Fort Bovisands 1

Damage to fins (wear and decomposition) bone from tip of beak and lower jaw exposed. Small amount of blood was observed leaking from the blowhole. Two puncture marks of approximately 15 mm each were found on the carcass. Figure 2 shows the puncture mark between the pectoral fins (detailed in Figure 3), whilst Figure 4 shows a 15 mm puncture mark located below and anterior to the dorsal fin. The puncture injuries and damage to the skin on the flanks were probably caused by contact with rocks and other sharp objects when drifting close to the shoreline, though it is possible they were caused by the use of a gaff during removal of the carcass from the fishing nets.

Considerable damage was sustained to the beak and lower jaw (Figure 5), with many broken or missing teeth (Figure 6). Examination of lower jaw revealed a break across the ramus close to the coronoid process (Figure 7), which were probably sustained when the dolphin was removed from fishing gear.

Figure 1. Evening Herald article 20/01/06

Figure 2. Underside of carcass showing a puncture mark between the pectoral fins

Figure 3. Close up of the 15 mm puncture mark between the pectoral fins

Figure 4. Damage to skin along the flank and 15 mm puncture mark below and anterior to the dorsal fin

Figure 5. Visible damage to beak and lower jaw

Figure 6. Inside of the upper beak showing approximately 44 missing teeth (four remaining each side), and damage to the surrounding flesh and bone

Figure 7. Broken lower jawbone (left side). Examination revealed fractures across the ramus and extending to the coronoid process, along with several missing teeth

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