A 655-pound leatherback sea turtle that had been stranded in thick mud in Truro Wednesday night was released off the coast of Harwich Port Saturday morning, New England Aquarium officials said.
A Massachusetts Audubon Society staff member spotted the 7-foot long black male turtle in Pamet Harbor Wednesday night, as high tide approached, said Connie Merigo, the aquarium’s rescue director.
Aquarium staff and volunteers, along with Audubon Society and International Fund for Animal Welfare staff, brought the turtle to the aquarium’s Animal Care Center in Quincy near dawn Thursday.
The sea turtle was about 100 pounds underweight, had low blood sugar, and an older injury on his front right fin, Merigo said.
“When he first got here he was fairly lethargic, especially out of the water,” head veterinarian Dr. Charles Innis said.
The turtle, which aquarium staff members did not name, was given an injectable sugar solution, vitamin and mineral supplements, steroids, and antibiotics to stave off infection, Innis said.
“We were fairly aggressive with this turtle because we have not been successful the last two leatherbacks we’ve had,” Innis said.
In the last 40 years, the New England Aquarium has only encountered four other leatherback turtles on shore. One, found in Chatham, was released and likely died shortly after. Another died on the beach as Aquarium workers tried to care for it.
Continued:
http://www.boston.com/metrodesk/2012/09/23/foot-long-leatherback-sea-turtle-released-off-coast-harwich-saturday-after-days-care/lKE5IF5JbJTrmaHDiNnI3N/story.html
Showing posts with label stranded. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stranded. Show all posts
Thursday, 27 September 2012
Friday, 14 October 2011
Hopes growing for Orkney whale
A SPERM whale that was thought to be in a poor condition has moved away from a harbour and back into deeper water.
The whale, a male measuring 40-50ft long, was first sighted in Kirkwall Bay, Orkney, at around 7am yesterday by the crew of a passing vessel.
There were growing concerns that the whale had come into Kirkwall harbour because it was ill or injured.
Shipping had been warned to stay clear of the animal.
The whale was around 30ft from the harbour pier and was barely moving in shallow water.
However, just after 1pm, the whale moved away from the harbour, travelling north into deeper water.
Mike Lynch, local inspector for the Scottish SPCA, was at the scene all morning and said it was unusual that the animal came so close to shore.
He said: “The whale has disappeared. It moved off pretty quickly after managing to get into deeper water. It’s heading north and hopefully will be OK.”
However, he said the young adult male whale was clearly ill or injured.
“It’s got scars on its nose and its body condition is poor,” he said. “It’s very thin and immobile and has never really submerged fully.
“Normally they’ll go underwater for 20 minutes and can pop up a mile away.”
At one point the whale came within a few metres of the busy pier. Its plight attracted crowds of onlookers.
The whale was closely monitored while it was in the harbour, with contingency plans drawn up to deal with the animal’s carcass, had it died in the bay. But it swam back into deeper water north of the harbour and vanished.
“It’s a happy ending, for now,” said Mr Lynch. “It’s the first time I’ve seen a sperm whale here that wasn’t stranded.”
http://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/hopes_growing_for_orkney_whale_1_1905895
The whale, a male measuring 40-50ft long, was first sighted in Kirkwall Bay, Orkney, at around 7am yesterday by the crew of a passing vessel.
There were growing concerns that the whale had come into Kirkwall harbour because it was ill or injured.
Shipping had been warned to stay clear of the animal.
The whale was around 30ft from the harbour pier and was barely moving in shallow water.
However, just after 1pm, the whale moved away from the harbour, travelling north into deeper water.
Mike Lynch, local inspector for the Scottish SPCA, was at the scene all morning and said it was unusual that the animal came so close to shore.
He said: “The whale has disappeared. It moved off pretty quickly after managing to get into deeper water. It’s heading north and hopefully will be OK.”
However, he said the young adult male whale was clearly ill or injured.
“It’s got scars on its nose and its body condition is poor,” he said. “It’s very thin and immobile and has never really submerged fully.
“Normally they’ll go underwater for 20 minutes and can pop up a mile away.”
At one point the whale came within a few metres of the busy pier. Its plight attracted crowds of onlookers.
The whale was closely monitored while it was in the harbour, with contingency plans drawn up to deal with the animal’s carcass, had it died in the bay. But it swam back into deeper water north of the harbour and vanished.
“It’s a happy ending, for now,” said Mr Lynch. “It’s the first time I’ve seen a sperm whale here that wasn’t stranded.”
http://www.scotsman.com/news/environment/hopes_growing_for_orkney_whale_1_1905895
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Stranded baby whale rescued in Humber
A novel rescue by 50 emergency staff and marine specialists has saved a stranded whale and seen it safely out to sea.
Firefighters dug a trench in mudflats on the Humber estuary and then worked with other specialists to turn the 15-tonne minke whale round and gently heave it loose.
Boats were used alongside the rescuers to create wakes that helped the 30ft (9 metre) mammal's escap e after eight hours on the edge of Immingham, one of the UK's largest docks.
The alarm was raised when the stranding was spotted by a passing ship at 8am on Tuesday, an estimated four hours after it is thought to have grounded. A second, larger whale was seen circling nearby and rescuers believe that ship movements may have confused the younger one.
Torrential rain also eased the animal's plight although it stretched the rescue team and monitors who are now stationed round Immingham in case the minke turns back inshore. This has happened previously with disorientated whales and the RSPCA said the minke had initially tried to resist the turn-round effort.
A witness of the operation, a 58-year-old local man who did not wish to be named, said: "The teams waited until high tide but that was still quite low so there wasn't enough water. They turned the whale to face the sea but it kept wanting to come back in.
"To make the water deeper, they had boats running up and down alongside the whale to make a wave so the water was high enough to get it out. They then basically walked it out towards sea and then it just swam out. Hopefully, it will able to make its way down the Humber now."
Geoff Edmond, of the RSPCA, said: "We got on the scene this morning when coastguard and RNLI crews were already in attendance with a vet. We waited until about 1.30pm when it was high tide to attempt to re-float the whale.
"With a lot of effort and advice from the vet everyone managed to re-float it. It hung about for a bit before finally disappearing from view. It still needs to get back into the North Sea so I think the next 24 hours will be crucial."
Earlier Mike Puplett, of Humber coastguard, said low tide had hampered initial approaches and raised concern that the whale might be crushed by its own weight as water levels sank to cover only some 10% of its bulk. But rescuers were heartened by continuing signs of life as the tide came back in.
Minkes prefer the open sea but are occasionally drawn close to land where they become vulnerable to unfamiliar tidal movements.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/06/whale-rescue-stranded-humber
Firefighters dug a trench in mudflats on the Humber estuary and then worked with other specialists to turn the 15-tonne minke whale round and gently heave it loose.
Boats were used alongside the rescuers to create wakes that helped the 30ft (9 metre) mammal's escap e after eight hours on the edge of Immingham, one of the UK's largest docks.
The alarm was raised when the stranding was spotted by a passing ship at 8am on Tuesday, an estimated four hours after it is thought to have grounded. A second, larger whale was seen circling nearby and rescuers believe that ship movements may have confused the younger one.
Torrential rain also eased the animal's plight although it stretched the rescue team and monitors who are now stationed round Immingham in case the minke turns back inshore. This has happened previously with disorientated whales and the RSPCA said the minke had initially tried to resist the turn-round effort.
A witness of the operation, a 58-year-old local man who did not wish to be named, said: "The teams waited until high tide but that was still quite low so there wasn't enough water. They turned the whale to face the sea but it kept wanting to come back in.
"To make the water deeper, they had boats running up and down alongside the whale to make a wave so the water was high enough to get it out. They then basically walked it out towards sea and then it just swam out. Hopefully, it will able to make its way down the Humber now."
