements of commondolphin populations bringing large numbers of them into the English Channel and Western Approaches. Data collected by the NHM in 2002 add to these earlier discussions and broadly reflect other observational data, suggesting that the criticalperiod for this interaction between humans and dolphins is from November/Decemberto March/April each year. In 2002, of the 44 common dolphins retrieved for postmortem examination, 29 had bycatch diagnosed as cause of death (see Table D in Part B of this report). This represents approximately 65% of common dolphins examinedat post mortem that year, compared with 57% in 2001.
Since the publication of the paper by Kuiken et al, in 1994, awareness of the bycatch issue and its possible effects on dolphin populations has become widespread amongstcetacean workers around the UK. Using his own observations and the published observations of others, Kuiken (1994; 84) classified distinct categories of lesionswhich were suggestive of capture in fishing gear:
1. Traumatic lesions specific for capture in fishing gear:(a) cleanly cut-off fin or tail fluke(b) incision wound in abdominal cavity(c) circumscribing skin abrasions on beak, fin or tail fluke(d) multiple evenly spaced parallel incision wounds in the skin
2. Traumatic lesions not specific for capture in fishing gear:(a) subcutaneous, intramuscular or subpleural haemorrhage(b) skull fracture
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These two general categories have been widely adopted and the physical appearance of the lesions listed are now recognised by many workers. As a result, the Natural History Museum receives many reports of dolphins whose state of preservation maynot make them entirely suitable for post-mortem analysis, but whose condition remains complete enough for possible bycatch-related lesions to be visible. The Museum records these reports on its database as ‘unconfirmed’ or ‘suspected bycatch’, i.e. not established by post-mortem or through direct observation of capture.
The NHM has recently started to receive digital images of stranded dolphins, allowingwider and more informed assessments to be made. Many images regularly show entanglement in fishing nets, trauma to the tip of the rostrum or smashing of the lowerjaw, amputated pectoral flippers or tail flukes and evenly spaced incision wounds to the skin. The number of unconfirmed bycatch records for common dolphins in 2001, using criteria described in Kuiken et al (1994) was fifteen, all from the south-west of England. In 2002, 27 common dolphin reports were received from the south-west of England where observational data detailed gashes, incisions, decapitation and othercategories which were suggestive of possible bycatch activity. Map 3, shows records of all categories of common dolphins for 2002, including those listed as suspected and confirmed bycatch, and those seen floating dead at sea.
Figure 4. Cumulative monthly totals of common dolphins stranded, 1998-2002
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecMonth
Cou
nt
Figure 4, shows cumulative monthly totals of common dolphins stranded from 1998 to 2002. The data indicate the presence of common dolphins around the UKthroughout the year, but shows an increase in overall numbers from November to April. The peak period for strandings is shown as January to April. Figure 5, showslength data by month for common dolphins recorded during the period 1998-2002. Neonatal length is given as 80 to 90 centimetres by most authors (Evans, 1994; p.204). NHM cumulative data shows the presence of dolphins of neonatal length in UK waters from May to August. Geographical variation in maximum length of fully mature adults has been noted for this species (Evans, 1994), but the range given forthe eastern North Atlantic is 1.6 to 2.6 metres (Evans, 1995).
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0
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1
1.5
2
2.5
3
3.5
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1Month
leng
th in
met
res
Female Male Gender unknown
Figure 5. Common dolphins length by month, 1998-2002
3
Delphinus delphis/Stenella coeruleoalba (common dolphin/striped dolphin indeterminate)
In 2002, 7 strandings were recorded as common/striped dolphin indeterminate, with 4 occurring in Wales, 2 in Scotland, and 1 in England (Tables 2 & 3, Map 4). Numbers of these records vary each year depending upon the condition and accessibility of specimens.Of the 7 specimens, 5 were described as decomposed/very decomposed. In terms of generalbody size and shape, common and striped dolphins are quite similar. Once decomposition or scavenging has destroyed identifiable external characteristics, distinguishing between the two species can be difficult. Fortunately, the common dolphin has two well-defined palatal grooves on the ventral surface of the rostrum which are absent in the striped dolphin. These can usually be identified through touch, by applying gentle pressure to the roof of the mouth.
Globicephala melas (long-finned pilot whale)
Twenty one long-finned pilot whales were recorded in 2002 (Tables 2 & 3, Map 5), compared with 27 in 2001. Numbers of these animals vary each year, although their presence has been recorded annually since at least 1990. The total for 2002 includes three animalsseen floating dead at sea, two approximately 40 miles south-west of Plymouth on the 5th January, and one approximately sixteen miles south of Looe, Cornwall on the 24 October. The distribution of long-finned pilot whales observed for 2002 is comparable with recent years, predominantly along the western coasts of Britain from the Western Isles to Cornwall. The distribution data for 2002 support the sightings data for this species in UK waters (seeEvans, 1995). One live stranding was recorded, unusually in the northern North Sea at Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland on the 16th May. The animal was successfully refloated, and was seen joining a group of 5 other pilot whales before swimming away.
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The range of lengths given for adult pilot whales are 5.0 to 6.1 metres for males and 4.05 to 4.72 metres for females (Evans, 1994; p.250). Neonatal length is given as 1.75 to 1.78 metres(Evans, 1995; p. 15). Appendix 2, table 2.2, suggests that 5 of the animals whose lengths were recorded may have been very young or juveniles, with the remainder being adult. Unfortunately, the majority of long-finned pilot whale carcasses washed up around the UK are often too decomposed for detailed examination.
Grampus griseus (Risso’s dolphin)
Eleven reports were received for Risso’s dolphin in 2002 (Tables 2 & 3, Map 6). This figure is higher than that for the year 2001, but is comparable with recent years, representing an expected annual fluctuation for this species. The distribution data in Appendix 2, table 2.3, show a geographical spread along the western coasts of the United Kingdom, from Orkney and the Western Isles, across to Antrim in Northern Ireland down to Anglesey and Cornwall. The single record from Northern Ireland relates to an adult animal, 3.4 metres in length, stranded at Dunseverick Harbour on 25th February 2002. The strandings distribution data are consistent with sightings data for the UK, (see Evans, 1995; p.17). The range of lengths given for adults of this species is 2.8 to 3.3 metres, with a neonatal length of 1.2 to 1.5 metres. Data collected by the NHM shows Risso’s dolphins present in UK waters from February toNovember 2002.
Lagenorhynchus acutus (white-sided dolphin)
Only four records were received for the white-sided dolphin in 2002, the same number as2001 (Tables 2 & 3). Map 7, shows the distribution of white-sided dolphin strandings for 2002. The locations and dates of stranding are broadly comparable with sightings data, i.e. seen around the Northern Isles and west of the Outer Hebrides in large numbers from July to September (see Evans, 1995; p.17). One unusual stranding occurred on 15th June 2002 atNewhaven in East Sussex at the eastern end of the English Channel, outside the expected distribution range for this species see Appendix 2, table 2.4). An adult male, 2.55 metres in length stranded alive after swimming in Newhaven Harbour for two days, and was later euthanased. Cause of death was determined as live stranding. A second southerly record was received from Cei Bach, Ceredigion, on 25th September 2002, although this species has been recorded in Welsh waters in previous years. The range of lengths given for adult white-sided dolphins is 2.0 to 2.8 metres (Evans, 1995).
Plate 1. SW.2002/210: Lagenorhynchus acutus, adult male, 2.55 metres,stranded at Newhaven, East Sussex, 15/06/2002. Photo: J. Chimonides,The Natural History Museum.
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Lagenorhynchus albirostris (white-beaked dolphin)
Seven records were received for this species in 2002, fewer than 2001, but comparable with records from previous years (Tables 2 & 3). Five of the records were from Scotland (Appendix 2, table 2.5). Map 8, shows the distribution of strandings for 2002. Most of the strandings occurred along the east coast of Scotland and the north east coast of England, with a single stranding record for Cornwall. This distribution is consistent with data fromprevious years and supports recent sightings data (Evans, 1995). The single Cornish recordwas reported as white-beaked dolphin with a damaged dorsal fin, approximately 1.98 metresin length, in a good state of preservation, found at Portwrinkle on 1st December 2002. Unfortunately, the carcass was washed out to sea before it could be retrieved.
The range of lengths given for adult white-beaked dolphins is 2.5 to 2.7 metres, with a neonatal length of 1.2 to 1.6 metres (Evans, 1995; p.17).
Orcinus orca (killer whale)
Only one killer whale was reported to the NHM in 2002 (Tables 2 & 3), only the second stranding of this species to be recorded in the UK since 1997. On 25th December 2002, a killerwhale, approximately 6 metres in length, stranded alive near power station outflow pipes atGrimsby, Humberside. The animal was observed by the RSPCA and H.M. Coastguard trying tofree itself by ‘wriggling’ back to the water’s edge, and eventually returned successfully to sea on the rising tide. Since 1913, 84 records of killer whale strandings have been received by theNHM. Our records show that most strandings occur around the north and west coasts of Scotland, but killer whales have washed ashore along the North Sea and English Channel coasts,as well as west Wales and the north west coast of England. Killer whales are widely distributedin the North Atlantic and sightings are recorded in all months of the year in UK waters (Evans,1995; p.15). These data are supported by the NHM strandings records.
The range of lengths given for adult killer whales is 4.5 to 6.6 metres for females and 5.7 to 9.5 metres for males. Neonatal length is given as 2.06 to 2.50 metres (Evans 1995; Dahlheim and Heyning, 1999; p. 287). Of the 84 killer whale records held by the NHM, 66 have total length measurements. Of these, 17 are in the range 2.36 to 3.35 metres, and can be assumedto be new-born to juvenile in age.
Stenella coeruleoalba (striped or euphrosyne dolphin)
In 2002, 9 striped dolphins were reported to the NHM, 5 in Scotland and three around thesouth west of England (Tables 2 & 3). The distribution of striped dolphin strandings for 2002 can be seen in Map 9, and is similar to previous years. Most strandings occur along thewestern coasts of the UK, from Shetland to Cornwall (Appendix 2, table 2.6). Live sightingsof striped dolphins off the Atlantic seaboard of the UK are rare (Evans, 1995; p.21), but sightings records do exist for this species in coastal UK waters, mainly between July andSeptember. Records held by the NHM show that strandings of striped dolphins occurred throughout the year in 2002.
The range of lengths given for adult striped dolphins is 1.95 to 2.4 metres and 1.0 metres for new-born animals (Evans, 1995; p.21).
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Tursiops truncatus (bottlenose dolphin)
In 2002, 6 bottlenose dolphins were reported to the NHM (Tables 2 & 3), a figure comparable to previous years. Distribution of strandings around the north and east coasts of Scotland and the west coast of Wales, is also comparable with recent years (Map 10). Unlike 2001, which saw an absence of bottlenose dolphin strandings around the south-west coast of England, two were recorded floating off Dorset and North Devon. One animal, stranded at Llanon, Ceredigion on 28 July 2002, was a possible neonate, 1.07 metres in length with unerupted dentition.
Sightings reports received directly from Sussex, Dorset, Devon and Cornwall Wildlife Trusts recorded the presence of this species throughout the year. The sightings data for thebottlenose dolphin outlined by Evans (1995; p.21) are supported by the NHM’s strandings data. Appendix 2, table 2.7, shows the sex and length data for bottlenose dolphins stranded around the UK in 2002. The maximum length given for this species in the eastern North Atlantic is 3.81 metres for males and 3.50 metres for females (Perrin and Reilly, 1984). Neonatal length is given as 0.98 to 1.30 metres (Evans, 1995).
Unidentified dolphins
There were 51 unidentified dolphins reported in 2002 (Tables 2 & 3), compared to 29 in 2001. These reports relate to carcasses that were too decomposed, incomplete or inaccessiblefor examination and retrieval. The majority of these reports relate to carcasses washed up around the south-west of England (Map 4), many of which displayed injuries/lesionssuggestive of bycatch.
Phocoena phocoena (harbour porpoise)
The harbour porpoise was the most common cetacean species to strand in UK waters in 2002(see Tables 2 & 3). Consistently, this species represents around 50% of all cetaceans reported annually (Figure 6). In 2002, a total of 347 harbour porpoise were recorded, representing an increase of 88 on the previous year. For England and Wales, 283 animalswere recorded (2001 = 191), whilst for Scotland, the total was 60 (2001 = 64). Four recordswere also received from Northern Ireland (Figure 7; Map 11).
The UK harbour porpoise total for 2002 is the highest yet recorded, and represents an increase of approximately 30% on the year 2001. Figure 7, shows the distribution of harbour porpoise strandings by month for 2002.
