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Procedures

All UK strandings and cetaceans accidentally caught at sea (by-catches) should be reported directly to the Natural History Museum (0207 942 5155) or via one of the regional participating bodies. In Scotland, reports should be made via the Scottish Agricultural Centre's Veterinary Investigation Centre, Inverness (01463 243030). In Wales, they can be reported via Marine Environmental Monitoring (01348 875000). In Cornwall, reports can be made to the Cornish Wildlife Trust Strandings Network (0845 2012626).

Successful reports have been made through HM Coastguard, the Police, Local Authorities, the RSPCA, the NRA, County Trusts, and local Sealife Centres. (the appropriate telephone numbers should be obtained from the local telephone directory).

If an animal is still alive then the RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) or SSPCA (Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) should be contacted first with a view to keeping the animal alive and returning it to the sea (the appropriate telephone number should be obtained from the local telephone directory). Upon receiving a report, a decision can be made on the appropriate action to be taken e.g. whether an autopsy is required and, if so, where and how it should be conducted. In the absence of an autopsy then the retrieval of samples is considered.

Many organisations carry a form which notes the information required by the Museum (download form NHM 136). The general appearance and condition of the animal, its gender, and various dimensions such as overall length are requested.

Often, the age of toothed cetaceans can be determined by sectioning the teeth and counting the growth lines. In baleen cetaceans, age can be determined by counting the growth lines of the ear plugs. The general state of health can be estimated by determining the parasite load, and identifiable food remains in the stomach contents indicate diet.

In all cases, the position of the animal when found should be determined as accurately as possible, ideally by noting the precise map reference. If appropriate, the body should be secured or moved to higher ground to prevent it being washed away.

It should be remembered that diseases can be transmitted from the dead bodies of mammals to humans, so care should be taken and no contact made with the animal until the appropriate protective clothing, such as thick rubber gloves, is available. Such infections are called Zoonoses.

For further information on the Stranded Whale Recording Scheme or the cetacean research carried out by The Natural History Museum, please contact:

Whale Strandings (EQMS),
Department of Zoology,
The Natural History Museum,
Cromwell Road,
London, SW7 5BD

Tel:  0207 942 5155
Fax: 0207 942 5054