Geoff Edmond, of the RSPCA, said: "We got on the scene this morning when coastguard and RNLI crews were already in attendance with a vet. We waited until about 1.30pm when it was high tide to attempt to re-float the whale.
"With a lot of effort and advice from the vet everyone managed to re-float it. It hung about for a bit before finally disappearing from view. It still needs to get back into the North Sea so I think the next 24 hours will be crucial."
Earlier Mike Puplett, of Humber coastguard, said low tide had hampered initial approaches and raised concern that the whale might be crushed by its own weight as water levels sank to cover only some 10% of its bulk. But rescuers were heartened by continuing signs of life as the tide came back in.
Minkes prefer the open sea but are occasionally drawn close to land where they become vulnerable to unfamiliar tidal movements.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/sep/06/whale-rescue-stranded-humber
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Beached 44ft whale dies on Redcar beach
 |
| The mammal died despite hopes it would survive until the tide went out |
A 44ft (13m) long whale has died three hours after becoming stranded on a beach on Teesside.
Police alerted the RNLI after spotting the 20 tonne stricken mammal on Redcar Beach, just after 0620 BST.
A rescue bid started which involved trying to keep the adult sperm whale wet until high tide but it died.
Richard Ilderton, of British Divers Marine Life Rescue, said the North Sea was not a suitable environment for such a large creature.
RSPCA officers were involved in the rescue attempt, along with those from the Coastguard and Cleveland Fire Brigade, while RSPCA vets assessed the mammal's condition.
An RNLI spokesman said: "We don't know the reasons but usually when they get to this situation the conclusion is that they don't survive.
"A post mortem will be carried out on the whale and then it will be up to the local council to dispose of it."
'Becomes malnourished'
Crowds went to the beach to see the whale.
Redcar and Cleveland Council said cordons had been put up around the whale, which is due to remain on the beach overnight, watched by security guards.
Mr Ilderton said: "While we have whales in the North Sea, it is not a suitable environment for a sperm whale because the food supply is not there.
"It doesn't eat, it becomes malnourished, it becomes dehydrated because whales do not drink - they get their liquid from their food.
"It can cause all sorts of health problems and ultimately results in something like this happening."
He said the whale's death might actually have been the best outcome.
"If we were able to put the animal back out to sea, all we would be doing is putting it back out to starve, which is massively cruel and against what we want to do," he said.
Robbie Marsland, UK Director of International Fund for Animal Welfare, said whales stranded for a variety of reasons.
He said: "While it is not possible to pinpoint the cause in every case, we do know that human activity in the seas is increasing the threats to these highly intelligent and complex marine mammals.
"Manmade ocean noise, from shipping, oil and gas excavation and naval sonar, makes it ever harder for whales to navigate, communicate, find food or mates and avoid prey."
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-13601654
(Submitted by Liz R)
Sunday, 22 May 2011
Pilot whales leave Loch Carnan following death
22 May 2011
A pod of more than 60 pilot whales, at risk of beaching, has again left a Hebridean loch after one of them died.
The animals had left the shallow waters of Loch Carnan in South Uist on Saturday, however returned during the night when the beaching took place.
A post-mortem examination suggested the young female died from a disease, not because it was stranded on rocks.
Marine experts said the rest of the pod had now left the loch and appeared to be heading south.
Dr Andrew Brownlow, who carried out the autopsy, said the whale showed signs of having suffered a serious disease and its injuries were not bad enough to have killed it.
That could indicate that head injuries suffered by a number of other members of the group are not life-threatening.
Rescue teams have been searching the islands and inlets of the loch but have not found any other whale carcasses.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue team has now been forced to withdraw due to worsening weather conditions.
The team is planning to leave South Uist on Monday but will leave behind essential kit, in case the whales are seen close to the shores of the island over the next few days.
The whales were first spotted around Loch Carnan on Thursday, sparking fears that they would perish in a mass stranding.
There had been concerns after about 20 of the pod were spotted with head injuries, thought to have been sustained while in the shallow water.
The Scottish government lent rescuers a fisheries protection boat to follow the animals' movements.
Alisdair Jack, Scottish National Organiser of the BDMLR, said: "The reasons why whales beach themselves is not known, however illness can be a factor.
"We are hopeful that the remaining members of this pod have now left the vicinity and moved out to sea.
"The support provided by the Scottish government, and by the MPV Hirta in particular, have been very much appreciated by the BDMLR."
'Greater tragedy'
Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "I am pleased to hear that the pod has left the loch and hope they remain in deeper waters.
"The loss of life is very unfortunate but a number of teams working together in South Uist have ensured that a greater tragedy has been averted.
"Given the death of one whale, and clear injuries to a number of other animals, the MPV Hirta will continue to search for the pod and provide monitoring assistance."
At the end of October last year, some pilot whales almost got stranded in the same sea loch. Less than a week later, 33 whales, believed to be the same group, were found dead on a beach in County Donegal in the Irish Republic.
Pilot whales prefer deep water but come inshore to feed on squid, their main food.
Last week a pilot whale died on Sunday morning after getting stuck in the Sullom Voe inlet in Shetland. An autopsy was carried out on the animal to try to establish why it died but the results are not yet known.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-13488302
A pod of more than 60 pilot whales, at risk of beaching, has again left a Hebridean loch after one of them died.
The animals had left the shallow waters of Loch Carnan in South Uist on Saturday, however returned during the night when the beaching took place.
A post-mortem examination suggested the young female died from a disease, not because it was stranded on rocks.
Marine experts said the rest of the pod had now left the loch and appeared to be heading south.
Dr Andrew Brownlow, who carried out the autopsy, said the whale showed signs of having suffered a serious disease and its injuries were not bad enough to have killed it.
That could indicate that head injuries suffered by a number of other members of the group are not life-threatening.
Rescue teams have been searching the islands and inlets of the loch but have not found any other whale carcasses.
The British Divers Marine Life Rescue team has now been forced to withdraw due to worsening weather conditions.
The team is planning to leave South Uist on Monday but will leave behind essential kit, in case the whales are seen close to the shores of the island over the next few days.
The whales were first spotted around Loch Carnan on Thursday, sparking fears that they would perish in a mass stranding.
There had been concerns after about 20 of the pod were spotted with head injuries, thought to have been sustained while in the shallow water.
The Scottish government lent rescuers a fisheries protection boat to follow the animals' movements.
Alisdair Jack, Scottish National Organiser of the BDMLR, said: "The reasons why whales beach themselves is not known, however illness can be a factor.
"We are hopeful that the remaining members of this pod have now left the vicinity and moved out to sea.
"The support provided by the Scottish government, and by the MPV Hirta in particular, have been very much appreciated by the BDMLR."
'Greater tragedy'
Environment Minister Stewart Stevenson said: "I am pleased to hear that the pod has left the loch and hope they remain in deeper waters.
"The loss of life is very unfortunate but a number of teams working together in South Uist have ensured that a greater tragedy has been averted.
"Given the death of one whale, and clear injuries to a number of other animals, the MPV Hirta will continue to search for the pod and provide monitoring assistance."
At the end of October last year, some pilot whales almost got stranded in the same sea loch. Less than a week later, 33 whales, believed to be the same group, were found dead on a beach in County Donegal in the Irish Republic.
Pilot whales prefer deep water but come inshore to feed on squid, their main food.
Last week a pilot whale died on Sunday morning after getting stuck in the Sullom Voe inlet in Shetland. An autopsy was carried out on the animal to try to establish why it died but the results are not yet known.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-highlands-islands-13488302
Friday, 20 May 2011
Fear for mass stranding of whales on South Uist
20 May 2011
Marine animal experts are preparing for a potential mass stranding by up to 100 pilot whales in South Uist in the Western Isles.
The whales were spotted in Loch Carnan on Thursday afternoon and about 20 were said to have had cuts to their heads.
