If You Find a Stranding


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If you come across a stranded seal or dolphin you can help by knowing what to do and who to call...

Seals

Seals regularly come out of the sea to rest. Pups are often left alone on the shore by their mothers, who may be offshore - where they can be surprisingly hard to see. Adults and pups can be safely watched from a distance but don't approach too close, as the parents will be scared off and may abandon the pups.

If you think that a seal is sick, injured or really abandoned...

  1. Telephone for help.
  2. Keep people and their dogs away until help arrives.
  3. Do not get to injured seals or pups - they can bite.

Dolphins

Dolphins breathe air, and when stranded on the shore need to be kept cool with water. If a stranded dolphin or whale is found...

  1. Telephone for help immediately.
  2. Calmly approach the animal, but be careful - dolphins can make sudden movements...
  3. If you can find adequate assistance, roll the animal over onto its front and keep the skin wet with sea water. Do not pull on its fins or tail, and be very careful not to get water down the blowhole.
  4. Keep dogs and crowds away and avoid loud noise or sudden movements to reduce stress.
  5. Do not attempt to drag the animal.
  6. Be very careful as these are large powerful animals.

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Sending for Help

As soon as possible, make sure that the caller can give an accurate location and description of the animal. Do not put yourself at risk.

Rescue for stranded animals can be called 24 hours a day:

RSPCA Emergency Number - 0870 5555 999
Environment Agency Emergency Number - 0800 807 060
British Divers Marine Life Rescue - UK National Hotline 01825 765546
http://www.bdmlr.org.uk
Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit - Scottish Hotline 01261 851696
http://www.crru.org.uk
SSPCA Edinburgh 0870 7377722
Dundee 01382 380593
Aberdeen 01224 581236

Only DEAD stranded animals should be reported to the Natural History Museum on 0207 942 5000

WARNING:
Marine animals are wild. They can carry diseases which are transferable to humans, and they can cause injury by trashing their tails or otherwise. Never put yourself at risk of injury.

  1. Approach animals with care, and if in doubt wait for help
  2. Do not attempt to move heavy animals without adequate assistance
  3. Always wash your hands thoroughly after contact
  4. Children are particularly at risk from marine mammals, and should stay well clear of them

Contact Details for Strandings Co-ordinators

Strandings Co-ordinator - England
Liz Evans-Jones, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington, London SW7 5BD, UK
Telephone: 020 7942 5155
Email: strandings@nhm.ac.uk

Strandings Co-ordinator - Wales
Rod Penrose, Marine Environmental Monitoring, Penwalk, Llechryd, Cardigan, Dyfed, SA43 2PS
Telephone: 01239 682405 / 01348 875000
Email: rodpenrose@strandings.demon.co.uk

Strandings Co-ordinator - Scotland
Bob Reid, SAC Veterinary Services, Drummondhill, Stratharrick Road, Inverness, IV2 4JZ
Telephone: 01463 243030
Fax: 01463 711103
Email: bob.reid@sac.co.uk

Strandings Co-ordinator - UK (all strandings reports)
Richard C. Sabin, Curator and UK Cetacean Strandings Co-ordinator Mammal Group, Division of Tetrapods and Fish, Department of Zoology, The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, South Kensington
London SW7 5BD, UK
Telephone: 020 7942 5155 (cetaceans) 0207 4496672 (seals and turtles)
Email: r.sabin@nhm.ac.uk

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