Why do we need a strandings network?

Unfortunately, cetaceans regularly strand around the coast and information received on stranded animals can provide an accurate picture of what species are found in UK waters and show local and seasonal distribution. Strandings that undergo post-mortem examination provide us with valuable information on causes of death, disease, contaminants, reproductive patterns, diet and also useful pointers to the general health of the populations living in the seas around our coasts. This provides useful baseline data to help detect outbreaks of disease or unusual increases in mortality.

IF YOU FIND A STRANDED MARINE ANIMAL, PLEASE CONTACT THE RELEVANT AUTHORITIES:

FOR LIVE STRANDINGS
England & Wales:	RSPCA	0300 1234999
	British Divers Marine Life Rescue	01825 765546
Scotland:	SSPCA	0131 3390111

 

FOR DEAD STRANDINGS
England (cetaceans):	Natural History Museum	0207 9425155
England (seals & turtles):	Zoological Society of London	0207 4496672
Wales (all species):	Marine Environmental Monitoring	01348 875000
Scotland (all species):	SAC Veterinary Services	01463 243030

General guidelines and advice on what to do in the event of a stranding can be found here.

You can also download CSIP's PDF guide containing the above numbers plus advice on what to do to report the stranding and possible actions to take