It is thought the injuries may have been caused by the whales' attempts to strand themselves on the rocky foreshore of the sea loch.
Sick and injured whales are known to beach themselves to die.
However, at times, dying whales have been followed to shore by healthy animals.
Conservationists have also suggested the whales may have got lost, or entered the loch following prey.
Rescuers said inflatable pontoons for refloating whales were on the way.
The pod had been moving back and forth from the shore and rescuers said the animals were "very vocal", which may be a sign of distress.
The whales, a deep water species, have since moved from the loch back to a nearby bay, where they were seen earlier on Thursday.
Members of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) fear the whales could die in a massive beaching - which could be Scotland's largest stranding.
BDMLR Scottish organiser Alasdair Jack said preventing the mammals from stranding would cause unnecessary suffering and the animals would only move on to another shoreline.
He said: "Rather than try to stop them coming ashore, we would let them come ashore and then try to deal with that situation when it arose.
"We have got several sets of pontoons with us, which is our whale refloatation equipment, and we have got more on the way.
"We have currently got 12 sets congregating on the Uists, which is basically every set in the UK."
He added: "We are going to let them play out whatever role they want to do and take it as it comes."
Scottish SPCA senior inspector Calum Watt said the whales' strong social bonds meant healthy animals within a pod would follow sick and injured ones on to shore.
He added: "At this stage we remain hopeful they will not strand themselves but our concern is the injured whales will come onshore and be followed by the rest of the pod.
"Attempting to refloat so many whales would be a huge task and if they do become stranded we'll need to decide upon the best course of action.
"The largest number of whales we've tried to refloat before was seven, which was in 1993. Unfortunately all seven returned to the shore and died."
Wildlife tour operator Steve Duffield, who has photographed the pod, said it was unusual to see pilot whales so close to shore.
He said: "It is a deep water species and occurs in the Minch and Sea of Hebrides, but is very rarely seen in coastal lochs.
"To see the whales so close to the coast is exceptional."
Sarah Dolman, of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), said it was hoped the species would make their way back to deep water.
She said: "This group of animals may have got lost, or they may have come in following some prey.
"I hope we won't find out by them coming ashore and it will remain one of those unsolved mysteries."
In October a pod of pilot whales were in danger in the same sea loch.
Days later, 33 whales, thought to be the same group, were discovered dead on a beach in County Donegal.
Mr Watt, of the Scottish SPCA, said: "It is incredible that a second pod, this time probably more than twice the size, has arrived in the same area."
"There is no reason we know of why they would have come to the same location."
Pilot whales can grow up to about 20ft (6.1m) and are among the most common marine mammals.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-13466462
(Submitted by Liz R)
Marine animal experts are preparing for a potential mass stranding by up to 100 pilot whales in South Uist in the Western Isles.
The whales were spotted in Loch Carnan on Thursday afternoon and about 20 were said to have had cuts to their heads.
It is thought the injuries may have been caused by the whales' attempts to strand themselves on the rocky foreshore of the sea loch.
Sick and injured whales are known to beach themselves to die.
However, at times, dying whales have been followed to shore by healthy animals.
Conservationists have also suggested the whales may have got lost, or entered the loch following prey.
Rescuers said inflatable pontoons for refloating whales were on the way.
The pod had been moving back and forth from the shore and rescuers said the animals were "very vocal", which may be a sign of distress.
The whales, a deep water species, have since moved from the loch back to a nearby bay, where they were seen earlier on Thursday.
Members of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) fear the whales could die in a massive beaching - which could be Scotland's largest stranding.
BDMLR Scottish organiser Alasdair Jack said preventing the mammals from stranding would cause unnecessary suffering and the animals would only move on to another shoreline.
He said: "Rather than try to stop them coming ashore, we would let them come ashore and then try to deal with that situation when it arose.
"We have got several sets of pontoons with us, which is our whale refloatation equipment, and we have got more on the way.
"We have currently got 12 sets congregating on the Uists, which is basically every set in the UK."
He added: "We are going to let them play out whatever role they want to do and take it as it comes."
Scottish SPCA senior inspector Calum Watt said the whales' strong social bonds meant healthy animals within a pod would follow sick and injured ones on to shore.
He added: "At this stage we remain hopeful they will not strand themselves but our concern is the injured whales will come onshore and be followed by the rest of the pod.
"Attempting to refloat so many whales would be a huge task and if they do become stranded we'll need to decide upon the best course of action.
"The largest number of whales we've tried to refloat before was seven, which was in 1993. Unfortunately all seven returned to the shore and died."
Wildlife tour operator Steve Duffield, who has photographed the pod, said it was unusual to see pilot whales so close to shore.
He said: "It is a deep water species and occurs in the Minch and Sea of Hebrides, but is very rarely seen in coastal lochs.
"To see the whales so close to the coast is exceptional."
Sarah Dolman, of the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society (WDCS), said it was hoped the species would make their way back to deep water.
She said: "This group of animals may have got lost, or they may have come in following some prey.
"I hope we won't find out by them coming ashore and it will remain one of those unsolved mysteries."
In October a pod of pilot whales were in danger in the same sea loch.
Days later, 33 whales, thought to be the same group, were discovered dead on a beach in County Donegal.
Mr Watt, of the Scottish SPCA, said: "It is incredible that a second pod, this time probably more than twice the size, has arrived in the same area."
"There is no reason we know of why they would have come to the same location."
Pilot whales can grow up to about 20ft (6.1m) and are among the most common marine mammals.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-13466462
(Submitted by Liz R)
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Keep an eye out for stranded dolphins, urge scientists
Report to show huge rise in beached whale and dolphins on British shores increasing, but many more go unreported
Marine scientists will this week appeal for volunteers to watch for stranded whales and dolphins and report instances as soon as possible to understand why so many are being found on beaches.
It follows the unexplained mass stranding of 33 pilot whales found dead on Rutland island off the coast of northwest Ireland last month and more than 500 dolphins, porpoises and whales stranded on British beaches this year.
New figures to be released this week will show that whale and dolphin strandings are increasing. According to the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) there have been 9,494 recorded strandings on British coasts in the past 20 years, but the number could be much higher because many are likely to go unreported. Most are washed ashore dead but around 10% are still alive.
Strandings have increased by nearly 25% since central records were first kept by CSIP. "In the first 10 years there were between 300 and 400 a year, but since 2000 there have been more. The highest number was in 2003 when 800 were found stranded. Now there are around 500 a year," said Robert Deaville, project manager for CSIP.
"We under-report the numbers. There are several very good volunteer networks in the south west, Wales and Scotland, but we do need more people in England," said Deaville.
Because cetacean research is hard to conduct at sea, information gleaned from strandings has become essential to understand the health of whale and dolphin populations.
Between 1990 and 2000 there were no recorded strandings of humpback whales on British coasts, but since then there have been 13. "That suggests that humpback whale populations are recovering. It's very sad for the individuals but it reflects the [wider] growth in populations," said Deaville.
Post mortems show that most stranded animals have died from natural causes but high-powered sonar used by navies and the oil and gas industry is increasingly associated with deaths.
However, scientists are wary of attributing too many strandings to the technology. Only around 14 animals found on British coasts in the past decade are likely to have been affected by sonar, said Paul Jepson, a cetacean researcher at the Institute of Zoology.
"It's not very common, but if we are detecting even a few it could mean there are many more at sea. Old records show that well before sonar or the oil and gas industry came there were mass strandings. There is a natural component but the trouble is separating the natural from the man-made.
"Sometimes we cannot find any disease, injury or trauma in stranded animals and they appear in good health. Some of these could be caused by something acoustic," said Jepson.
Scientists think the large pod of pilot whales found dead on Rutland island, Donegal last month was the same seen off the outer Hebrides a few days earlier. It was reported that the Royal Navy had been exercising in the region and could have disoriented the pod with its sonar.