The annual summer peak in strandings of this species noted by Muir et al (1999), thought to be associated with the peak months for parturition, is clearly visible for Wales, but is lessapparent for the rest of the UK. Figure 7 also shows the increase in numbers of harbour porpoise reported stranded around the south-west of England during the winter months and into early spring. From January to March 2002, 16 harbour porpoise found stranded around Southwest England, had bycatch diagnosed as cause of death. This corresponds with data for common dolphin bycatches, 24 of which stranded in Southwest England from January to April.
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Figure 6. Total numbers of reported UK cetacean strandings etc., 1990 – 2002, compared withannual numbers of harbour porpoise.
144
191
418
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344 348369
386421
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Figure 7. Strandings etc. of harbour porpoise by month for 2002
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Figure 8, shows the number of harbour porpoise stranded by month from 1998 to 2002. A correlation in peak months for summer strandings can be seen in Figures 7 and 8.
Figure 8. Cumulative monthly totals of harbour porpoise stranded in the UK, 1998-2002
0
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Figure 9, shows the range of lengths recorded by month for the harbour porpoise from 1998 to 2002:
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Figure 9. Harbour porpoise length by month, 1998-2002
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The range of lengths given for adult harbour porpoise are 1.35 to 1.80 metres, and 0.67 to 0.90 metres for new-born animals (Evans, 1995; p.21). The cumulative length data in Figure 9, show an increase in the number of harbour porpoise in the range 0.5 to 1.0 metres fromMay through to September, with a peak occurring between June and August. These data can be taken to represent an increase in the number of new-born animals, and further establishes the summer months as the peak time for parturition in this species.
Map 11, shows the distribution of harbour porpoise strandings, confirmed bycatch, suspected bycatch and animals seen floating at sea around the UK in 2002. The data are similar to previous years. The small cluster off the coast of Humberside, represent the incidental capture of 5 harbour porpoise from July to September 2002. The records were received aspart of the observer programme operated by the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU).
Kogia breviceps (pygmy sperm whale)
A single stranding of this species was reported at Thurlestone, Devon on 3rd January 2002, the first to be recorded in the UK since 1999. The animal, a female measuring 2.88 metres in length, showed external abrasions and other signs consistent with live stranding. Healed scars on the tail flukes (Plate 3) appeared to have been the result of a bite from another pygmy sperm whale. Extensive samples were taken from the carcass by staff from the NHM, and parasites were removed from the blubber around the right scapula. Subsequentexamination of the skull at the NHM (Plate 4) revealed extensive pathological deteriorationof the occipital bone to the right of the foramen magnum, possibly a factor in the cause of death of the animal.
Since the NHM began keeping records in 1913, 9 pygmy sperm whales have been recorded, all of which have occurred in the past 37 years (see Appendix 2, table 2.8). Map 12, shows the distribution of all pygmy sperm whale records received since 1966 (including Eire). The distribution data show strandings on the south-west coast of Scotland, south-west of England, South Wales and the west coast of Eire. NHM data also show that the majority of strandingsoccurred in the late autumn and winter months, with 6 of the strandings occurring in October.
Plate 2. SW.2002/2: Kogia breviceps,adult female, 2.88 metres, stranded atThurlestone, South Devon, 02/01/2002.Photo: R.C Sabin, The Natural HistoryMuseum.
Plate 3. Healed ‘bite mark’ on theoverlapping tail flukes of SW.2002/2 (dorsalaspect). Photo: R.C. Sabin, The NaturalHistory Museum.
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Plate 4. Skull of SW.2002/2 (rear view) showingpathological deterioration of occipital bone. Photo: R.C.Sabin, The Natural History Museum.
Pygmy sperm whale sightings are rare, as these animals are difficult to identify at sea. However, some sightings data suggest that there may be a population located in the Bay of Biscay. Adult animals can range in size from 2.7 to 3.4 metres, whilst length at birth is thought to be approximately 1.2 metres (Jefferson, et al, 1993: 71).
Physeter catodon (great sperm whale)
In 2002, 4 sperm whale records were received, all from Scotland (Tables 2 & 3, Appendix 2, table 2.9). This figure is comparable with recent years. The distribution of sperm whalestrandings around the north and west coasts of Scotland (Map 13) is also similar to previous years. One record was received from the east coast of Scotland at South Queensferry, Lothian on 28th June 2002. The range of lengths given for adult sperm whales is 8.3 to 11.00 metres for females and 11.0 to 15.8 metres for males (Evans, 1995; p.15).
Mesoplodon bidens (Sowerby’s beaked whale)
Only one record of a Sowerby’s beaked whale stranding was received in 2002 (Tables 2 & 3), a figure comparable to recent years. The animal, a female, 4.44 metres in length, was found in an excellent state of preservation at Hendra, Cornwall on 7th June 2002. Post-mortemexamination revealed that the stomach of the animal was empty. Cause of death wasdetermined as live stranding.
Sowerby’s beaked whales are not often sighted or stranded off the south-west of England, but are usually recorded along the north and east coasts of Scotland (Map 14). Occasionalstrandings do occur along the North Sea coast of England.
The range of lengths given for adult Sowerby’s beaked whales is 5.0 to 5.5 metres (Evans, 1995; p.13).
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Plates 5 & 6. SW.2002/201: Mesoplodon bidens,adult female, 4.44 metres, stranded at Hendra,Cornwall, 07/06/2002. Plate 5 (above) shows detailof the ventral surface; Plate 6 (left) shows detail ofthe head. Photographs courtesy of VLA, Polwhele,Cornwall.
Ziphius cavirostris (Cuvier’s beaked whale)
In 2002, three records were received for this species (Tables 2 & 3; Appendix 2, table 2.10). Cuvier’s beaked whale is one of the less-common species occurring in UK waters, and is often absent from NHM annual strandings data. In the past 10 years, strandings have been recorded on the north and west coasts of Scotland, the west coast of Wales and the south-westof England.
In 2002, a notable stranding occurred at Ostend near Happisburgh, Norfolk (Map 14). On 20th June, a male Cuvier’s beaked whale, 5.65 metres in length, stranded alive. Unfortunately, after several attempts to refloat the animal had been made by the RSPCA and British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), the animal died. The stomach was found to be empty and cause of death was determined as live stranding.
The range of lengths given for adult Cuvier’s beaked whales is 7.5 metres for males and 7.0 metres for females (Jefferson, et al, 1993: 83).
Plates 7 & 8. SW.2002/222: Ziphius cavirostris, adult male, 5.65 metres,stranded at Ostend, Norfolk, 20/06/2002. Plate 7 (left) shows detail of the head;Plate 8 (above) shows detail of the ventral surface. Photographs courtesy ofCaroline Still, UEA.
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Unidentified toothed whales and other cetaceans
In 2002, there were 18 strandings of unidentified toothed whales, and 27 that were not identifiedas toothed or baleen whales (see Map 15). It is often not possible to identify such carcassesowing either to their inaccessibility or to their advanced state of decomposition.
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Part B
UK Cetacean and Marine Turtle Post-mortem Investigations 2002
Post-mortem investigations of UK marine mammal and turtle strandings have been co-ordinated in England and Wales by the Institute of Zoology (IoZ) at the Zoological Society of London since 1990 and in Scotland by the Scottish Agricultural College in Inverness (SAC)since 1992. Both organisations liaise closely with the Natural History Museum, London (NHM). Tissue samples collected from post-mortem examinations of UK-stranded marinemammals are archived by IoZ, SAC and NHM. The Poseidon central strandings database is held jointly by IoZ and SAC and stores pathological and other data derived from the post-mortem investigations of UK-stranded marine mammals. Most of the data currently held in the Poseidon database was generated under contract to the UK Government (DEFRA)although some data was generated independently by research collaborations with non-DEFRA-funded individuals or organisations.
During 2002, 189 stranded or by-caught cetacean carcasses were examined at post-mortem inthe UK (Table A). Of these, 59 carcasses were examined in Scotland (Table B) and 131 wereexamined in England and Wales (Table C). The annual number of UK-stranded cetacean post-mortem examinations has increased annually from 1999-2002 and is predominantly due to an increase in common dolphin and harbour porpoise strandings within the Southwest of England during the winter. Two marine turtles (a loggerhead Caretta caretta and a green turtle Chelonia mydas) were also examined during 2002.
Table A: UK Cetacean and Turtle Post-mortem Investigations during 2002
Species NumberHarbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) 119Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) 44Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) 6White sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) 4White beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) 4Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) 3Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) 2Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) 2Pilot whale (Globicephala melas) 1Pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) 1Sowerby’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon bidens) 1Sperm whale (Physeter catodon) 1Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) 1
Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) 1Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) 1
Total 191
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Table B: Post-mortem Investigations conducted in Scotland during 2002
Species NumberHarbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) 36White beaked dolphin (Lagenorhynchus albirostris) 4Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) 4Minke whale (Balaenoptera acutorostrata) 3Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) 3Risso’s dolphin (Grampus griseus) 2White sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) 2Bottlenose dolphin (Tursiops truncatus) 2Pilot whale (Globicephala melas) 1Sperm whale (Physeter catodon) 1
Total 58
Table C: Post-mortem Investigations conducted in England and Wales during 2002
Species Number
Harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) 83Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) 41White sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) 2Striped dolphin (Stenella coeruleoalba) 2Pygmy sperm whale (Kogia breviceps) 1Sowerby’s beaked whale (Mesoplodon bidens) 1Cuvier’s beaked whale (Ziphius cavirostris) 1
Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) 1Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) 1
Total 133
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Results of UK marine mammal and turtle post-mortemexaminations in 2002
Causes of death
Table D summarises the causes of death of 189 cetaceans and 2 marine turtles examined at post-mortem in the UK in 2002. These cause of death data are grouped into individuals that strandedin Scotland (Table E) and England and Wales (Table F) to enable comparison with data reportedfor these regions in previous years. It was not possible to establish the cause of death of tenharbour porpoises, six common dolphins, two bottlenose dolphins, an Atlantic white-sideddolphin and a pygmy sperm whale.
Causes of cetacean mortality
Entanglement in fishing gear (Bycatch)Of the 29 harbour porpoise bycatches diagnosed following post-mortem examination in theUK in 2002, 5 were carcasses retrieved directly from fishing vessels as part of observer-based research co-ordinated by the Sea Mammal Research Unit (University of St. Andrews). Twenty-four harbour porpoises stranded in England and Wales and four harbour porpoises in Scotland were diagnosed as bycatches during 2002. Twenty-nine UK-stranded common dolphins were also diagnosed as bycatches following post-mortem examination, all but one ofwhich occurred within the Southwest of England (Cornwall, Devon and Dorset). The distribution of these stranded harbour porpoise and common dolphin bycatches in 2002 are shown in Figure 1.
The external lesions associated with bycatch in harbour porpoises and common dolphinsgenerally differ, with porpoises tending to show lesions consistent with wide-meshedmonofilament-type gear whereas common dolphins have injuries usually more consistent withsmaller-meshed gear such as trawl netting. However, many of the harbour porpoise bycatches examined during the first quarter of 2002 lacked the usual monofilament-type net-marks. Theseporpoises may have been by-caught in smaller-meshed mobile gear (trawl netting) since theyoften stranded in the same areas and in a similar state of decomposition to large numbers ofcommon dolphins that were diagnosed to have died due to bycatch.
A retrospective analysis of spatial, temporal and other patterns of UK-stranded cetacean bycatches between 1990-2002 is included within this report.
Physical trauma (including fatal attack from bottlenose dolphins)Twenty-six UK-stranded harbour porpoises and a common dolphin died due to physicaltrauma (excluding bycatch) during 2002. Within the porpoises, 24 had lesions consistent with fatal attack from bottlenose dolphins comprising nine Scottish strandings (generally between the Moray Firth and Firth of Forth areas) and 15 in West Wales (Figure 2). Fatal attack frombottlenose dolphins was one of the most common causes of death diagnosed in UK-stranded harbour porpoises in 2002. The cases diagnosed in Wales in 2002 continue a trend of increasing annual numbers of cases diagnosed from 1999-2002 (Figure 3). As in previous years, most porpoises killed by bottlenose dolphins were juveniles.
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Bottlenose dolphin killed porpoises n=240
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Figure 1 Spatial distribution of harbour porpoise and common dolphin bycatches 2002
Figure 2 Spatial distribution of 24 UK-stranded harbour porpoises killed by bottlenosedolphins (Tursiops truncatus) in 2002
Year1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002
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Figure 3 Annual number of strandedharbour porpoises killed by bottlenosedolphins in England and Wales (1990-2002)
Infectious disease mortalityDuring 2002, 36 stranded cetaceans comprising 29 harbour porpoises, four common dolphins, two striped dolphins and a single Risso’s dolphin died from infectious diseases. Parasitic infections of the lungs resulting in either severe airway obstruction, acute pulmonary haemorrhage, parasitic pneumonia or secondary bacterial or fungal infections caused the death of 21 harbour porpoises and generalised bacterial infections accounted for the death of another three porpoises. Other causes of harbour porpoise infectious disease mortality were gastric parasitism and associated gastritis(n=3), pyelonephritis (n=1) and bacterial meningoencephalitis (n=1). These findings are similar to those identified in UK-stranded harbour porpoises in previous years.
