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Dolphin Strandings in Devon and Cornwall UK

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Dolphin Stranding at Par Sands in South East Cornwall

Additional information/photographs accompanying form: CWT_Cetacean_ Stranding_Recording_Form_2005

Brief examination of the carcass:

Date:              29/03/2006     

Recovered:    Spit Beach, Par Sands

Species:        Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis)

Sex:              Female

Length:         2.07 m

Condition:

The head and upper body presented with signs of net/rope entanglement and injury that may have been caused by both scavengers and as the body drifted over rocks etc (Figure 2). The beak tip was broken in an upward direction, possibly caused when the animal was removed or fell from a fishing net (Figure 3). The top of the head presented with cut and pressure marks consistent with net/rope entanglement (Figure 4). A number of abrasions were present on the left flank and were probably caused as the body drifted over rocks (Figure 5). Two large holes and severe abrasions were observed in the torso between the flippers, perhaps caused as the body pivoted on rocks or other sharp reef objects, during the flood and ebb of the tide (Figure 6). Cut marks and abrasions were found on the ventral surface close to the reproductive opening (Figure 7).

Carcass c. 6 days post mortem

Probable cause of death: Fishing Bycatch

Samples Taken: Inner ears for ongoing audiological research, along with the beak and lower jaw for dental pathology.

Figure 1.  The female common dolphin on Spit beach, Par Sands

Figure 2.  The head and upper body showing signs of net/rope entanglement and damage that may have been caused by scavengers and as the body drifted over rocks etc

Figure 3.  Upward break to the beak tip, possibly caused when the animal was removed or fell from a fishing net

Figure 4.  Top of the head showing cut marks and broken beak (consistent with net entanglement)

Figure 5.  Abrasions on the left flank, probably caused as the body drifted over rocks/reef

Figure 6.  Damage to the torso between the flippers, perhaps caused as the body pivoted on rocks or other sharp reef objects (injury does not appear to be deliberate)

Figure 7.  Reproductive opening and mammary slits (ms).  Cut marks and abrasions can be seen in the top of the Figure

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