Pilot whales are known to be sensitive to acoustic disorientation and have been found to suffer from a condition known as "gas embolism", which is common to the bends suffered by human divers.
But the navy has insisted its activities had nothing to do with the mass stranding, saying the nearest vessel to the incident was more than 50 nautical miles away, at the Clyde Naval Base, Faslane, and was not using sonar.
Richard Benyon, minister for environment and fisheries, urged people to watch for stranded animals. "Keen-eyed members of the public can also play a vital role in reporting strandings. Dog walkers, ramblers and people all around the country can help us capture information about every whale or dolphin that strands on our beaches."
• For more information about how to report a stranding visit the CSIP website.
John Vidal, environment editor guardian.co.uk
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/nov/22/stranded-dolphins-british-shores
Marine scientists will this week appeal for volunteers to watch for stranded whales and dolphins and report instances as soon as possible to understand why so many are being found on beaches.
It follows the unexplained mass stranding of 33 pilot whales found dead on Rutland island off the coast of northwest Ireland last month and more than 500 dolphins, porpoises and whales stranded on British beaches this year.
New figures to be released this week will show that whale and dolphin strandings are increasing. According to the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) there have been 9,494 recorded strandings on British coasts in the past 20 years, but the number could be much higher because many are likely to go unreported. Most are washed ashore dead but around 10% are still alive.
Strandings have increased by nearly 25% since central records were first kept by CSIP. "In the first 10 years there were between 300 and 400 a year, but since 2000 there have been more. The highest number was in 2003 when 800 were found stranded. Now there are around 500 a year," said Robert Deaville, project manager for CSIP.
"We under-report the numbers. There are several very good volunteer networks in the south west, Wales and Scotland, but we do need more people in England," said Deaville.
Because cetacean research is hard to conduct at sea, information gleaned from strandings has become essential to understand the health of whale and dolphin populations.
Between 1990 and 2000 there were no recorded strandings of humpback whales on British coasts, but since then there have been 13. "That suggests that humpback whale populations are recovering. It's very sad for the individuals but it reflects the [wider] growth in populations," said Deaville.
Post mortems show that most stranded animals have died from natural causes but high-powered sonar used by navies and the oil and gas industry is increasingly associated with deaths.
However, scientists are wary of attributing too many strandings to the technology. Only around 14 animals found on British coasts in the past decade are likely to have been affected by sonar, said Paul Jepson, a cetacean researcher at the Institute of Zoology.
"It's not very common, but if we are detecting even a few it could mean there are many more at sea. Old records show that well before sonar or the oil and gas industry came there were mass strandings. There is a natural component but the trouble is separating the natural from the man-made.
"Sometimes we cannot find any disease, injury or trauma in stranded animals and they appear in good health. Some of these could be caused by something acoustic," said Jepson.
Scientists think the large pod of pilot whales found dead on Rutland island, Donegal last month was the same seen off the outer Hebrides a few days earlier. It was reported that the Royal Navy had been exercising in the region and could have disoriented the pod with its sonar.
Pilot whales are known to be sensitive to acoustic disorientation and have been found to suffer from a condition known as "gas embolism", which is common to the bends suffered by human divers.
But the navy has insisted its activities had nothing to do with the mass stranding, saying the nearest vessel to the incident was more than 50 nautical miles away, at the Clyde Naval Base, Faslane, and was not using sonar.
Richard Benyon, minister for environment and fisheries, urged people to watch for stranded animals. "Keen-eyed members of the public can also play a vital role in reporting strandings. Dog walkers, ramblers and people all around the country can help us capture information about every whale or dolphin that strands on our beaches."
• For more information about how to report a stranding visit the CSIP website.
John Vidal, environment editor guardian.co.uk
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2010/nov/22/stranded-dolphins-british-shores
Saturday, 9 October 2010
80-Foot Pregnant Whale Washes Up in California
Lauren Frayer
(Oct. 7) -- Hundreds of hikers, scientists and schoolkids are flocking to a northern California beach to see the carcass of an 80-foot pregnant blue whale that washed ashore last weekend after apparently colliding with a ship.
The dead whale and its fetus washed up Saturday on a rocky beach in Bean Hollow State Park near Pescadero. It's believed to be the first time in more than 30 years that a blue whale -- the world's largest known creature -- has washed up on U.S. shores.
Researchers collecting tissue and bone samples from the whale's 75-ton carcass concluded Wednesday that it died of blunt-force trauma, likely in a collision with a large boat, the Half Moon Bay Review reported.
"Because the whale was on its back, we couldn't tell anything as far as possible cause of death," Guy Oliver, a research fellow at the nearby Long Marine Lab, told the Santa Cruz Sentinel. "I'd say it probably died four to five days (before reaching the shore). The fetus was about 50 feet from the carcass, and most likely came out, after it died, from a discharge of gas pressure."
Even the whale's fetus is 17 feet long.
Adult blue whales can grow to 110 feet. "Its heart is probably the size and weight of a Volkswagen Beetle," Oliver told the newspaper.
Tourists out for a weekend stroll along the seaside in Bean Hollow State Park got a surprise last weekend when they discovered the whale's corpse. "I literally had to step back a few feet and say 'Oh my gosh! This isn't real!'" park visitor Marcia Yaw told local KTVU TV station.
Park ranger Frank Balthis said it's the first time he's ever seen a blue whale. "And what really is incredible is there's the fetus of a calf. It's one of the first times that's ever been seen," he told the same station.
One visitor left a bouquet of blue and white flowers next to the whale's body. Dozens of cars have been parked illegally and traffic is backed up along nearby U.S. Highway 1 as onlookers try to get a glimpse of the behemoth.
"Well, it's just so special," visitor Yvonne Bartel told KTVU. "It's sad ... and yet it's awesome."
http://www.aolnews.com/weird-news/article/80-foot-pregnant-whale-washes-up-in-california/19664468
(Oct. 7) -- Hundreds of hikers, scientists and schoolkids are flocking to a northern California beach to see the carcass of an 80-foot pregnant blue whale that washed ashore last weekend after apparently colliding with a ship.
The dead whale and its fetus washed up Saturday on a rocky beach in Bean Hollow State Park near Pescadero. It's believed to be the first time in more than 30 years that a blue whale -- the world's largest known creature -- has washed up on U.S. shores.
Researchers collecting tissue and bone samples from the whale's 75-ton carcass concluded Wednesday that it died of blunt-force trauma, likely in a collision with a large boat, the Half Moon Bay Review reported.
"Because the whale was on its back, we couldn't tell anything as far as possible cause of death," Guy Oliver, a research fellow at the nearby Long Marine Lab, told the Santa Cruz Sentinel. "I'd say it probably died four to five days (before reaching the shore). The fetus was about 50 feet from the carcass, and most likely came out, after it died, from a discharge of gas pressure."
Even the whale's fetus is 17 feet long.
Adult blue whales can grow to 110 feet. "Its heart is probably the size and weight of a Volkswagen Beetle," Oliver told the newspaper.
Tourists out for a weekend stroll along the seaside in Bean Hollow State Park got a surprise last weekend when they discovered the whale's corpse. "I literally had to step back a few feet and say 'Oh my gosh! This isn't real!'" park visitor Marcia Yaw told local KTVU TV station.
Park ranger Frank Balthis said it's the first time he's ever seen a blue whale. "And what really is incredible is there's the fetus of a calf. It's one of the first times that's ever been seen," he told the same station.
One visitor left a bouquet of blue and white flowers next to the whale's body. Dozens of cars have been parked illegally and traffic is backed up along nearby U.S. Highway 1 as onlookers try to get a glimpse of the behemoth.