Two common dolphins died of pneumonia (bacterial), one died of orchitis andperitonitis and one of heavy gastric parasitism. Two striped dolphins died of Brucellameningitis and a Risso’s dolphin died of meningoencephalitis. There were no cases of distemper due to morbillivirus infection in any UK-stranded cetacean carcasses in2002 and none have been identified since 1990.
StarvationStarvation was attributed as the cause of death in animals that were severely emaciatedin the absence of any other underlying disease processes that could explain the poornutritional status. The death of 17 harbour porpoises (including 8 neonates), two stripeddolphins, a Cuvier’s beaked whale and an Atlantic white-sided dolphin was attributed to starvation.
Live stranding Live stranding was attributed as the cause of death in animals that were known orsuspected (from post-mortem examination) to have live stranded while in good healthand nutritional status. The cause of death of diseased or emaciated animals that live stranded was attributed to the disease process rather than the live stranding event. Livestranding was attributed as the cause of death of four harbour porpoises, four white-beaked dolphins, two Atlantic white-sided dolphins, two striped dolphins, a commondolphin, a pilot whale, a Sowerby’s beaked whale and a sperm whale.
TumoursNo malignant tumours were recorded in any UK-stranded cetaceans within 2002.
Novel cavitary lesion disease Two common dolphins that stranded in Cornwall, England, died of a novel diseaseprocess involving the development of macroscopic and microscopic cavitary lesionswithin the liver and kidneys respectively. Similar pathology predominantly involving the liver has been rarely described in other UK-stranded cetaceans in previous years. Thelesions appear unique to cetaceans and are being investigated further prior to publication.
Other causes of death The other remaining causes of death of stranded cetaceans examined in 2002 are detailedin Tables D, E and F and Appendix 4.
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Causes of mortality in marine turtlesA live-stranded loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) died of starvation and hypothermia. A green turtle (Chelonia mydas) that live-stranded in Lancashire in 2001 was stored frozen and examined in 2002. Post-mortem examination of this green turtle revealed gastro-intestinal impaction with plastic and other debris (Figure 4A and 4B).
Figure 4A Green turtle (Chelonia mydas) Figure 4B Remains of rubber balloon, plasticand other debris causing impaction in stomachof green turtle
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Table D: Cause of death categories of marine mammals and turtles stranded in the UK in 2002
Species Cause of death category No.
Phocoena phocoena Bycatch* 29Physical Trauma (bottlenose dolphin attack) 24
Pneumonia, Parasitic 15 Starvation 9
Starvation (neonate) 8 Others 5
Live Stranding 4 Pneumonia, Parasitic and Bacterial 4 Gastropathy&/or Enteropathy 3 Generalised Bacterial Infection 3
Physical Trauma 2Pneumonia, Parasitic and Mycotic 2 (Meningo) encephalitis 1
Not Established 10
Delphinus delphis Bycatch 29 Others 4
Gastropathy&/or Enteropathy 1 Live Stranding 1
Physical Trauma 1Pneumonia, Bacterial 2 Not Established 6
Stenella coeruleoalba Live Stranding 2 (Meningo) encephalitis 2
Starvation 2
Lagenorhynchus acutus Live Stranding 2 Starvation 1
Not Established 1
Lagenorhynchus albirostris Live Stranding 4
Balaenoptera acutorostrata Entanglement 2Dystocia & Stillborn 1
Grampus griseus Dystocia & Stillborn 1 (Meningo) encephalitis 1
Tursiops truncatus Not Established 2
Globicephala melas Live Stranding 1
Kogia breviceps Not Established 1
Mesoplodon bidens Live Stranding 1
Physeter catodon Live Stranding 1
Ziphius cavirostris Starvation 1
Caretta caretta Starvation 1
Chelonia mydas Impaction 1* Of the 29 harbour porpoise bycatches reported here, 5 were carcasses retrieved directly from fishing vessels as part of observer-based research conducted by the Sea Mammal Research Unit. The post-mortem investigations of these carcasses were conducted in collaboration with the Sea Mammal Research Unit.
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Table E: Cause of death categories of marine mammals and turtles stranded in Scotland in 2002
Species Cause of Death No.
Phocoena phocoena Physical Trauma (bottlenose dolphin attack) 9 Pneumonia, Parasitic 6 Bycatch 4 Starvation 4
Pneumonia, Parasitic and Bacterial 3 Starvation (neonate) 3 Gastropathy&/or Enteropathy 2 Others 2 (Meningo) encephalitis 1 Physical Trauma 1 Not Established 1
Lagenorhynchus albirostris Live Stranding 4
Stenella coeruleoalba Live Stranding 2 (Meningo) encephalitis 2
Balaenoptera acutorostrata Entanglement 2Dystocia & Stillborn 1
Delphinus delphis Pneumonia, Bacterial 2 Not Established 1
Grampus griseus Dystocia & Stillborn 1 (Meningo) encephalitis 1
Lagenorhynchus acutus Live Stranding 2
Tursiops truncatus Not Established 2
Globicephala melas Live Stranding 1
Physeter catodon Live Stranding 1
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Table F: Cause of death categories of marine mammals and turtles stranded in England and Wales in 2002
Species Cause of Death No.
Phocoena phocoena Bycatch 25Physical Trauma (bottlenose dolphin attack) 15Pneumonia, Parasitic 9
Starvation 5Starvation (neonate) 5 Live Stranding 4 Generalised Bacterial Infection 3
Others 3Pneumonia, Parasitic and Mycotic 2Gastropathy&/or Enteropathy 1 Physical Trauma 1 Pneumonia, Parasitic and Bacterial 1
Not Established 9
Delphinus delphis Bycatch 29 Others 4
Gastropathy&/or Enteropathy 1 Live Stranding 1Physical Trauma 1
Not Established 5
Lagenorhynchus acutus Starvation 1 Not Established 1
Stenella coeruleoalba Starvation 2
Kogia breviceps Not Established 1
Mesoplodon bidens Live Stranding 1
Ziphius cavirostris Starvation 1
Caretta caretta Starvation 1
Chelonia mydas Impaction 1* Of the 29 harbour porpoise bycatches reported here, 5 were carcasses retrieved directly from fishing vessels aspart of observer-based research conducted by the Sea Mammal Research Unit. The post-mortem investigations ofthese carcasses were conducted in collaboration with the Sea Mammal Research Unit.
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Trends in UK-stranded cetacean bycatch (1990-2002)
A) England and Wales
Bycatch in harbour porpoises
Between Sept 1990 and December 2002 inclusive, 589 harbour porpoises (Phocoenaphocoena) which had stranded on the coastline of England and Wales and 45 which were retrieved directly following entanglement in commercial fishing gear (bycatch)were examined at post-mortem using standardised methodology. Entanglement in fishing gear (bycatch) was the most common cause of death accounting for 156 (26.5%) of the 589 stranded harbour porpoises in addition to the 45 by-caught porpoises retrieved directly from fishing vessels. By-caught harbour porpoises frequently presented with thin, linear cutaneous cuts or depressions on the leadingedges of the pectoral fins, tail flukes and dorsal fin, or had similar lesions that sometimes partly or completely circumscribed the head (Figure 5 & 6). These lesionswere seen in both stranded porpoises and in those retrieved directly from fishing vessels and are consistent with the use of bottom-set wide-meshed monofilamentgillnet-type fishing gear. Of the 201 harbour porpoise bycatches in total, 123 were juveniles compared to 65 adults, 7 neonates and 6 juvenile/adults.
The spatial distribution of stranded harbour porpoises diagnosed as bycatches between 1990-2002 is shown in Figure 7. Stranded harbour porpoise bycatches were mostfrequently recorded in Wales, Cornwall and along the North Sea coastline fromNorthumberland to Humberside. Most bycatches in Southwest England stranded during the period January to March (Figure 8), which was significantly different to themore year-round distribution of harbour porpoise bycatches in Wales/North-westEngland (Figure 9) and North Sea coast of England (Figure 10).
The annual number of stranded porpoises in England and Wales that were diagnosed as bycatches between 1990-2002, together with the annual percentage of established causes of death that were attributed to bycatch in the same period, are shown in Figures 11-12. The annual numbers of bycatches diagnosed, and the percentages of established causes of death attributed to bycatch in both the east coast of England(Figure 13 & 14) and Wales/Northwest England (Figure 15 & 16) increased from 1990 until the mid-1990’s, and then declined thereafter. In contrast, the annualnumber of stranded porpoise bycatches in Southwest England generally increased between 1990 to 2002 (Figure 17) and the annual proportion of stranded porpoisebycatches was also higher than other regions within most years of the study (Figure 18).
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Figure 5 By-caught harbour porpoise. Circumscribing net-mark around the head.
Figure 6 By-caught harbour porpoise. Lesions on tail fluke consistent with entanglement in monofilament fishing gear.
Figure 7 Spatial distribution of harbourporpoises stranded in England and Wales that were diagnosed as bycatch (1990-2002)
Month
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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Figure 8 Seasonal distribution of by-caughtharbour porpoises stranded in south-westEngland (1990-2002)
MonthJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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MonthJan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
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Figure 9 Seasonal distribution of by-caughtharbour porpoises stranded in Wales andnorth-west England (1990-2002)
Figure 10 Seasonal distribution of by-caughtharbour porpoises stranded on the east coastof England (1990-2002)
Year1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002
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Figure 11 Annual number of strandedporpoises in England and Wales diagnosed asbycatches (1990-2002)
Figure 12 Annual % of established causes ofdeath attributed to bycatch in porpoisesstranded in England and Wales (1991-2002)
Year1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002
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Figure 13 Annual number of porpoisesstranded on the east (N. Sea) coast of Englanddiagnosed as bycatch (1990-2002)
Year1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002
% b
y-ca
tch
(N.S
ea c
oast
)
0
20
40
60
80
100
Figure 14 % of established causes of deathattributed to bycatch in porpoises stranded onthe east (N. Sea) coast of England (1990-2002)
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Year1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002
No.
by-
caug
ht (W
ales
& N
W E
ng)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Figure 15 Annual number of porpoisesstranded in Wales and NW England diagnosedas bycatch (1990-2002)
Year1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002
% b
y-ca
tch
(Wal
es/N
W E
ng)
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
Figure 16 % of established causes of deathattributed to bycatch in porpoises stranded inWales and NW England (1990-2002)
Year1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002
No.
by-
caug
ht (S
WEn
g)
0
2
4
6
8
10
12
14
16
Year1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002
% b
y-ca
tch
(SW
Eng
)
0
20
40
60
80
100
Figure 17 Annual number of porpoisesstranded in SW England diagnosed as bycatch(1990-2002)
Figure 18 % of established causes of deathattributed to bycatch in porpoises stranded inSW England (1990-2002)
Bycatch in common dolphins
Between September 1990 and December 2002, 302 common dolphins found stranded around the coastline of England and Wales were analysed at post-mortem using standardised methodology. Entanglement in fishing gear (bycatch) was the mostcommon cause of death accounting for 175 (57.9%) of the 302 stranded common dolphins. Some of the characteristic findings on post-mortem are illustrated in Figures19 & 20. The annual number of common dolphin bycatches in England and Wales is shown in Figure 21. The vast majority of these bycatches (167 or 95.4% of the total number of by-caught common dolphins) occurred in Southwest England (Cornwall, Devon and Dorset) (Figure 22) on an annual basis. Common dolphin bycatch appeared to be highly seasonal, with the majority occurring in the first three months of each year (Figure 23). Most of these bycatches had injuries consistent with entanglement in small-meshed mobile gear (trawl netting).
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Figure 19 Stranded common dolphin showing Figure 20 Skin abrasion, netmark and fracture signs of carcass mutilation of beak in by-caught common dolphin
13 - 18
10 - 12
7 - 9
4 - 6
1 - 3
Frequencies
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
1
2
-2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Year1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002
No.
0
10
20
30
40
50
Figure 21 Annual number of commondolphins diagnosed as bycatch in England andWales 1990-2002
05
101520253035404550
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov DecMonth
Num
ber
of
byca
ught
com
mon
dol
phin
s
Figure 23 Seasonal distribution (number) ofstranded common dolphin bycatches inEngland and Wales 1990-2002
Figure 22 Spatial distribution of strandedcommon dolphins diagnosed as bycatch inEngland and Wales 1990-2002
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Bycatch in other species
Within England and Wales, bycatches of white beaked dolphin (n=5), striped dolphin (n=4),Risso’s dolphin (n=1), Atlantic white-sided dolphin (n=1), bottlenose dolphin (n=1) and pilotwhale (n=1) were also recorded between 1990 and 2002.
