Report a Stranding

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

Stranded Risso’s dolphin

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 their 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 too close to injured seals or pups – they can bite

Call British Divers Marine Life Rescue on the following UK national hotline: 01825 765546. If you’re based in Wales and would like to seek advice from a Pembrokeshire-based rescue centre, please contact Terry Leadbetter on 01646 692943 or 07970 285086.

Cetaceans

Stranded common dolphin

Dolphins, whales and porpoises breath air and when stranded on the shore, they need to be kept cool with water. If a stranded dolphin, whale or porpoise is found…

1. Telephone for help at once

2. Calmly approach the animal, but be careful – it could 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 into the blowhole.

4. Keep dogs and crowds away and avoid loud noise or sudden movement to reduce stress

5. Do not attempt to drag the animal

6. Be very careful as these are large powerful animals.

Send 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 LIVE stranded animals can be called 24 hours a day.

UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) – 0800 6520333

RSPCA Emergency Number – 0870 5555 999

Environment Agency Emergency Number – 0800 807 060

British Divers Marine Life Rescue – UK National Hotline – 01825 765546

Cetacean Research and Rescue Unit – Scottish Hotline – 01261 851696

Scottish SPCA Animal Helpline – 03000 999 999

SSPCA Edinburgh – 0870 7377722

SSPCA Dundee – 01382 380593

SSPCA Aberdeen – 01224 581236

DEAD stranded animals should be reported to CSIP on 0800 6520333

WARNING:

Marine animals are wild. They carry diseases which are transferable to humans, and they can cause injury by thrashing their tails or otherwise. Never put your self 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 adequte assistance.

3. Always wash your hands thoroughly after contact.

4. Children are particularly at risk from marine mammals, and should stay away.
Contact your Strandings Coordinator (Dead Strandings)