"Well, it's just so special," visitor Yvonne Bartel told KTVU. "It's sad ... and yet it's awesome."
http://www.aolnews.com/weird-news/article/80-foot-pregnant-whale-washes-up-in-california/19664468
Friday, 10 September 2010
Mystery Surrounds Fate Of Trapped Whale
7:48pm UK, Friday September 10, 2010
Ian Collier, Sky News Online
Mystery surrounds the fate of a hump-backed whale which was trapped off Shetland.
Initially teams of rescuers said the animal had probably died.
But after hours of searching for a body without success they think it might have survived.
"Further to yesterday's sightings of a humpback whale trapped by fishing creels and buoys near Vidlin off the coast of Shetland, it would appear that the whale has now moved on," said Ron patterson of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of cruelty to Animals.
"We have been scouring the waters around the area since 7am this morning and there have been no further sightings of the whale so we are assuming that the whale may have escaped and is now swimming freely although there is a chance that it may have died.
"We can't say for certain exactly what has happened to the whale yet, but it could surface again.
"If anyone in the area spots a whale near the shoreline then they should call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 or the Shetland Wildlife Rescue Unit on 01595 840 321."
The hump-backed whale was first spotted entangled in lobster pot nets and unable to free itself on Thursday morning.
An operation began to try to set it free, with divers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue heading for Shetland with specialist equipment.
Ian Collier, Sky News Online
Mystery surrounds the fate of a hump-backed whale which was trapped off Shetland.
Initially teams of rescuers said the animal had probably died.
But after hours of searching for a body without success they think it might have survived.
"Further to yesterday's sightings of a humpback whale trapped by fishing creels and buoys near Vidlin off the coast of Shetland, it would appear that the whale has now moved on," said Ron patterson of the Scottish Society for the Prevention of cruelty to Animals.
"We have been scouring the waters around the area since 7am this morning and there have been no further sightings of the whale so we are assuming that the whale may have escaped and is now swimming freely although there is a chance that it may have died.
"We can't say for certain exactly what has happened to the whale yet, but it could surface again.
"If anyone in the area spots a whale near the shoreline then they should call our Animal Helpline on 03000 999 999 or the Shetland Wildlife Rescue Unit on 01595 840 321."
The hump-backed whale was first spotted entangled in lobster pot nets and unable to free itself on Thursday morning.
An operation began to try to set it free, with divers from the British Divers Marine Life Rescue heading for Shetland with specialist equipment.
Tuesday, 24 August 2010
Dead Minke Whale Found On Welsh Beach
1:31pm UK, Monday August 23, 2010Kat Higgins, Sky News Online
A 21ft minke whale has been found dead on a beach near a holiday park in North Wales.
The stranded mammal was found in a rocky, remote cove on the Llyn Peninsula near Pwllheli on Sunday morning.
The animal was discovered by a holiday-maker staying at the Hafan y Mor holiday park.
Barry Davies, maritime and country parks officer at Gwynedd Council, told Sky News Online it is not known what killed the animal but starvation is a possible cause.
He also said it was possible that the young cetacean had been alive when it became beached in the early hours of Sunday.
Specialists from the UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) have visited the scene to examine the carcass which will be removed on Tuesday.
Experts from London Zoo were also called to the beach and a post mortem will be carried out in the coming days.
Mr Davies told Sky News Online it is very rare to see minke whales in Cardigan Bay and there have only been two strandings in this area in the last 10 years.
Minke whales can grow to 35ft (10.6m) in length and are often spotted in waters off the western part of the British Isles.
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/A-21ft-Young-Minke-Whale-Is-Found-Dead-On-A-Beach-Near-A-Holiday-Park-In-North-Wales/Article/201008415702996?f=rss
Saturday, 21 August 2010
NZ rescuers refloat 11 whales stranded on beach
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Rescuers refloated 11 beached pilot whales Saturday after a mass stranding on an isolated northern New Zealand beach in which 47 of the mammals died. Some of the survivors still appeared to be in trouble.
All 11 survivors initially headed out to sea and were being monitored to ensure they did not return to the beach, said Carolyn Smith, a spokeswoman for the Department of Conservation.
But within an hour, Smith said four of the survivors were in trouble.
"Of the eleven whales that were released, seven appear to be in good health, while four are experiencing difficulties," she said. "The department is concerned because they haven't left the immediate area and we are closely monitoring the situation."
The 58 pilot whales that beached Thursday night on remote, storm-tossed Karikari Beach were stranded for up to 12 hours before they were discovered — the reason so many died, Smith said.
On Friday, conservation department workers and trained volunteers from the Far North Whale Rescue group struggled to refloat the survivors by crane and body sling, hindered by heavy seas and wind, and then transport them half a mile (a kilometer) to Matai Bay, a sheltered location with calmer waters.
Officials had earlier said 73 whales beached but revised the number Saturday after a new count of the carcasses.
A pod of 101 pilot whales stranded on the same beach in 2007.
New Zealand has one of the world's highest rates of whale strandings, mainly during their migration to and from Antarctic waters. Since 1840, the Department of Conservation has recorded more than 5,000 strandings of whales and dolphins around the New Zealand coast.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38795776
All 11 survivors initially headed out to sea and were being monitored to ensure they did not return to the beach, said Carolyn Smith, a spokeswoman for the Department of Conservation.
But within an hour, Smith said four of the survivors were in trouble.
"Of the eleven whales that were released, seven appear to be in good health, while four are experiencing difficulties," she said. "The department is concerned because they haven't left the immediate area and we are closely monitoring the situation."
The 58 pilot whales that beached Thursday night on remote, storm-tossed Karikari Beach were stranded for up to 12 hours before they were discovered — the reason so many died, Smith said.
On Friday, conservation department workers and trained volunteers from the Far North Whale Rescue group struggled to refloat the survivors by crane and body sling, hindered by heavy seas and wind, and then transport them half a mile (a kilometer) to Matai Bay, a sheltered location with calmer waters.
Officials had earlier said 73 whales beached but revised the number Saturday after a new count of the carcasses.
A pod of 101 pilot whales stranded on the same beach in 2007.
New Zealand has one of the world's highest rates of whale strandings, mainly during their migration to and from Antarctic waters. Since 1840, the Department of Conservation has recorded more than 5,000 strandings of whales and dolphins around the New Zealand coast.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/38795776
Friday, 20 August 2010
Dozens of stranded whales die in New Zealand
20 August 2010
Fifty-eight pilot whales have died after becoming stranded on a coast in northern New Zealand, conservation officials say.
Volunteers are making a fresh attempt to rescue 15 surviving whales, after previous efforts to re-float them failed.
The pod is believed to have washed up on the remote Karikari Beach during the night.
Large numbers of whales become stranded on New Zealand's beaches every year.
Migration
Kimberly Muncaster, chief executive of the Project Jonah whale group, said the surviving whales were in "fairly poor condition".
She said 40 people had tried to move the 3,300lb (1,500kg) whales back into the water on Friday but had failed.
Now, she says, they plan to move them about 1km by transporter to a different bay and re-float them there, where conditions are better.
Over the past 160 years, more than 5,000 whales and dolphins have been recorded stranded around the New Zealand coast.
They are most common in the summer, when whales pass by on their migration to and from Antarctic waters.
Scientists do not know what causes the mass strandings.
See video at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11036698
(Submitted by Liz R)
Fifty-eight pilot whales have died after becoming stranded on a coast in northern New Zealand, conservation officials say.
Volunteers are making a fresh attempt to rescue 15 surviving whales, after previous efforts to re-float them failed.
The pod is believed to have washed up on the remote Karikari Beach during the night.
Large numbers of whales become stranded on New Zealand's beaches every year.
Migration
Kimberly Muncaster, chief executive of the Project Jonah whale group, said the surviving whales were in "fairly poor condition".
She said 40 people had tried to move the 3,300lb (1,500kg) whales back into the water on Friday but had failed.