B) Scotland
There have only been 14 cases of bycatch diagnosed in stranded cetaceans (comprising 11 harbour porpoises, two Risso’s dolphin and one Atlantic white-sided dolphin) within Scotland between 1992-2002. This is consistent with the low levels of fishing effort within Scottish waters during this period (SEC 2002). The spatial distribution of the Scottishbycatches is shown in Figure 24.
Atlantic white-sided dolphin bycatch
Risso's dolphin bycatch
Harbour porpoise bycatch
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
0
1
2
-2 -1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Figure 24 Spatial distribution of cetaceanbycatches stranded in Scotland 1992-2002
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Investigations of relationships between environmental contaminants and health status and reproductive function
Tissue samples for toxicological analyses continued to be collected and archived from allstranded marine mammals and turtles examined during 2002. A number of samples taken from UK-stranded cetaceans were sent to the CEFAS Burnham Laboratory, Essex (CEFAS)for toxicological analyses during 2002.
Toxicology data from UK-stranded harbour porpoises
During 2002, toxicology data on a number of UK-stranded harbour porpoises between 1996-2001 was completed by CEFAS. The data included polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)(n=118), organochlorine pesticides (n=50), butyltins (n=116) and heavy metals (n=116). A comprehensive analysis of these data in conjunction with pathological and other biological data derived from the source animals was planned for the latter half of 2002. Unfortunately, the emergence of PDV in UK seals in August 2002 and subsequent epizootic resulted in these analyses being delayed until early 2003.
Investigations of relationships between endocrine disrupting chemicals and testiculardevelopment in harbour porpoises
During 2002 samples of testes from UK-stranded harbour porpoises continued to be analysed for stages of testicular development at the Institute of Zoology using immunohistochemicaltechniques. The main aim of the research is to produce qualitative and quantitative indices of testicular development and fertility in harbour porpoises and to test for correlations between these parameters and exposure to persistent environmental pollutants such as PCBs. These analyses form part of a research programme (funded by World Wide Fund for Nature-UK) investigating potential relationships between endocrine disrupting chemicals and fertility using tissues generated through the UK Marine Mammal Strandings Project. The research should be completed in 2003.
Harbour porpoise molecular genetics study
In 2001 a NERC-funded PhD studentship was funded to investigate the population structure of harbour porpoises in UK-waters using genetic (microsatellite) markers. The research is designed to develop a more robust understanding of the population structure of porpoises in UK and European waters and which should help to define management units for conservation purposes (e.g. mitigation of bycatch in specific regions or fisheries). The research will alsoprogress to investigate host genetic factors in resistance to parasitic and other diseases usingnovel molecular techniques. The research is being conducted and supervised jointly by the Institute of Zoology and Cambridge University.
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Publications for 2002
Collins, M. D., Hoyles, L., Foster, G., Falsen, E. and Weiss, N. (2002) Arthrobacternasiphocae sp. nov., from the common seal (Phoca vitulina). International Journal of Systematic and Applied Microbiology 52:569-571
Deaville, R., P.M., Bennett, P.D., Jepson, J.R., Baker, V.R., Simpson, R.S., Penrose and T. Kuiken (2002) A review of post-mortem investigations of cetacean strandings around the coastline of England and Wales between 1991 and 2001 Proceedings of the sixteenth annual conference of the European Cetacean Society, Liege, Belgium, 7-9 April 2002
Foster, G., MacMillan, A. P., Godfroid, J., Howie, F.E, Ross, H. M., Cloeckaert, A., Reid, R. J., Brew, S. and Patterson, I. A. P. (2002) A review of Brucella sp. Infection of sea mammalswith particular emphasis on isolates from Scotland. Veterinary Microbiology 90:563-580.Geoff Foster
Gonzalez, L., Patterson, I. A.P, Reid, R. J., Foster, G., Barberan, M., Blasco, J. M., Kennedy, S., Howie, F. E., Godfroid, J., MacMillan, A. P., Schock, A. and Buxton, D. (2002) Chronic meningoencephalitis associated with Brucella sp. infection in live-starnded striped dolphins(Stenella coeruleoalba). Journal of Comparative Pathology 126:147-152.
Jepson, P.D., P.M., Bennett, R., Deaville, J.R., Baker, V.R., Simpson, R.S., Penrose and T. Kuiken. Trends in causes of mortality of 492 harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena)stranded on the coasts of England and Wales (1990-2001). Proceedings of the sixteenthannual conference of the European Cetacean Society, Liege, Belgium, 7-9 April 2002.
Parsons, K.M, Noble, L.R., Reid, R.J., Thompson P.M. (2002) Mitochondrial genetic diversity and population structuring of UK bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus): is the NE Scotland population demographically and geographically isolated?. BiologicalConservation 108: 175-182
Patterson, I.A.P., Reid, R.J., Schock, A., Howie, F.E. Neoplasia in cetaceans from Scottish waters. Proceedings of the sixteenth annual conference of the European Cetacean Society, Liege, Belgium, 7-9 April 2002
Santos, M.B., Pierce, G.J., Garcia-Hartmann, M., Smeek, C., Addink, M.J., Kuiken, T., Reid, R.J., Patterson, I.A.P., Lordan, C., Rogan, E. and Mente E. (2002) Additional notes on stomach contents of sperm whales (Physeter catodon) stranded in the north-east Atlantic.Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the UK. 501-507
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References
Christensen, I. (1980) Catch and effort in the Norwegian minke whale fishery in the 1978 whaling season. Report of the International Whaling Commission 30: 209-212.
Dahlheim, M.E. and Heyning, J.E. (1999) Killer Whale. In: The Handbook of MarineMammals Vol.6 – the Second Book of Dolphins and the Porpoises. S. Ridgway and R. Harrison (eds). Academic Press, London.
Evans, W.E. (1994) Common Dolphin. In: The Handbook of Marine Mammals Vol.5 – the First Book of Dolphins. S. Ridgway and R. Harrison (eds). Academic Press, London.
Evans, P.G.H. (1995) Guide to the Identification of Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises in European Seas. Sea Watch Foundation Publication, Oxford, 1995.
Jefferson, T.A., Leatherwood, S. and Webber, M.A. (1993) Marine Mammals of the World.United Nations Environment Programme, Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations, Rome 1993.
Kuiken, T., Simpson, V.R., Allchin, C.R., Bennett, P.M., Codd, G.A., Harris, E.A., Howes, G.J., Kennedy, S., Kirkwood, J.K., Law, R.J., Merrett, N.R. and Phillips, S. (1994). Mass mortality of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) in Southwest England due to incidental capture in fishing gear. Veterinary Record 134: 81-89.
Muir, A.I., Chimonides, P.D.J. & Spurrier, C.J.H. (1999) Trends in Cetacean Strandings on theBritish Coastline, 1998. The Natural History Museum, London.
Perrin, W.F. & Reilly, S.B. (1984) Reproductive parameters of dolphins and small whales of the family Delphinidae. In: Reproduction in Whales, Dolphins and Porpoises (Eds W.F.Perrin, R.L. Brownwell and D.P. DeMaster) pp.97-133. Rep. Int. Whal. Comm, Spec. Issue No. 6, Cambridge.
SEC (2002) 376. Subgroup Fishery and Environment Incidental catches of small cetaceans. http://europa.eu.int/comm/fisheries/doc_et_publ/factsheets/legal_texts/docscom/en/sec_2002_376_en.pdf
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Map 1. All UK records of cetacean strandings etc., 2002
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Map 2. Balaenoptera acutorostrata
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Map 3. Delphinus delphis
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Map 4. Indeterminate Delphinus delphis/Stenella coeruleoalba and other unidentified dolphins.
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Map 5. Globicephala melas
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Map 6. Grampus griseus
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Map 7. Lagenorhynchus acutus
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Map 8. Lagenorhynchus albirostris
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Map 9. Stenella coeruleoalba
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Map 10. Tursiops truncatus
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Map 11. Phocoena phocoena
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Map 12. Kogia breviceps – all records for UK and Eire, 1966 to 2002.
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Map 13. Physeter catodon
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Map 14. Mesoplodon bidens and Ziphius cavirostris
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Map 15. Unidentified odontocetes and other unidentified cetaceans
Appendix 2. Stranded cetacean lengths by species, UK, 2002
* = approximate length** = cumulative data, 1966-2002
2.1. Balaenoptera acutorostrata
SW. number Date of stranding County/Region Sex Total length(metres)
2002/11 07/01/2002 Cornwall - 7.60*2002/14a 09/01/2002 Strathclyde F 5.052002/26b 19/01/2002 Strathclyde F 2.782002/58g 27/01/2002 Strathclyde - 7.302002/72 29/01/2002 Gwynedd F 8.802002/87b 04/02/2002 Cornwall - 9.10*2002/188a 18/05/2002 Highland - -2002/221b 19/06/2002 Lothian F 7.552002/242a 30/06/2002 Shetland - -2002/277a 24/07/2002 Western Isles M -2002/297b 20/08/2002 Western Isles - -2002/300a 22/08/2002 Strathclyde M -2002/313b 09/09/2002 Highland M 8.252002/321b 24/09/2002 N. Yorkshire - 6.00*2002/334c 07/10/2002 Highland - -2002/341c 20/10/2002 Western Isles - 5.00*2002/341d 20/10/2002 Western Isles - 5.00*2002/387 27/12/2002 Dorset - 6.00*
2.2. Globicephala melas
SW. number Date of stranding County/Region Sex Total length(metres)
2002/7 04/01/2002 Cornwall - 4.20*2002/8a 05/01/2002 Devon - -2002/8b 05/01/2002 Devon - -2002/9a 06/01/2002 Devon - -2002/61 28/01/2002 Dorset - 3.60*2002/96d 10/02/2002 Cornwall - 4.70*2002/107 03/03/2002 Cornwall - 4.80*2002/123b 17/03/2002 Western Isles - -2002/166b 09/04/2002 Western Isles - 4.572002/167h 13/04/2002 Western Isles M -2002/188 16/05/2002 Northumberland - -2002/195 30/05/2002 Pembrokeshire - -2002/200a 05/06/2002 Cornwall - 4.00*2002/212 16/06/2002 Gwynedd - 4.802002/240 27/06/2002 Pembrokeshire - 4.502002/279c 26/07/2002 Western Isles - 1.852002/293a 14/08/2002 Strathclyde M 3.502002/321d 24/09/2002 Western Isles - 5.552002/342 24/10/2002 Cornwall - -2002/342a 25/10/2002 Devon F 4.80*2002/384 24/12/2002 Devon F 1.40*
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2.3. Grampus griseus
SW. number Date of stranding County/Region Sex Total length(metres)
2002/9 06/02/2002 Cornwall - 3.152002/104b 25/02/2002 Antrim - 3.402002/154 04/04/2002 Cornwall - 2.40*2002/187e 13/05/2002 Strathclyde - -2002/191c 24/05/2002 Western Isles M 3.062002/244a 03/07/2002 Orkney F 3.182002/303a 30/08/2002 Orkney - 3.052002/333 07/10/2002 Anglesey - 2.202002/336a 11/10/2002 Shetland F 2.602002/341a 17/10/2002 Western Isles - 2.70*2002/351b 14/11/2002 Strathclyde - 3.05
2.4. Lagenorhynchus acutus
SW. number Date of stranding County/Region Sex Total length(metres)
2002/191a 23/05/2002 Western Isles M 2.502002/210 15/06/2002 East Sussex M 2.552002/322 25/09/2002 Ceredigion M 2.632002/394a 28/12/2002 Strathclyde M 1.47
2.5. Lagenorhynchus albirostris
SW. number Date of stranding County/Region Sex Total length(metres)
2002/199e 02/06/2002 Grampian M 2.632002/211b 15/06/2002 Grampian M 1.552002/213 17/06/2002 Grampian F 1.712002/256a 12/07/2002 Lothian M 2.722002/279e 28/07/2002 Strathclyde - -2002/325 27/09/2002 Northumberland - 3.30*2002/359 01/12/2002 Cornwall - 1.90*
2.6. Stenella coeruleoalba
SW. number Date of stranding County/Region Sex Total length(metres)
2002/21a 17/01/2002 Highland F 1.522002/21b 17/01/2002 Highland F 1.602002/51 26/01/2002 Dorset F 2.102002/88 05/02/2002 Cornwall M 1.372002/104e 26/02/2002 Shetland F 1.942002/255 11/07/2002 Devon - 1.30*2002/304 31/08/2002 Cornwall F 2.162002/363a 09/12/2002 Strathclyde - 1.802002/374b 16/12/2002 Shetland F 1.60
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2.7. Tursiops truncatus
SW. number Date of stranding County/Region Sex Total length(metres)
2002/82 02/02/2002 Merseyside M 3.30*2002/105c 01/03/2002 Grampian - -2002/199a 02/06/2002 Dorset - -2002/278a 25/07/2002 Highland - -2002/279b 28/07/2002 Ceredigion - 1.072002/315 12/09/2002 Devon - 3.00
2.8. Kogia breviceps**
SW. number Date of stranding County/Region Sex Total length(metres)
1966/17 24/04/1966 Clare (Eire) - 2.48*1980/35 22/10/1980 W. Glamorgan F 2.741985/48a 06/10/1985 Galway (Eire) M 2.901993/119 03/10/1993 Devon - 1.90*1997/9 12/02/1997 Devon - 3.00*1997/159 17/10/1997 Dyfed F 2.761999/185d .1 18/10/1999 Stranraer F 2.681999/185d .2 18/10/1999 Stranraer - 2.082002/2 03/01/2002 Devon F 2.88
2.9. Physeter catodon
SW. number Date of stranding County/Region Sex Total length(metres)
2002/91f 06/02/2002 Western Isles - -2002/123a 17/03/2002 Orkney - -2002/241b 28/06/2002 Lothian M 10.052002/301a 26/08/2002 Western Isles M 12.90
2.10. Ziphius cavirostris
SW. number Date of stranding County/Region Sex Total length(metres)
2002/125a 18/03/2002 Strathclyde F 6.252002/222 20/06/2002 Norfolk M 5.652002/247 07/07/2002 Cornwall - 5.00*
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Appendix 3
GUIDELINES FOR THE POST-MORTEM EXAMINATION AND TISSUE SAMPLING OF CETACEANSCONTENTS
a) Introductionb) Basic measurementsc) External examinationd) Examination of abdominal organs (except G.I. tract, pancreas, and spleen) e) Examination of organs of head, neck and thoraxf) Examination of the G.I. tract, pancreas and spleen
a) Introduction
These guidelines are meant primarily as an aid to veterinary surgeons carrying out post-mortem examinations on stranded cetaceans in the U.K., as a part of the DoE-funded marinemammal projects in England, Wales, and Scotland. They are based partly on guidelines written by Dr John Baker, University of Liverpool, and partly on the protocol produced at the European Cetacean Society workshop on cetacean pathology, held in Leiden, TheNetherlands, in September 1991.
