CWTstrandings.org
Cornwall Wildlife Trust Marine Strandings Network

 
Volunteer login
Contact us
Partners
The Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London
The Natural History Museum
Other Links
Cornwall Wildlife Trust
Devon Wildlife Trust
Cornwall Mammal Group
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
National Seal Sanctuary
Cornwall Seal Group
Chelonia Ltd
European Cetacean Society
Add to Favourites
Reporting a stranding

To report a dead marine animal, ring the 24 hour hotline number immediately:

0845 201 2626

Click on the button below to print an emergency contact card, cut out the card and keep it with you.

 


All strandings, alive or dead, should be reported immediately to the appropriate number below.

Alive

If you find a live stranded dolphin, porpoise, whale, seal or turtle, ring British Divers Marine Life Rescue immediately on 01825 765546. BDMLR have teams of trained volunteers nationwide, who will be scrambled to help a live stranded marine mammal.

  • keep people and dogs well away
  • do not put the animal back in the water
  • do not pour water in its blowhole (the hole on top of its head through which it breathes)
  • do not touch the animal - it may carry diseases that you could catch

If you find a live seal, injured or in trouble, you can also ring the National Seal Sanctuary immediately, on 01326 221361. The Seal Sanctuary will give advice and, if necessary, attend live seals who need assistance.

  • keep people and dogs well away
  • do not approach seals, they can bite and cause serious injury
  • never pick up seal pups - they are seldom abandoned unless you frighten the mother away
  • always report seals with rope or plastic around their necks or bodies

Dead

If you find a dead dolphin, porpoise, whale, seal, shark or turtle, ring us immediately on 0845 201 2626. We have a network of volunteers who will record the animal before it is taken by the tide. The Strandings Coordinator will liaise with the beach owner, who is responsible for removal of the body.

  • keep dogs and children away
  • do not touch the body as dead animals may carry diseases that you can catch
  • do not put the body back in the sea