Now, she says, they plan to move them about 1km by transporter to a different bay and re-float them there, where conditions are better.
Over the past 160 years, more than 5,000 whales and dolphins have been recorded stranded around the New Zealand coast.
They are most common in the summer, when whales pass by on their migration to and from Antarctic waters.
Scientists do not know what causes the mass strandings.
See video at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-pacific-11036698
(Submitted by Liz R)
Sunday, 14 March 2010
Marine animal rescue vessel launched
Sunday, March 14 2010
Members of the Manatee Conservation Trust and the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago accompanied by two officials from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Kelvin Alie and Dr Ian Robinson participated in the launch of a marine animal rescue boat, aptly christened Rescue One, last week.
Also present on the day were members of the Caribbean Animal Welfare Association (CAWA), a non-governmental organisation based in Trinidad with a reach throughout the wider Caribbean and the San Juan Rotary Club, rounding off the partners involved in this initiative.
As the timing of the launch coincided with recent reports of pilot whale sightings in the Gulf of Paria, the opportunity was taken to conduct further investigations, making use of the tremendous expertise of IFAW in marine mammal research and conservation. The capability of Rescue One to conduct such an investigation was brought into play with the deployment of its depth sounders, a marine electronic device that can detect the presence of aquatic life. This equipment was acquired to facilitate research studies currently being undertaken by the Manatee Conservation Trust and the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago with the support of IFAW, on the distribution of whales and dolphins in TT waters.
Having deployed the research equipment off Chacachacare Island, the team registered that there was some detection of activity in the area. Further scouting revealed the presence of what was initially thought to be pilot whales, but upon closer observations were identified as bottlenose dolphins. The pod comprised at least ten individuals with one young clearly visible.
In an attempt to confirm the identity of some pictures which are circulation, Dr Robinson used his extensive experience working with marine mammals to identify these reputed pilot whales as false killer whales based on the shape of the dorsal fin and the absence of a bulbous head. The literature also suggests that these species are often associated with bottlenose dolphins, the species actually seen during the launch.That these respective organisations have come together to fill the void in marine animal conservation is no surprise, especially as there are complementarities in their respective mandate. The Manatee Conservation Trust, a community-based entity has always had a focus on marine mammals and since its pivotal role in the saving of 14 of the 25 short-finned pilot whales which stranded on the Manzanilla Beach in 1999, has given much of its attention to monitoring of whales and dolphins in the waters off Trinidad and Tobago. It has been in the forefront of following through on reports made by persons on whale sightings or strandings in any part of the country and is often one of the first responders. The Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago already has a land-based animal ambulance which allows members to respond to animals which are in distress and this is a natural extension to ensure coverage of both the terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Nirmal Biptah, Curator of the Emperor Valley Zoo felt that the timing of this launch could only complement the new mandate of the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago Inc in getting involved in the wider aspect of animal welfare throughout Trinidad and Tobago. The Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago Inc. for the past 60 years focussed mainly on the running of the Emperor Valley Zoo.
For those familiar with the work of the San Juan Rotary Club, this foray into the marine animal rescue cause should come as no surprise. This organisation has a history of involvement in environmental projects and its support for manatee conservation under the Protect our Earth” programme in 1990 — 1991, is what led to the formation of the Manatee Conservation Trust in 1999. Additionally, it has been providing support to the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago for over 15 years.
During the launch, Gupte Lutchmedial, who provides a crucial linkage among the various organisations involved, acknowledged the generous support of the management of La Soufriere Maritime Ltd, which is providing storage and berthing facilities for the boat in Chaguaramas at a discounted rate. He mentioned that in addition, the organisations were extremely fortunate to benefit from the waiving of registration fees for use of this facility. A special thank you was given to Budget Marine Trinidad which gave discounts for the boat equipment and has donated the communication radio on the boat.
The launching of this boat is just the first step in covering the island as very soon another boat will be commissioned for the east coast of Trinidad. As explained by Lutchmedial, “The prevalence of whale strandings in the Manzanilla and Mayaro areas demand that we be in a state of preparedness for any future incidents which may occur in these parts.” As a reminder, in early 2009, there were at least three strandings in this area. Two melon-headed whales were stranded in Mayaro and Manzanilla and another species which could not be identified due to its advanced state of decomposition, washed ashore dead in Guayaguayare.
With Rescue One ready to respond to distress calls, the stage is set to strengthen operations for the rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals, especially whales and dolphins. The public can report any sightings of marine animals in distress to the Hotline at 622-5344 or 622-3530.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/features/0,117289.html
Members of the Manatee Conservation Trust and the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago accompanied by two officials from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), Kelvin Alie and Dr Ian Robinson participated in the launch of a marine animal rescue boat, aptly christened Rescue One, last week.
Also present on the day were members of the Caribbean Animal Welfare Association (CAWA), a non-governmental organisation based in Trinidad with a reach throughout the wider Caribbean and the San Juan Rotary Club, rounding off the partners involved in this initiative.
As the timing of the launch coincided with recent reports of pilot whale sightings in the Gulf of Paria, the opportunity was taken to conduct further investigations, making use of the tremendous expertise of IFAW in marine mammal research and conservation. The capability of Rescue One to conduct such an investigation was brought into play with the deployment of its depth sounders, a marine electronic device that can detect the presence of aquatic life. This equipment was acquired to facilitate research studies currently being undertaken by the Manatee Conservation Trust and the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago with the support of IFAW, on the distribution of whales and dolphins in TT waters.
Having deployed the research equipment off Chacachacare Island, the team registered that there was some detection of activity in the area. Further scouting revealed the presence of what was initially thought to be pilot whales, but upon closer observations were identified as bottlenose dolphins. The pod comprised at least ten individuals with one young clearly visible.
In an attempt to confirm the identity of some pictures which are circulation, Dr Robinson used his extensive experience working with marine mammals to identify these reputed pilot whales as false killer whales based on the shape of the dorsal fin and the absence of a bulbous head. The literature also suggests that these species are often associated with bottlenose dolphins, the species actually seen during the launch.That these respective organisations have come together to fill the void in marine animal conservation is no surprise, especially as there are complementarities in their respective mandate. The Manatee Conservation Trust, a community-based entity has always had a focus on marine mammals and since its pivotal role in the saving of 14 of the 25 short-finned pilot whales which stranded on the Manzanilla Beach in 1999, has given much of its attention to monitoring of whales and dolphins in the waters off Trinidad and Tobago. It has been in the forefront of following through on reports made by persons on whale sightings or strandings in any part of the country and is often one of the first responders. The Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago already has a land-based animal ambulance which allows members to respond to animals which are in distress and this is a natural extension to ensure coverage of both the terrestrial and aquatic environments.
Nirmal Biptah, Curator of the Emperor Valley Zoo felt that the timing of this launch could only complement the new mandate of the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago Inc in getting involved in the wider aspect of animal welfare throughout Trinidad and Tobago. The Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago Inc. for the past 60 years focussed mainly on the running of the Emperor Valley Zoo.
For those familiar with the work of the San Juan Rotary Club, this foray into the marine animal rescue cause should come as no surprise. This organisation has a history of involvement in environmental projects and its support for manatee conservation under the Protect our Earth” programme in 1990 — 1991, is what led to the formation of the Manatee Conservation Trust in 1999. Additionally, it has been providing support to the Zoological Society of Trinidad and Tobago for over 15 years.
During the launch, Gupte Lutchmedial, who provides a crucial linkage among the various organisations involved, acknowledged the generous support of the management of La Soufriere Maritime Ltd, which is providing storage and berthing facilities for the boat in Chaguaramas at a discounted rate. He mentioned that in addition, the organisations were extremely fortunate to benefit from the waiving of registration fees for use of this facility. A special thank you was given to Budget Marine Trinidad which gave discounts for the boat equipment and has donated the communication radio on the boat.