All structures must be examined visually and by palpation, making incisions into the organs. A full post mortem record must be kept, preferably on the standard "cetacean post-mortem report"form.
Lesions in any organs should be described, photographed and sampled. The description should include the size, location, colour, texture, shape, and the nature of the transition from normal toabnormal tissue. Photographs should include a ruler or similar object to indicate the size of thelesion. According to the suspected etiology of the lesion, samples should be collected for bacteriological examination (especially if the lesion is of a purulent nature), for virologicalexamination, and for parasitological examination. In all cases, a sample of the lesion should be preserved for histopathological examination.
Any parasites found, regardless if they are associated with pathological lesions or not, shouldbe preserved in 70% ethanol for identification. An attempt should be made to estimate the total number of parasites. Some predilection sites for parasites are indicated in the text.
If the state of decomposition of the carcass is advanced (condition code 4 or 5, see below), onlythe basic measurements, organ weights (when possible), and a limited number of samples(epidermis, skull, teeth, food remains, gonads) should be taken.
The post-mortem examination need not take place in the order described below. However,samples for bacteriological and virological examination need to be taken as early as possible.Also, examination of the G.I. tract should be left until last to prevent cross-contamination with enteric micro-organisms.
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photographs
body condition
body weight
body length
body girth
nutritional state
body orifices
epidermis
milk
blubber
muscle
b) Basic measurements
Photographs should be taken of the lateral views of the whole body, from both sides. Particularlyin bottle-nosed dolphins, photographs should be taken of the dorsal fin, also from both sides. Inbaleen whales, the ventral side of the tail flukes should be photographed. Photographs shouldalso be taken of any lesions of interest found during the post-mortem.
Estimate the body condition, that is the state of decomposition of the carcass, using the categories of the condition code .1
Weigh the carcass. If this is not possible, the body weight can be estimated from the heartweight .2
Measure the body length by placing the carcass on its belly, holding a measuring tape or rulernext to the carcass in a straight line parallel to the longitudinal body axis and measuring thedistance between the notch in the tail flukes and the tip of the upper jaw. Measure the body girthat the level of the anterior insertion of the dorsal fin.
c) External examination
Indicate the nutritional state of the carcass, using one of the following three categories:-good: the aspect of the upper flanks on either side of the dorsal fin is rounded;-moderate: the aspect of the upper flanks on either side of the dorsal fin is sloping;-poor: the aspect of the upper flanks on either side of the dorsal fin is hollow (in these animals,one can make out the transverse processes of the lumbar vertebrae, and there is an indentationdorsally just behind the head).
Examine the body orifices (mouth, eyes, ear openings, blow-hole, anus, genital slit andmammary slits) for lesions and any discharge. Collect and preserve left and right eyes separatelyin 10% formalin (only if both eyes are fully intact).
Examine the animal for external lesions and sample these accordingly. Examine the skincarefully for any ectoparasites. These are most likely to be found in or near the body orifices and next to the fins and flukes. Take a 4 cm piece of epidermis down to the blubber for DNA-studies, and freeze.
2
Massage the skin in the area cranial to the mammary slits in a caudal direction to express anyfluid present in the mammary glands. If fluid can be pressed out, collect a sample fororganochlorine analysis in a hexane-washed glass container and freeze. If the lid is made ofplastic, separate the sample from this with aluminium foil. Note the volume, colour, andconsistency of the fluid.
Cut a transverse strip of blubber about 2 cm wide from the anterior insertion of the dorsal fin,from the mid-dorsal to the mid-ventral region. Make sure to cut at right-angles to the surface ofthe skin. Measure the thickness of the blubber strip with a ruler 2cm lateral to the dorsal mid-line, mid-laterally, and 2cm lateral to the ventral mid-line. (Using this method, the tension of theblubber tissue is relieved before measuring.)
Cut a strip of blubber a few cm wide and a few cm long at the level of the caudal insertion of thedorsal fin. Make sure to cut at right-angles to the surface of the skin. From this blubber strip,take 2x20 g cross-sectional samples of blubber for organochlorine analysis. It is important totake samples of the whole layer, from the skin to the muscle. Wrap them in hexane-washedaluminium foil and freeze. Alternatively, they can be placed in Sovirel glass tubes.
Take 2x20 g muscle samples for toxicological analysis, at the same location as and directlybelow the blubber sample, at the level of the caudal insertion of the dorsal fin. Wrap them inhexane-washed aluminium foil and freeze. Alternatively, they can be placed in Sovirel glasstubes.
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mammary gland
subcutaneous tissue
scapula
rib
virology samples
bacteriology samples
urinary bladder
female repr. tract
foetus
male repr. tract
adrenal glands
kidneys
With the animal on its right side make a mid-line ventral incision from the symphysis of themandible to a short distance posterior of the anus, circumventing the genital slit and anus. Fromthe posterior end of the ventral incision make a second one almost to the dorsal mid-line. Reflectthe skin and blubber off the uppermost side. Any parasites in the blubber should be noted andcollected. They may occur as white cysts less than 1 cm in diameter, often in the ano-genitalregion or the dorsal aspect of the chest wall.
In females, examine the mammary gland for pathological changes and parasites. Collect a cross-sectional slice of about 1 cm thick from halfway along the length of the left mammary gland for histopathological examination, and place in 10% formalin.
Examine the subcutaneous tissue for the presence of bruises and parasites.
Remove the left scapula for (future) morphometric analysis and freeze.
d) Examination of abdominal organs (except G.I. tract, pancreas, and spleen)
Remove the left abdominal wall, freeing the testis or ovary and uterus. Any parasites in theabdominal wall (for instance cysts under the peritoneum) should be collected. Remove the leftthoracic wall, for example with bone shears. Remove the fifth left rib and freeze a 5 cm sectionof it.
Before handling the internal organs, take a 1 cm3 sample of lung tissue from the cranio-ventralpart of the left lung and a 1cm3 sample of kidney tissue from the left kidney for virologicalexamination. Also take a sample of lung tissue from the cranio-ventral part of the left lung, asample of kidney tissue from the left kidney and a sample of liver tissue from the left lobe of theliver for bacteriological examination.
Sever the intestine close to the anus and the oesophagus close to the diaphragm. Workingforward along the dorsal aspect of the abdominal cavity, remove the stomach, intestines,pancreas, spleen and mesenteric lymph node, attached to each other, from the carcass. Leave theexamination of the G.I. tract to the end of the post-mortem examination to prevent cross-contamination of other tissues with enteric micro-organisms.
Open and examine the bladder in situ, noting the contents, if any. Preserve a 1cm3 sample of thebladder in 10% formalin (for histopathology).
In females remove the entire reproductive tract, open the vagina and uterus, note any corporalutea, corpora albicantia or follicles on each ovary and then place the ovaries separately in 10% formalin for reproduction studies. Preserve a 1cm3 sample of the uterus in 10% formalin (forhistopathology).
If a foetus is present of sufficient size to examine the individual organs, a post-mortemexamination and tissue sampling of the foetus can take place in the same way as for cetaceansafter birth. If it is too small for a full post-mortem examination, the whole foetus and its placentacan be wrapped in hexane-washed aluminium foil and stored frozen for organochlorine analysis.
In males remove the testes and weigh them separately after removing the epididymis. After incision and examination, place the testes in 10% formalin for reproductive studies. If they are heavier than about 50 g each, place a cross-sectional slice about 1 cm thick from mid-way along the length in 10% formalin. Examine the penis and preputium.
Remove and examine the adrenal glands, and place them separately in 10% formalin.
Remove the kidneys from the body cavity and weigh them. Incise both kidneys longitudinally,and if possible, strip the capsule. Then, take 2x20 g samples for toxicological analysis fromhalfway the length of the left kidney. These samples should be cross-sectional and include bothmedullary and cortical tissue. Wrap them in hexane-washed aluminium foil and freeze.
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liver
thyroid
tongue
oesophagus
respiratory tract
thymus
serum
heart
tympanic bulla
Alternatively, they can be placed in Sovirel glass tubes. Preserve 1 cm3 from a kidney in 10%formalin for histopathological examination.
Remove and weigh the liver. Examine both surfaces and make multiple incisions into thesubstance. Examine the bile ducts for parasites. Then, take 2x20 g for trace metal analysis. These samples should include approximately equal amounts of tissue from the edge of the left lobe, theedge of the right lobe, and the hilus of the liver. Wrap them in hexane-washed aluminium foiland freeze. Alternatively, they can be placed in Sovirel glass tubes. Place 1 cm3 of liver tissue in10% formalin for histopathological examination.
e) Examination of organs of head, neck and thorax
Carefully remove the superficial muscles overlying the trachea and larynx to expose the thyroidgland. Examine this tissue and preserve 1 cm3 of tissue in 10% formalin for histopathologicalexamination.
Incise along the internal aspects of both mandibles and free the tongue. Once the tongue is free reflect it backwards and cut the hyoid bones close to the skull.
Free the larynx from the sphincter muscle holding it in place and pulling the tongue backwards incise along the neck to free the trachea and oesophagus. Then, incising dorsally and ventrally inthe thoracic cavity, free the heart and lungs. Note any attachments of the lungs to the thoracicwalls. This procedure should give you the tongue, larynx, trachea, oesophagus, thymus, heartand lungs all still fastened together.
Examine the surface of the tongue.
Open the oesophagus longitudinally and check for lesions or parasites.
Open the larynx, trachea and major bronchi longitudinally. Make multiple incisions into thesubstance of both lungs. Any parasites should be collected. Two pieces of lung (about 1 cm3)from the hilus and periphery of the left lung, and the same from the right lung, should be collected in 10% formalin for histopathological examination. The samples should include part of the major bronchial tree. Open all major branches of the pulmonary veins and examine for thepresence of parasites. Examine the bronchial and so-called "pulmonary associated" lymph nodes. The latter can be found about halfway along the ventral edges of each lung. Cut a 1 cm thickcross-sectional slice from the middle of the left pulmonary associated lymph node, and place it in 10% formalin for histopathological examination.
Examine and weigh the thymus, if present (noting the presence of any macroscopic cysts). Place1 cm3 of thymus in 10% formalin for histopathological examination.
Collect any blood present in the heart lumen, to obtain serum for serological examination. Theserum, acquired by centrifugation, should be stored frozen. Even if it is haemolytic, it is stillof value.
