23 February 2011

Just a few weeks after undergoing training to attend stranded dolphins and seals, three of the new Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Strandings Network volunteers have recorded their first casualties at Portreath and Mawgan Porth. They form part of the group of seventeen enthusiastic new recruits who braved the cold at a recent training session in Looe, run by the Strandings Network. The volunteers now join a 130-strong team who examine and photograph all stranded marine life around the shores of Cornwall.

The full-day training event that prepared them for their first calling was held in the RNLI Lifeboat station, which proved to be the ideal venue due to its facilities and position next to the beach. During the day trainers provided an overview of species identification and in-depth guidance on how to examine and record a stranded animal in detail.

Health and safety issues were covered by a veterinary pathologist, who described the diseases that marine animals carry, the potential risk to humans and the importance of strict hygiene protocols. He also explained the work of the Veterinary Laboratories Agency in Truro, where the post-mortem examinations of stranded animals are carried out, and the causes of death that the pathologists are able to identify.

With the kind permission of East Looe Town Trust, the training exercise continued in the afternoon on the beach where, using a life-sized model of a dolphin and a seal pup, the volunteers were shown how to take measurements, digital photos and what signs to record that might help throw some light on why the animal died, particularly important evidence if it isn't able or suitable to go for post-mortem examination.

Ruth Williams, Senior Marine Conservation Officer for the Trust says, "We're really delighted that these volunteers have joined the team. We were short of people in some areas and it will help us to get to strandings more quickly here, before the tide takes the body away again."

She continues,  "Judging by the feedback we had from the new team members, they really enjoyed the day, particularly the beach exercises. They said they found the presentations fascinating and were appreciative of our sound scientific practice and advice. This job can be play havoc with your emotions at times, but it's important to maintain an objective stance when collecting this vital data."

One of the new recruits who attended their first real life stranding incident is David Hunter from Camborne, who recorded a common dolphin at Portreath in early February.

David says of the experience, “The carcass was well decomposed and posed quite a challenge to record all the necessary details and determine the species”.

Two other new volunteers who have also been put to the test are Chris and Annabelle Lowe. The recent recruits were called out to record a juvenile seal carcass on Mawgan Porth beach. The carcass was in a well developed stage of decomposition and therefore not recovered for post-mortem. examination

Jan Loveridge, coordinator of the Network says, "The new recruits were understandably a bit nervous, but they did an excellent job and we were really impressed with their enthusiasm and the high quality of their records and photos. It's not an easy thing to do; it needs an eye for detail, thoroughness and a willingness to learn. These volunteers have all three!"

Jan continues, "It's thanks to funding from the Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the SITA Trust and childrens' organic clothing company, Frugi, that we're able to hold these courses, and we and the new team members are very grateful for their support".

Cornwall Wildlife Trust’s Marine Strandings Network welcomes calls from members of the public who find stranded marine animals on the beach or at sea. They can be reached via their Hotline on 0845 201 2626 every day of the week.