The launching of this boat is just the first step in covering the island as very soon another boat will be commissioned for the east coast of Trinidad. As explained by Lutchmedial, “The prevalence of whale strandings in the Manzanilla and Mayaro areas demand that we be in a state of preparedness for any future incidents which may occur in these parts.” As a reminder, in early 2009, there were at least three strandings in this area. Two melon-headed whales were stranded in Mayaro and Manzanilla and another species which could not be identified due to its advanced state of decomposition, washed ashore dead in Guayaguayare.
With Rescue One ready to respond to distress calls, the stage is set to strengthen operations for the rescue and rehabilitation of marine animals, especially whales and dolphins. The public can report any sightings of marine animals in distress to the Hotline at 622-5344 or 622-3530.
http://www.newsday.co.tt/features/0,117289.html
Monday, 22 February 2010
Dead Fin whale strands on beach in north Cornwall
Monday, 22 February 2010
A dead Fin whale measuring 56ft (17m) long has washed up in north Cornwall.
The putrefying carcass was first spotted five days ago off Pendeen and washed up on shore 37km (23miles) away at Porthtowan beach on Sunday evening.
It is not known when the female whale died or the cause of its death but Cornwall Wildlife Trust believe it was most likely to have been hit by a ship.
People are being urged to keep clear of the whale, which may be diseased, as they risk being cut off by the tide.
'Health hazard'
Jan Loveridge, co-ordinator of Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Strandings Network, said that although dead dolphins and harbour porpoises often got stranded on Cornish beaches, it was rare for a whale to become stranded.
"The whale at Porthtowan is very decomposed and although there is no obvious cause of death, this species is particularly vulnerable to ship strikes and if they do get hit, they seldom survive," she said.
"We believe this is the most likely cause of what happened to this whale.
"This is a very good opportunity to take some samples for research purposes which will be sent off to our partners at the Institute of Zoology in London.
"We are urging people not to go down to the beach as the whale could be a health hazard and there is a risk of cliffs crumbling in the area and people getting cut off by the tide."
Cornwall Council is currently assessing the situation with regards to removing the carcass from the beach.
Fin whales are the second largest animals in the world and are seen most winters off the coast of Cornwall.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/8527846.stm
(Submitted by Liz R)
A dead Fin whale measuring 56ft (17m) long has washed up in north Cornwall.
The putrefying carcass was first spotted five days ago off Pendeen and washed up on shore 37km (23miles) away at Porthtowan beach on Sunday evening.
It is not known when the female whale died or the cause of its death but Cornwall Wildlife Trust believe it was most likely to have been hit by a ship.
People are being urged to keep clear of the whale, which may be diseased, as they risk being cut off by the tide.
'Health hazard'
Jan Loveridge, co-ordinator of Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Strandings Network, said that although dead dolphins and harbour porpoises often got stranded on Cornish beaches, it was rare for a whale to become stranded.
"The whale at Porthtowan is very decomposed and although there is no obvious cause of death, this species is particularly vulnerable to ship strikes and if they do get hit, they seldom survive," she said.
"We believe this is the most likely cause of what happened to this whale.
"This is a very good opportunity to take some samples for research purposes which will be sent off to our partners at the Institute of Zoology in London.
"We are urging people not to go down to the beach as the whale could be a health hazard and there is a risk of cliffs crumbling in the area and people getting cut off by the tide."
Cornwall Council is currently assessing the situation with regards to removing the carcass from the beach.
Fin whales are the second largest animals in the world and are seen most winters off the coast of Cornwall.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/8527846.stm
(Submitted by Liz R)
Monday, 19 October 2009
Rescue sought for manatee stuck in cold N.J. waterway
By Wayne Parry
Associated Press
Sat, Oct. 17, 2009
A rescue attempt is being planned for Ilya, a Florida manatee stuck near an oil refinery in New Jersey where plunging temperatures and a lack of food are endangering his life.
The gentle sea cow has been known to marine scientists for 10 years as he has made his way up and down the East Coast. He has recently been spotted in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maryland.
But yesterday, he was huddling near an outfall pipe at a refinery in Linden, the only place he could find warm water.
A nor'easter pummeling New Jersey with wind and rain yesterday was making things even more dangerous for Ilya, who needs to be in water with temperatures of 68 degrees or warmer. The water where he is now is between 60 and 64 degrees.
Charles Underwood, a spokesman for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said Ilya may not be able to survive long in such temperatures.
"Above 68, they're OK. Below that, they become susceptible to hypothermia. That's our concern," he said.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, a rescue group in Brigantine, N.J., received permission from federal wildlife officials to attempt a rescue this weekend.
Bob Schoelkopf, the center's codirector, said foul weather yesterday made an attempt impossible. The group may try today or tomorrow if the weather improves.
The rescue would involve loading Ilya aboard a boat and taking him to the group's facility, where he could be placed in a heated holding tank for a few days.
After that, Ilya could be flown to Florida, possibly aboard a military transport plane.
The manatee is in a small tributary of the Arthur Kill, a narrow waterway separating New Jersey and Staten Island, N.Y.
Staffers with the group were at the refinery site yesterday, taking photos of Ilya, who appeared to be in good shape.
"He looks fairly robust, from what we can see," Schoelkopf said.
Authorities are guarding the animal, in a section of the fenced-off and heavily guarded refinery inaccessible to the public.
"Some of them were going to get lettuce for him, to try to keep him there until the storm passes," Underwood said.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20091017_Rescue_sought_for_manatee_stuck_in_cold_N_J__waterway.html
(Submitted by Andrew D Gable)
Associated Press
Sat, Oct. 17, 2009
A rescue attempt is being planned for Ilya, a Florida manatee stuck near an oil refinery in New Jersey where plunging temperatures and a lack of food are endangering his life.
The gentle sea cow has been known to marine scientists for 10 years as he has made his way up and down the East Coast. He has recently been spotted in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Maryland.
But yesterday, he was huddling near an outfall pipe at a refinery in Linden, the only place he could find warm water.
A nor'easter pummeling New Jersey with wind and rain yesterday was making things even more dangerous for Ilya, who needs to be in water with temperatures of 68 degrees or warmer. The water where he is now is between 60 and 64 degrees.
Charles Underwood, a spokesman for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said Ilya may not be able to survive long in such temperatures.
"Above 68, they're OK. Below that, they become susceptible to hypothermia. That's our concern," he said.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center, a rescue group in Brigantine, N.J., received permission from federal wildlife officials to attempt a rescue this weekend.
Bob Schoelkopf, the center's codirector, said foul weather yesterday made an attempt impossible. The group may try today or tomorrow if the weather improves.
The rescue would involve loading Ilya aboard a boat and taking him to the group's facility, where he could be placed in a heated holding tank for a few days.
After that, Ilya could be flown to Florida, possibly aboard a military transport plane.
The manatee is in a small tributary of the Arthur Kill, a narrow waterway separating New Jersey and Staten Island, N.Y.
Staffers with the group were at the refinery site yesterday, taking photos of Ilya, who appeared to be in good shape.
"He looks fairly robust, from what we can see," Schoelkopf said.
Authorities are guarding the animal, in a section of the fenced-off and heavily guarded refinery inaccessible to the public.
"Some of them were going to get lettuce for him, to try to keep him there until the storm passes," Underwood said.
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20091017_Rescue_sought_for_manatee_stuck_in_cold_N_J__waterway.html
(Submitted by Andrew D Gable)
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Thresher shark is found on beach
Thursday, 24 September 2009A 12ft shark of a breed rarely seen off the Cornish coast has been found washed up on a beach.
The thresher shark was seen in the water by surfers at Hayle, on the north Cornwall coast, on Wednesday night and reported to the coastguard.