Separate the heart from the lungs by cutting through the major blood vessels where they enterthe heart. Open the left and right ventricles and atria for examination and to take out any bloodclots present. Any parasites should be collected. Weigh the heart. Cut a 1 cm thick slice of heart tissue, to include a piece of the wall of the left ventricle and of the atrioventricular septum, andplace it in 10% formalin for histopathological examination.
Examine the tympanic bullae (which in cetaceans are not part of the skull but lie free just behindthe mandibles). Carefully dissect each tympanic bulla (and associated cochlea) free of theirconnective tissue attachments to the skull. Examine the internal cavity of each bulla and recoverany nematodes present (with forceps). Preserve the left tympanic bulla/cochlea and righttympanic bulla/cochlea separately in 10% formalin.
The Natural History Museum 63
teeth(baleen plates)
brain
skull
spleen
pancreas
mesenteric ln.
stomach
intestine
If possible, remove two sets of (at least) 4 teeth from the middle of the lower jaw for ageing, andstore frozen (separately). (In baleen whales, cut off 2 baleen plates as near as possible to theirbasis and store frozen.)
In freshly dead carcasses (condition code 2), open the skull, and examine the brain.
The skull can be opened by making a vertical cut parallel and about 2 cm posterior to thetransverse dorsal ridge which is clearly visible and palpable on top of the skull. The second cutshould be made in the horizontal plane, through the occipital condyles, making sure to leave theposterior portion of the condyles on the skull, so that the condylo-basal length can still bemeasured. Both cuts should be extended until they meet each other. The separated piece of skull can then be pried loose using a chisel or flat-bladed screwdriver, and the brain can be removed.
Take a 1 cm3 sample of brain for virological examination. Place the rest of the brain in 10%formalin for at least a week. To allow faster fixation, a longitudinal incision can be made in thecerebrum to expose the lateral ventricles. When it is fixed, make multiple slices into the tissue tolook for pathological lesions, including the presence of parasites. Take 1 cm3 samples of thecortex, midbrain, cerebellum, and medulla, for histopathological examination. Dissect thepituitary gland from the pituitary fossa (located in the cranial floor) and preserve in 10% formalin.
In more decomposed carcasses, leave the skull intact. Both opened and completely intact skullsshould be stored frozen for morphometrics studies.
f) Examination of the G.I. tract, pancreas and spleen
Examine and weigh the spleen and put a piece (about 1 cm3), including a section of capsule, in10% formalin for histopathological examination. One often finds smaller accessory spleens nearto the main spleen.
Examine the pancreas. Look for parasites, particularly in the pancreatic ducts. Place a 1 cm3
piece of pancreas tissue in 10% formalin for histopathological examination.
Examine the mesenteric lymph node and put a 1 cm thick cross-sectional slice from halfway itslength in 10% formalin for histopathological examination.
Open the cardiac section of the stomach. Collect any fish bones, otoliths and other food remainsand preserve in 70% ethanol or freeze for prey studies. Any parasites should be collected.Describe any lesions, including the distribution and size of any ulcers.
Open the fundic and pyloric sections of the stomach. Any food material and parasites should be preserved as for the cardiac section. Any nodules in the walls of the fundic and pyloric sectionsshould be noted and, if they are found, attempts should be made to express the contents. Anyparasites found in the contents should be collected.
Open the intestinal tract at several points along its length. Make note of any contents and/orlesions and collect any parasites that are found.
1. The body condition, or state of decomposition of a carcass, can be described using the following condition code: 1) live (becomes code 2 at death)2a)extremely fresh (as if just died, no bloating, meat is considered by most to be edible)2b) slight decomposition (slight bloating, blood imbibition visible)3) moderate decomposition (bloating, skin peeling, penis may be extended in males, organs
still intact, excluding post-mortem damage)4) advanced decomposition (major bloating, skin peeling, penis extended in males, organs
beyond recognition, bones exposed due to decomposition)5) indeterminate (mummified carcass or skeletal remains, no organs present)2. The body weight can be estimated from the heart weight using the formulalog W = (log H + 2.2) / 0.984, with H = heart weight and W = body weight, both in kg.
The Natural History Museum 64
App
endi
x 4:
UK
-str
ande
d m
arin
e m
amm
als a
nd m
arin
e tu
rtle
s exa
min
ed a
t pos
t-mor
tem
dur
ing
2002
NH
M r
ef.
PM n
o.
Spec
ies
Sex
Leng
thD
ate
foun
dLo
catio
nC
ount
yC
ause
of d
eath
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
SW20
02/2
EXTE
RNA
LK
ogia
bre
vice
psF
288
03/0
1/02
Thur
lesto
neD
evon
not e
stabl
ished
SW20
02/3
X
T010
/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F12
204
/01/
02Sw
anse
aSw
anse
aph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/4
S204
1 Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
139
04/0
1/02
Pres
taty
nG
wyn
edd
pneu
mon
ia, p
ara.
, bac
t. an
d fu
ngal
, gen
eral
ised
bact
eria
lan
dfu
ngal
infe
ctio
nSW
2002
/5
XT0
09/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
157
04/0
1/02
Fe
lixsto
we
Suffo
lksta
rvat
ion
SW20
02/9
B M
002/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
106
06/0
1/02
Find
ocht
yG
ram
pian
phys
ical
trau
ma
(bot
tleno
sedo
lphi
nat
tack
)SW
2002
/10
XT0
18/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
141
07/0
1/02
Kes
singl
and
Suffo
lkga
striti
s, pa
rasit
ic (c
ardi
acse
ctio
n);g
astri
cpa
rasit
ism(h
eavy
)SW
2002
/11A
M
003/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
154
07/0
1/02
U
isken
tuie
Stra
thcl
yde
pyel
onep
hriti
sSW
2002
/12
M39
/01/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
139
08/0
1/02
Crin
nisB
each
Corn
wal
lph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/13
M38
/1/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
129
09/0
1/02
Dup
orth
Bea
chCo
rnw
all
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/1
4AM
005/
02Ba
laen
opte
raac
utor
ostra
taF
505
09/0
1/02
Sann
ox B
aySt
rath
clyd
eph
ysic
al tr
aum
a,en
tang
lem
ent
SW20
02/1
6 M
61/1
/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M13
114
/01/
02Tr
enar
ren
Corn
wal
lph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/17
M60
/1/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
152
14/0
1/02
Low
land
Poi
ntCo
rnw
all
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/1
8X
T079
/02
Del
phin
us d
elph
isM
211
15/0
1/02
Wem
bury
Dev
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/19
XT0
75/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
142
16/0
1/02
Lo
wes
toft
Suffo
lkpl
euro
pneu
mon
ia,
gene
ralis
edba
cter
ial
infe
ctio
n(S
alm
onel
lasp
.),ga
stric
para
sitism
SW20
02/2
1AM
009/
02A
Sten
ella
coe
rule
oalb
aF
152
17/0
1/02
Gle
nelg
Beac
hH
ighl
and
men
ingi
tis (B
ruce
lla)
SW20
02/2
1BM
009/
02B
Sten
ella
coe
rule
oalb
aF
160
17/0
1/02
Gle
nelg
Beac
hH
ighl
and
live
stran
ding
SW20
02/2
2 EX
TERN
AL
Del
phin
usde
lphi
sM
219
18/0
1/02
Treg
antle
Corn
wal
lne
phro
path
ySW
2002
/23
M91
/1/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
180
19/0
1/02
Praa
San
ds
Corn
wal
lpa
rasit
ism p
ulm
onar
y, h
eavy
SW20
02/2
4EX
TERN
AL
Del
phin
us d
elph
isM
213
19/0
1/02
Thur
lesto
neD
evon
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/2
5EX
TERN
AL
Del
phin
us d
elph
isF
200
19/0
1/02
Thur
lesto
neD
evon
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/2
6B
M01
0/02
Bala
enop
tera
acut
oros
trata
F 27
819
/01/
02O
rmsa
rySt
rath
clyd
esti
llbor
nSW
2002
/27
EXTE
RNA
LD
elph
inus
del
phis
M18
720
/01/
02Sa
lcom
beD
evon
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/2
8EX
TERN
AL
Del
phin
us d
elph
isF
184
20/0
1/02
Bant
ham
Dev
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/29
EXTE
RNA
LD
elph
inus
del
phis
M21
020
/01/
02Th
urle
stone
Dev
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/30
EXTE
RNA
LD
elph
inus
del
phis
F21
020
/01/
02Th
urle
stone
Dev
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/31
EXTE
RNA
LD
elph
inus
delp
his
F19
420
/01/
02Se
aton
Corn
wal
lhe
pato
path
y
The
Nat
ural
His
tory
Mus
eum
65
NH
M r
ef.
PM n
o.
Spec
ies
Sex
Leng
thD
ate
foun
dLo
catio
nC
ount
yC
ause
of d
eath
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
_SW
2002
/33
EXTE
RNA
LPh
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
130
20/0
1/02
Treg
antle
Corn
wal
lph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/33A
EX
TERN
AL
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
U-9
20/0
1/02
Bant
ham
Dev
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/35
EXTE
RNA
LD
elph
inus
del
phis
M19
922
/01/
02Sa
lcom
beD
evon
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/3
9EX
TERN
AL
Del
phin
us d
elph
isM
195
23/0
1/02
Dur
ley
Chim
eD
orse
tph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/40
EXTE
RNA
LD
elph
inus
del
phis
M22
623
/01/
02D
urle
yCh
ime
Dor
set
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/4
1 EX
TERN
AL
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F13
023
/01/
02Lo
oeCo
rnw
all
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/4
4EX
TERN
AL
Del
phin
us d
elph
isM
210
24/0
1/02
Dur
ley
Chim
eD
orse
tph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/46
EXTE
RNA
LPh
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
140
24/0
1/02
Bees
ands
Dev
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/47
EXTE
RNA
LD
elph
inus
del
phis
M20
224
/01/
02N
ewto
n Fe
rrers
Dev
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/50
EXTE
RNA
L D
elph
inus
delp
his
M
178
25/0
1/02
Sout
hbou
rne
Beac
hD
orse
t liv
e str
andi
ngSW
2002
/54
XT2
14/0
2 Ph
ocoe
na p
hoco
ena
F10
626
/01/
02H
each
amN
orfo
lkpn
eum
onia
& p
ulm
onar
yha
emor
rhag
e(p
aras
itic)
,pul
mon
ary
and
gastr
icpa
rasit
ismSW
2002
/55
M14
0/1/
02D
elph
inus
del
phis
F19
627
/01/
02Bo
scom
beD
orse
tno
t esta
blish
edSW
2002
/56
M13
9/1/
02D
elph
inus
del
phis
F19
327
/01/
02K
imm
erid
ge B
ay
Dor
set
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/5
6AEX
TERN
AL
Del
phin
us d
elph
isF
188
27/0
1/02
Kim
mer
idge
Bay
D
orse
tph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/58B
EXTE
RNA
LD
elph
inus
del
phis
M15
527
/01/
02Fr
eath
yCo
rnw
all
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/6
3EX
TERN
AL
Del
phin
us d
elph
isM
178
28/0
1/02
Portw
rinkl
eCo
rnw
all
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/6
5 M
138/
1/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F16
328
/01/
02Sa
lcom
beD
evon
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/6
6 19
9666
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M16
128
/01/
02Bo
sham
Hoe
Wes
t Sus
sex
pneu
mon
ia, p
aras
itic
SW20
02/6
8EX
TERN
AL
Del
phin
us d
elph
isM
167
28/0
1/02
Hop
e Co
veD
evon
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/6
9M
137/
1/02
Del
phin
us d
elph
isM
192
28/0
1/02
Bant
ham
Dev
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/70
EXTE
RNA
LD
elph
inus
del
phis
M22
029
/01/
02Sl
apto
n Sa
nds
Dev
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/75F
M
015/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
104
29/0
1/02
Coul
port
Stra
thcl
yde
byca
tch
SW20
02/8
3A
M11
/2/0
2D
elph
inus
delp
his
F17
502
/02/
02Se
nnen
Cov
eCo
rnw
all
not e
stabl
ished
SW20
02/8
5A
M49
/2/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
-904
/02/
02M
onm
outh
Beac
hD
orse
tph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/88A
M
36/2
/02
Sten
ella
coer
uleo
alba
M13
706
/02/
02K
ynan
ceCo
veCo
rnw
all
starv
atio
nSW
2002
/89
M16
4/2/
02D
elph
inus
delp
his
M23
206
/02/
02Co
gden
bea
chD
orse
tph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/91E
M
018/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
144
06/0
2/02
Larg
o Ba
y Fi
fepa
rasit
ism, g
astri
cSW
2002
/95
XT2
48/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
156
07/0
2/02
Blac
kpoo
lLa
ncas
hire
pneu
mon
ia (p
ara.
&
myc
otic
),pu
lmon
ary
haem
orrh
age
(par
a.);
pulm
onar
ypa
rasit
ismSW
2002
/101
M89
/2/0
2D
elph
inus
del
phis
F20
016
/02/
02M
araz
ion
Beac
h Co
rnw
all
gastr
ic p
aras
itism
(hea
vy)
SW20
02/1
02
XT2
68/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
130
19/0
2/02
Borth
Cere
digi
onpn
eum
onia
, par
asiti
c an
d m
ycot
ic
The
Nat
ural
His
tory
Mus
eum
66
NH
M r
ef.
PM n
o.
Spec
ies
Sex
Leng
thD
ate
foun
dLo
catio
nC
ount
yC
ause
of d
eath
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
__SW
2002
/103
X
T267
/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M11
721
/02/
02M
inis
Bay
Ken
tpn
eum
onia
, par
asiti
c an
d ba
cter
ial
SW20
02/1
04
XT2
85/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
9022
/02/
02A
bera
eron
Cere
digi
onsta
rvat
ion
SW20
02/1
04E
M02
2/02
Sten
ella
coe
rule
oalb
aF
194
26/0
2/02
Yel
lSh
etla
ndm
enin
gitis
(Bru
cella
)SW
2002
/105
C M
025/
02Tu
rsio
pstru
ncat
usU
001
/03/
02
Spey
Bay
Gra
mpi
anno
testa
blish
edSW
2002
/105
D M
027/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
133
01/0
3/02
Inve
rmes
san
Dum
fries
& G
allo
way
para
sitism
, pul
mon
ary
and
puru
lent
pneu
mon
ia(E
.col
i)SW
2002
/105
EM
028/
02D
elph
inus
del
phis
F19
001
/03/
02Q
ueen
sfer
ryFi
feno
t esta
blish
edSW
2002
/110
B M
034/
02D
elph
inus
delp
his
F17
807
/03/
02Le
rags
Stra
thcl
yde
pneu
mon
iaSW
2002
/112
X
T298
/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F11
809
/03/
02Po
int C
lear
Esse
xcu
tane
ous w
ound
(chr
onic
,la
rge,
gran
ulat
ing)
,chr
onic
bloo
dlo
ssSW
2002
/112
A M
035/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
9709
/03/
02Le
venw
ick
Beac
hSh
etla
ndsta
rvat
ion/
hypo
ther
mia
SW20
02/1
13
M51
/3/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
140
12/0
3/02
Praa
San
ds
Corn
wal
lph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/114
X
T309
/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M10
913
/03/
02W
hite
have
n H
arbo
urCu
mbr
iaph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/115
M
64/3
/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M14
514
/03/
02Po
rtM
elon
Corn
wal
lph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/116
M66
/3/0
2D
elph
inus
del
phis
M20
414
/03/
02Sw
an P
ool
Corn
wal
lph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/117
M
75/3
/02
Del
phin
usde
lphi
sM
230
18/0
3/02
Gre
be P
oint
Corn
wal
lno
t esta
blish
edSW
2002
/118
M
76/3
/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F13
018
/03/
02
Tolc
arne
Corn
wal
lno
testa
blish
edSW
2002
/123
C M
045/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naU
124
17/0
3/02
Balg
owni
e Li
nks
Gra
mpi
anph
ysic
al tr
aum
a (b
ottle
nose
dolp
hin
atta
ck)
SW20
02/1
28M
91/3
/02
Del
phin
us d
elph
isM
213
20/0
3/02
Sum
mer
leaz
eCo
rnw
all
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/1
30C
M04
6/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F11
420
/03/
02Ba
lgow
nie
Link
sG
ram
pian
phys
ical
trau
ma
(bot
tleno
sedo
lphi
nat
tack
)SW
2002
/134
M
103/
3/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M15
124
/03/
02Po
rthpe
anBe
ach
Corn
wal
lph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/137
M
104/
3/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M14
825
/03/
02Po
rthpe
anBe
ach
Corn
wal
lph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/140
M
3/4/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
164
27/0
3/02
Porth
pean
Beac
hCo
rnw
all
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/1
42
M4/
4/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M14
028
/03/
02Pe
ntew
anCo
rnw
all
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/1
43
M5/
4/02
Del
phin
usde
lphi
sM
175
29/0
3/02
Carn
e Be
ach
Corn
wal
lph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/149
B M
049/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
116
02/0
4/02
off S
outh
Sut
orH
ighl
and
phys
ical
trau
ma
(bot
tleno
sedo
lphi
nat
tack
)SW
2002
/151
X
T409
/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M13
703
/04/
02Pw
llhel
iG
wyn
edd
phys
ical
trau
ma
(bot
tleno
sedo
lphi
nat
tack
)SW
2002
/153
M14
/4/0
2D
elph
inus
del
phis
F19
503
/04/
02M
araz
ion
Corn
wal
lol
d ag
e SW
2002
/159
X
T419
/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F95
07/0
4/02
Solw
ay E
stuar
yCu
mbr
ialiv
e str
andi
ng
The
Nat
ural
His
tory
Mus
eum
67
NH
M r
ef.
PM n
o.
Spec
ies
Sex
Leng
thD
ate
foun
dLo
catio
nC
ount
yC
ause
of d
eath
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
SW20
02/1
60
XT4
18/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
116
07/0
4/02
Blyt
hN
orth
umbe
rland
live
stran
ding
SW20
02/1
65M
45/4
/02
Del
phin
us d
elph
isF
188
09/0
4/02
Porth
allo
wCo
rnw
all
not e
stabl
ished
SW
2002
/169
A M
050/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
151
16/0
4/02
Spey
bay
Gra
mpi
anph
ysic
al tr
aum
a (b
ottle
nose
dolp
hin
atta
ck)
SW20
02/1
70
XT4
25/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
124
17/0
4/02
Porth
y Po
st A
ngle
sey
phys
ical
trau
ma
(bot
tleno
sedo
lphi
nat
tack
)SW
2002
/174
XT4
33/0
2D
elph
inus
del
phis
F20
922
/04/
02Bo
visa
nds
Dev
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/177
M
145/
4/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M15
425
/04/
02Ri
vier
eTo
wan
sCo
rnw
all
para
sitism
(mul
tiple
site
s,he
avy)
SW20
02/1
78
XT4
40/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
112
27/0
4/02
Fairb
ourn
eG
wyn
edd
phys
ical
trau
ma
(bot
tleno
sedo
lphi
nat
tack
)SW
2002
/179
X
T435
/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F13
528
/04/
02Ta
n-y-
bwlc
hCe
redi
gion
phys
ical
trau
ma
(bot
tleno
sedo
lphi
nat
tack
)SW
2002
/181
M
7/5/
02D
elph
inus
delp
his
M18
030
/04/
02
Har
lyn
Bay
Corn
wal
lno
testa
blish
edSW
2002
/184
2230
53Ph
ocoe
na p
hoco
ena
F95
02/0
5/02
Pagh
amW
est S
usse
xsta
rvat
ion
SW20
02/1
86
XT4
84/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
151
08/0
5/02
Caist
er B
each
Nor
folk
para
sitism
, pul
mon
ary
(hea
vy) a
nd o
ld a
ge
SW20
02/1
87A
M06
1/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F11
909
/05/
02St
Dav
ids H
arbo
urFi
festa
rvat
ion/
emac
iatio
nSW
2002
/187
B M
062/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
108
11/0
5/02
Balm
edie
Gra
mpi
ansta
rvat
ion
SW20
02/1
91A
M06
9/02
Lage
norh
ynch
usac
utus
M25
023
/05/
02Ru
bha
Ard
vule
Wes
tern
Isle
s liv
e str
andi
ngSW
2002
/191
DM
070/
02Ph
ocoe
na p
hoco
ena
M12
825
/05/
02St
Com
bsG
ram
pian
poss
ible
byc
atch
SW20
02/1
92
XT5
21/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
166
27/0
5/02
Pend
ine
Carm
arth
ensh
iresta
rvat
ion
SW20
02/1
94
M12
0/5/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
120
26/0
5/02
Po
lker
risBe
ach
Corn
wal
lno
testa
blish
edSW
2002
/194
A M
072/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
7627
/05/
02
Forv
ieG
ram
pian
starv
atio
n/hy
poth
erm
ia(n
eona
te)
SW20
02/1
94B
M07
3/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M13
929
/05/
02Sk
eld
Shet
land
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/1
96A
M07
4/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M84
30/0
5/02
Ba
lmed
ieG
ram
pian
starv
atio
n/hy
poth
erm
ia(n
eona
te)
SW20
02/1
97
S204
2 Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
7931
/05/
02Pe
mbr
eyCo
untry
Par
k Ca
rmar
then
shire
starv
atio
n/hy
poth
erm
ia(n
eona
te)
SW20
02/1
98
S204
3 Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
134
01/0
6/02
Borth
Cere
digi
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a (b
ottle
nose
dolp
hin
atta
ck)
SW20
02/1
99D
M07
6/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F15
501
/06/
02Sk
eld
Shet
land
pneu
mon
ia, p
aras
itic
(rein
fect
ion)
SW20
02/1
99E
M07
5/02
Lage
norh
ynch
us a
lbiro
stris
M26
302
/06/
02Fo
rvie
Gra
mpi
anliv
e str
andi
ngSW
2002
/200
B M
079/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
143
06/0
6/02
Nai
rnBe
ach
Hig
hlan
dph
ysic
al tr
aum
a (b
ottle
nose
dolp
hin
atta
ck)
The
Nat
ural
His
tory
Mus
eum
68
NH
M r
ef.
PM n
o.
Spec
ies
Sex
Leng
thD
ate
foun
dLo
catio
nC
ount
yC
ause
of d
eath
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
SW20
02/2
01M
20/6
/02
Mes
oplo
don
bide
ns
F44
407
/06/
02Pr
aa S
ands
Co
rnw
all
live
stran
ding
SW20
02/2
03
S204
4 Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
154
09/0
6/02
Bo
rthCe
redi
gion
note
stabl
ished
SW20
02/2
04
S204
5 Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
150
10/0
6/02
Abe
rdov
eyG
wyn
edd
phys
ical
trau
ma
(bot
tleno
sedo
lphi
nat
tack
)SW
2002
/209
B M
085/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
147
14/0
6/02
Scal
low
ay H
arbo
urSh
etla
ndph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/210
X
T567
/02
Lage
norh
ynch
usac
utus
M25
515
/06/
02N
ewha
ven
Har
bour
East
Suss
exno
t esta
blish
edSW
2002
/211
X
T151
9/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F77
15/0
6/02
Abe
rdov
eyG
wyn
edd
phys
ical
trau
ma
(pos
sible
bottl
enos
edo
lphi
nat
tack
)SW
2002
/211
BM
082/
02La
geno
rhyn
chus
alb
irostr
isM
155
15/0
6/02
Blac
kdog
Gra
mpi
anliv
e str
andi
ngSW
2002
/213
M
083/
02La
geno
rhyn
chus
albi
rostr
isF
171
17/0
6/02
Peth
udde
nG
ram
pian
live
stran
ding
SW20
02/2
14
XT6
04/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
133
18/0
6/02
Tal-y
-bon
tG
wyn
edd
phys
ical
trau
ma
(bot
tleno
sedo
lphi
nat
tack
)SW
2002
/218
X
T600
/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F16
925
/06/
02
Tal-y
-bon
tG
wyn
edd
note
stabl
ished
SW20
02/2
21B
M08
6/02
Bala
enop
tera
acut
oros
trata
F75
519
/06/
02of
f Dun
bar
Loth
ian
phys
ical
trau
ma,
enta
ngle
men
tSW
2002
/222
EXTE
RNA
LZi
phiu
s cav
irostr
isM
565
20/0
6/02
Wal
cott
Nor
folk
starv
atio
n (a
ged)
SW
2002
/224
X
T599
/02
Del
phin
usde
lphi
sF
133
22/0
6/02
Rain
ham
Ken
tge
nera
lised
abs
cess
atio
n(s
eque
lto
byca
tch)
SW20
02/2
25
XT6
01/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
7922
/06/
02Ty
wyn
G
wyn
edd
live
stran
ding
,eut
hana
sed
SW20
02/2
28
XT6
07/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
7723
/06/
02
Tyw
ynG
wyn
edd
starv
atio
n/hy
poth
erm
ia(n
eona
te)
SW20
02/2
29
XT6
06/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
124
23/0
6/02
Yny
slas
Cere
digi
onge
nera
lised
bac
teria
lin
fect
ion
(Sal
mon
ella
sp.)/
pleu
ritis
SW20
02/2
30
XT6
05/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
110
23/0
6/02
Tyw
ynG
wyn
edd
phys
ical
trau
ma
(bot
tleno
sedo
lphi
nat
tack
)SW
2002
/232
S2
046
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M14
524
/06/
02
Barm
outh
Gw
yned
dno
testa
blish
edSW
2002
/239
A M
088/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
164
25/0
6/02
New
ton
Shor
e St
rath
clyd
eph
ysic
al tr
aum
aSW
2002
/239
B M
089/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
147
26/0
6/02
W
estp
ort
Stra
thcl
yde
hepa
ticfa
ilure
SW20
02/2
41
S204
8 Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
7028
/06/
02Ta
n-y-
Bwlc
h Ce
redi
gion
starv
atio
n/hy
poth
erm
ia(n
eona
te)
SW20
02/2
44A
M09
6/02
Gra
mpu
s gris
eus
F31
803
/07/
02St
rom
ness
Ork
ney
rupt
ured
ute
rus
SW20
02/2
50
XT6
67/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
152
09/0
7/02
BYC.
off B
ridlin
gton
Hum
bers
ide
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
(kno
wn)
SW20
02/2
51
S204
7 Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
8409
/07/
02H
ells
Mou
thG
wyn
edd
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/2
54
S204
9 Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
131
11/0
7/02
Ty
wyn
Gw
yned
dno
testa
blish
edSW
2002
/256
AM
098/
02La
geno
rhyn
chus
alb
irostr
isM
272
12/0
7/02
Dru
m S
ands
Lo
thia
nliv
e str
andi
ng
The
Nat
ural
His
tory
Mus
eum
69
NH
M r
ef.