Ian Rayson, who spotted the shark, said: "Its back tail kept coming out of the water. Its gills and things weren't moving so we knew it wasn't alive."
Threshers can grow up to 20ft (6m) and are identified by their tail length.
Whip-like tail
The shark which was discovered had a 6ft (1.8m) long body, with a tail of the same length.
Dave Jarvis from Cornwall Wildlife Trust, who formally identified the shark, said: "It's in good condition physically, so we're going to take some photographs and some measurements and see if we can make some arrangements for post-mortem."
The Cornish Wildlife Marine Trust is hoping to find an agency to carry out the post-mortem examination.
The species is said to be harmless to humans although can cause some damage with its strong, whip-like tail.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/8272967.stm
See also: http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/2654735/Jaws-drop-at-12ft-UK-shark.html
Monday, 21 September 2009
Humpback Whale Found In River Thames
7:17am UK, Tuesday September 15, 2009A 28ft humpback whale has been found dead in the Thames - the first time ever that one of the creatures has been found in the river.
The young male was first spotted in the water on Thursday.
It was not seen again until it was found dead on Saturday morning near Dartford Bridge.
Initial examination suggests the creature may have died of starvation.
Scientists from The Zoological Society of London (ZSL) said its beaching was an "incredibly unusual event".
The last humpback to be found stranded in the UK was at Port Talbot in Wales in 2007.
The ZSL team carried out a post-mortem examination after the whale was recovered by the Port of London Authority.
The programme's manager, Rob Deaville, said: "Preliminary results indicate that it may have died as a result of starvation.
"There have only been 12 strandings of humpback whales in the last 20 years and this is an incredibly unusual event."
He added: "Although it's obviously a sad outcome in this instance, the post-mortem examination has given us a rare opportunity to examine a truly extraordinary animal at close quarters.
"Information gathered through examinations like these will hopefully help further our understanding of such animals and also help contribute to improving their conservation status."
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/UK-News/Whale-In-River-Thames-Humpback-Is-Found-Dead-In-Water-Near-Dartford-Bridge/Article/200909215381374
See also: http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2009/sep/14/dead-humpback-whale-in-thames
Thursday, 11 June 2009
Mysterious Striped Dolphin found stranded on Kailua Beach
June 9, 9:51 PM
Volunteers from the Hawaii Pacific University Marine Mammal Stranding Team responded last Thursday to a call from a Kailua resident. The resident reported that a dolphin had stranded itself on the rocks behind her house, which lays on the northern part of the bay.
The resident who placed the call discovered the dolphin Thursday morning and responders were on the scene by 10:00 am, at which time it was pronounced dead. Due to the low level of decomposition, the dolphin had presumably become stranded while alive and subsequently died overnight. However, the real circumstances surrounding the stranding will be further investigated pending a necropsy.
Large linear lacerations were found on the dolphins underside and left eye. These injuries appeared recent and may have come from when the dolphin made it's way through the reef, or from washing up on the rocks. The most mysterious aspect of the stranding is the radio tag that was present on the dolphin's back. The type of tag found on the dolphin is known as a spaghetti tag which has a long, black wire with a tasseled end. This is a specific type of radio tag and may help investigators to uncover the history of the animal. These tags are typically placed near the dorsal fin, however in the case of the dolphin found in Kailua, it was placed very far back, almost near the tail flukes. The tag appeared to be very old, and there was a lot of scar tissue built up around the insertion site. Due to the low retention rate and high risk of injury, the use of spaghetti tags has been strongly discouraged in recent years.
Known as feeding grounds for the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, marine mammal sightings are extremely rare in Kailua Bay. The bay is very shallow, only 20 feet in the deepest parts, and protected by a large outer reef system that keeps out large predators. Striped Dolphins are a deep water species so its rare to see them in shallow waters, rarer still is finding one stranded alone.
The last Striped Dolphin stranding occurred on O'ahu April 2006. NOAA reports their population in Hawaiian waters to be about 10,000 and although protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Striped Dolphins are not listed as threated or endangered.
If you find a stranded marine mammal do not try to return it to the ocean. It may have a disease and kill other individuals. Do not approach it. It may cause injury to bystanders. Try to keep others away and call the National Marine Fisheries Stranding Hotline at 808-944-2269.
Author: Caroline Griesel
Volunteers from the Hawaii Pacific University Marine Mammal Stranding Team responded last Thursday to a call from a Kailua resident. The resident reported that a dolphin had stranded itself on the rocks behind her house, which lays on the northern part of the bay.
The resident who placed the call discovered the dolphin Thursday morning and responders were on the scene by 10:00 am, at which time it was pronounced dead. Due to the low level of decomposition, the dolphin had presumably become stranded while alive and subsequently died overnight. However, the real circumstances surrounding the stranding will be further investigated pending a necropsy.
Large linear lacerations were found on the dolphins underside and left eye. These injuries appeared recent and may have come from when the dolphin made it's way through the reef, or from washing up on the rocks. The most mysterious aspect of the stranding is the radio tag that was present on the dolphin's back. The type of tag found on the dolphin is known as a spaghetti tag which has a long, black wire with a tasseled end. This is a specific type of radio tag and may help investigators to uncover the history of the animal. These tags are typically placed near the dorsal fin, however in the case of the dolphin found in Kailua, it was placed very far back, almost near the tail flukes. The tag appeared to be very old, and there was a lot of scar tissue built up around the insertion site. Due to the low retention rate and high risk of injury, the use of spaghetti tags has been strongly discouraged in recent years.
Known as feeding grounds for the Hawaiian Green Sea Turtle, marine mammal sightings are extremely rare in Kailua Bay. The bay is very shallow, only 20 feet in the deepest parts, and protected by a large outer reef system that keeps out large predators. Striped Dolphins are a deep water species so its rare to see them in shallow waters, rarer still is finding one stranded alone.
The last Striped Dolphin stranding occurred on O'ahu April 2006. NOAA reports their population in Hawaiian waters to be about 10,000 and although protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, Striped Dolphins are not listed as threated or endangered.
If you find a stranded marine mammal do not try to return it to the ocean. It may have a disease and kill other individuals. Do not approach it. It may cause injury to bystanders. Try to keep others away and call the National Marine Fisheries Stranding Hotline at 808-944-2269.
Author: Caroline Griesel
Sunday, 7 June 2009
Dolphins and porpoises stranded
14:09 GMT, Saturday, 6 June 2009 15:09 UK
Three porpoises and two dolphins have been stranded on the Isles of Scilly in the past two weeks, according to a conservation charity.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Strandings Network said a young porpoise had been taken to Truro for a post-mortem examination.
One dolphin which was found alive was rescued by members of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue.
The network has recently trained 15 new volunteers on the islands.
Calf 'separated'
"We couldn't have run the course at a better time," coordinator Jan Loveridge said.
"In the last two weeks alone, we've had five stranded animals - three harbour porpoises and two common dolphins.
"One of the dead porpoises was an 81cm [32ins] long, new-born calf that stranded on St Agnes."
It is thought the calf became separated from its mother and stranded alive.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/8087042.stm
Three porpoises and two dolphins have been stranded on the Isles of Scilly in the past two weeks, according to a conservation charity.
Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Strandings Network said a young porpoise had been taken to Truro for a post-mortem examination.
One dolphin which was found alive was rescued by members of the British Divers Marine Life Rescue.
The network has recently trained 15 new volunteers on the islands.
Calf 'separated'
"We couldn't have run the course at a better time," coordinator Jan Loveridge said.
"In the last two weeks alone, we've had five stranded animals - three harbour porpoises and two common dolphins.
"One of the dead porpoises was an 81cm [32ins] long, new-born calf that stranded on St Agnes."
It is thought the calf became separated from its mother and stranded alive.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/cornwall/8087042.stm
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