PM n
o.
Spec
ies
Sex
Leng
thD
ate
foun
dLo
catio
nC
ount
yC
ause
of d
eath
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
SW20
02/2
62A
XT7
36/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
117
15/0
7/02
BYC.
off B
ridlin
gton
Hum
bers
ide
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
(kno
wn)
SW20
02/2
65
XT7
38/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
144
16/0
7/02
BYC.
off B
ridlin
gton
Hum
bers
ide
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
(kno
wn)
SW20
02/2
73
S205
0 Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
122
21/0
7/02
Gilf
ach-
yr-H
alen
Cere
digi
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a (b
ottle
nose
dolp
hin
atta
ck)
SW20
02/2
78A
M10
6/02
Turs
iops
trunc
atus
U-9
25/0
7/02
Ba
llone
Castl
eH
ighl
and
note
stabl
ished
SW20
02/2
79
S205
1 Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
-926
/07/
02
Abe
rystw
yth
Cere
digi
onno
testa
blish
edSW
2002
/279
D M
108/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
6627
/07/
02Br
ough
ty F
erry
Tays
ide
starv
atio
n/hy
poth
erm
ia(n
eona
te)
SW20
02/2
81M
17/8
/02
Del
phin
us d
elph
isM
216
02/0
8/02
Praa
San
ds
Corn
wal
lor
chiti
sand
per
itoni
tisSW
2002
/285
X
T151
7/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M77
05/0
8/02
Abe
raer
on
Cere
digi
onsta
rvat
ion/
hypo
ther
mia
(neo
nate
)SW
2002
/290
X
T150
2/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F81
12/0
8/02
Abe
rystw
yth
Cere
digi
onsta
rvat
ion/
hypo
ther
mia
(neo
nate
)SW
2002
/293
AM
129/
02G
lobi
ceph
ala
mel
asM
350
14/0
8/02
Bale
phui
l Bay
St
rath
clyd
eliv
e str
andi
ngSW
2002
/294
X
T126
7/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M94
14/0
8/02
Trea
rddu
rBay
Ang
lese
yph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
chSW
2002
/294
E M
130/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
120
15/0
8/02
K
ames
Bay
Stra
thcl
yde
pneu
mon
ia,p
aras
itic
SW20
02/2
95
XT1
195/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
137
19/0
8/02
Dov
erco
urt
Esse
xcu
tane
ous w
ound
(chr
onic
,la
rge,
gra
nula
ting)
, chr
onic
bloo
dlo
ssSW
2002
/297
X
T123
5/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M89
20/0
8/02
Bo
rthCe
redi
gion
live
stran
ding
SW20
02/2
97A
M15
5/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M-9
20/0
8/02
Arb
roat
hTa
ysid
eph
ysic
al tr
aum
a (b
ottle
nose
dolp
hin
atta
ck)
SW20
02/3
01A
M17
2/02
Phys
eter
mac
roce
phal
usM
1290
26/0
8/02
Brea
scla
teW
este
rn Is
les
live
stran
ding
SW20
02/3
04M
7/9/
02St
enel
la c
oeru
leoa
lba
F21
602
/09/
02Pe
rran
Sand
s Co
rnw
all
starv
atio
nSW
2002
/308
X
T128
3/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F15
702
/09/
02BY
C.of
f Brid
lingt
onH
umbe
rsid
eph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
ch(k
now
n)SW
2002
/309
X
T128
4/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M14
102
/09/
02BY
C.of
f Brid
lingt
onH
umbe
rsid
eph
ysic
al tr
aum
a, b
ycat
ch(k
now
n)SW
2002
/310
X
T131
7/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M12
504
/09/
02G
reat
Yar
mou
thN
orfo
lkpa
rasit
ism, p
ulm
onar
y(h
eavy
)SW
2002
/311
A M
203/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
150
06/0
9/02
Bl
airm
ore
Stra
thcl
yde
pneu
mon
ia,p
aras
itic
SW20
02/3
13A
M20
5/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M14
608
/09/
02A
rden
tinni
eSt
rath
clyd
epn
eum
onia
, par
asiti
c an
dba
cter
ial
SW20
02/3
15A
M21
4/02
Del
phin
usde
lphi
sM
212
12/0
9/02
Ach
mel
Vic
h Ba
yH
ighl
and
pneu
mon
ia, b
acte
rial
The
Nat
ural
His
tory
Mus
eum
70
NH
M r
ef.
PM n
o.
Spec
ies
Sex
Leng
thD
ate
foun
dLo
catio
nC
ount
yC
ause
of d
eath
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
SW20
02/3
20
XT1
331/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
100
17/0
9/02
Vik
ing
Bay
Ken
tha
emor
rhag
e, p
ulm
onar
y(p
aras
itic)
SW20
02/3
21C
M24
3/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F16
023
/09/
02Ea
st Li
nks
Loth
ian
pulm
onar
yth
rom
bus-
para
sitic
SW20
02/3
22S2
055
Lage
norh
ynch
us a
cutu
sM
263
25/0
9/02
CeiB
ach
Cere
digi
onsta
rvat
ion
(age
d)
SW20
02/3
23
S205
4 Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
124
25/0
9/02
Tres
aith
Cere
digi
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a (b
ottle
nose
dolp
hin
atta
ck)
SW20
02/3
24
S205
3 Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
144
25/0
9/02
Borth
Cere
digi
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a (b
ottle
nose
dolp
hin
atta
ck)
SW20
02/3
26
XT1
364/
02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M
96
27/0
9/02
Gilf
ach-
yr-H
alen
Cere
digi
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a (b
ottle
nose
dolp
hin
atta
ck)
SW20
02/3
28
XT1
363/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
163
28/0
9/02
Llan
rhys
tud
Cere
digi
onph
ysic
al tr
aum
a (b
ottle
nose
dolp
hin
atta
ck)
SW20
02/3
36A
M32
3/02
Gra
mpu
sgris
eus
F26
011
/10/
02Sh
etla
ndm
enin
go-e
ncep
halit
isSW
2002
/341
B M
356/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
115
19/1
0/02
Porte
ssie
Gra
mpi
anph
ysic
al tr
aum
a (b
ottle
nose
dolp
hin
atta
ck)
SW20
02/3
46
XT1
456/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
145
29/1
0/02
Fairb
ourn
eG
wyn
edd
phys
ical
trau
ma
(bot
tleno
sedo
lphi
nat
tack
)SW
2002
/348
EX
TERN
AL
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M13
604
/11/
02Ta
n-y-
Bwlc
hCe
redi
gion
phys
ical
trau
ma
(bot
tleno
sedo
lphi
nat
tack
)SW
2002
/350
C M
445/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
9911
/11/
02Lu
ndin
Lin
ksFi
fepn
eum
onia
, par
asiti
c an
dba
cter
ial
SW20
02/3
51C
M50
2/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F16
622
/11/
02O
tter F
erry
Stra
thcl
yde
pneu
mon
ia, p
aras
itic
SW20
02/3
52
XT1
501/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
120
23/1
1/02
Jayw
ick
Esse
xsta
rvat
ion
(seq
uelt
ooe
soph
agea
lim
pact
ion)
;pa
rasit
ism,p
ulm
onar
y(h
eavy
)SW
2002
/356
A M
546/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
149
29/1
1/02
Esw
ick
Beac
hSh
etla
ndpn
eum
onia
, par
asiti
cSW
2002
/361
C M
580/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naF
135
04/1
2/02
Bale
mor
eW
este
rn Is
les
pylo
ric st
enos
is-pa
rasit
ic-
parti
alSW
2002
/362
S206
9D
elph
inus
del
phis
F21
706
/12/
02Po
ppit
Sand
sCe
redi
gion
phys
ical
trau
ma
(pos
sible
bottl
enos
edo
lphi
nat
tack
)SW
2002
/364
X
T157
1/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M14
610
/12/
02G
reat
Yar
mou
thN
orfo
lksta
rvat
ion
(age
d)
SW20
02/3
65M
75/1
2/02
Del
phin
us d
elph
isF
172
10/1
2/02
Porth
allo
wCo
rnw
all
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/3
66M
74/1
2/02
Del
phin
us d
elph
isF
180
10/1
2/02
Porth
allo
wCo
rnw
all
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/3
67M
83/1
2/02
Del
phin
us d
elph
isF
197
10/1
2/02
Porth
allo
wCo
rnw
all
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
The
Nat
ural
His
tory
Mus
eum
71
NH
M r
ef.
PM n
o.
Spec
ies
Sex
Leng
thD
ate
foun
dLo
catio
nC
ount
yC
ause
of d
eath
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
___
SW20
02/3
68M
82/1
2/02
Del
phin
us d
elph
isF
-912
/12/
02Co
vera
ckCo
rnw
all
phys
ical
trau
ma,
byc
atch
SW20
02/3
72A
M59
0/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M15
211
/12/
02St
And
rew
s Fi
fem
enin
goen
ceph
aliti
s (E.
tard
a),p
neum
onia
,pa
rasit
ican
dba
ct.
SW20
02/3
72B
M59
4/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F10
911
/12/
02Pi
tenw
eem
Fife
starv
atio
nSW
2002
/372
C M
604/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
104
13/1
2/02
Balm
edie
Gra
mpi
anph
ysic
al tr
aum
a (b
ottle
nose
dolp
hin
atta
ck)
SW20
02/3
74A
S20
70
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
M14
316
/12/
02Pw
llhel
iG
wyn
edd
para
sitism
, pul
mon
ary
(hea
vy);
gastr
itis,
para
sitic
(fib
rous
thic
keni
ngfu
ndic
stom
ach)
SW20
02/3
74B
M60
9/02
Sten
ella
coe
rule
oalb
aF
160
16/1
2/02
Scal
low
aySh
etla
ndliv
e str
andi
ngSW
2002
/375
M
107/
12/0
2Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naM
125
18/1
2/02
Chur
ch C
ove
Corn
wal
lno
t esta
blish
edSW
2002
/382
X
T276
/03
Phoc
oena
pho
coen
a M
123
24/1
2/02
Hea
cham
Nor
folk
para
sitism
, pul
mon
ary
and
card
iac
(hea
vy)
SW20
02/3
85
M14
0/12
/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F12
624
/12/
02
Boslo
ggas
Corn
wal
lno
testa
blish
edSW
2002
/394
AM
635/
02La
geno
rhyn
chus
acu
tus
M14
728
/12/
02Lo
ch C
riana
nSt
rath
clyd
eliv
e str
andi
ngSW
2002
/394
B M
664/
02Ph
ocoe
naph
ocoe
naU
-929
/12/
02
Ston
ehav
enG
ram
pian
note
stabl
ished
SW20
02/2
39A
M08
8/02
Phoc
oena
phoc
oena
F16
425
/06/
02N
ewto
n Sh
ore
Stra
thcl
yde
phys
ical
trau
ma
T200
1/24
XT1
531/
02Ch
elon
ia m
ydas
F47
30/1
2/01
Kno
tEnd
Lanc
ashi
rega
stroi
ntes
tinal
impa
ctio
n(p
lasti
c)T2
002/
20
XT1
553/
02Ca
retta
care
ttaF
2304
/07/
02Pe
rran
Sand
s Co
rnw
all
starv
atio
n/hy
poth
erm
ia__
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
____
_
The
Nat
ural
His
tory
Mus
eum
72