Christmas
cetacean callout for Cornish Medics
27th December
At about 8:30am,
the National Seal Sanctuary took a call from a member of the public,
who reported a live common dolphin stranded at 
Mylor,
near Falmouth. Members of the public had already attempted to refloat
the animal, without success.
The Sanctuary
contacted the West Cornwall BDMLR group, and Medics Gary Hawkins
and Caroline Curtis responded. Unfortunately, the dolphin died before
they, and RSPCA officer Felicity Cross, who had also been contacted,
arrived.
[Pic
by Dan Jarvis. Further images on Image Library]
Now acting as volunteers for the Cornwall
Wildlife Trust, Gary and Caroline recorded the animal for their
records. The dolphin was in poor nutritional condition, and also
had no teeth, so had it survived longer, would have been euthanased.
It was recovered for Post Mortem examination.
A common dolphin previously stranded
at the same location on 3rd October 2001.
Medic
Dan Jarvis
BDMLR West Cornwall
(Newquay - Land’s End - St Austell)
Cornwall
Medics kept busy over festive weekend
26th December
Following a call from the National Seal
Sanctuary this morning, Coordinator Dave Jarvis and Medics Lesley
Jarvis and myself picked up a grey seal pup from RSPCA Officer Felicity
Cross at St Agnes, which had been uplifted by her from a nearby
beach. It had a split in its left rear flipper and a snotty nose
but otherwise appeared healthy. Felicity also picked up another
pup on Christmas day from Portreath, which is just down the coast
from St Agnes. Both pups are now in the Sanctuary Hospital.
Meanwhile, Medic Caroline Curtis was
also contacted by the Sanctuary this morning regarding a pup a St
Buryan, near Land's End. After watching the apparently healthy pup
for a while, it went back into the water.
Medic Dan Jarvis
BDMLR West Cornwall
(Newquay - Land's End - St Austell)
Oiled
Seabird Rescue & Initial Care Training
As the oiled seabird season in approaching
and oiled birds are something which BDMLR helps rescue during major
oil spills etc, would anyone be interested in coming down to East
Sussex and spending a day learning about oiled seabirds and how
to catch and rescue them etc plus the initial care they need.
This can either be done on an ad-hoc
basis for local people or for those travelling from a distance a
group could be arranged.
Knowing how
to handled and deal with oiled seabirds is important and even though
1996 was the last major oil spill around UK coasts, each year thousands
of oiled birds are washed up on beachs each year - mainly during
the winter months. Last year very few were washed ashore but the
previous year over 500 dead/alive birds were found on Sussex beaches!
East Sussex WRAS has patrols during the main periods, if anyone
lives on or near the East Sussex Coast then we would welcome help
with patrols.
Course content
;
1) The Background – The birds
involved, the type of oil, where it comes from and what affect it
can have on the birds, when it happens annually, handling hazards,
environment hazards.
2) Rescue & Handling – Where
birds are likely to be found on the beach, how they are likely to
react, what equipment you need to catch them, how best to hold and
transport them.
3) Initial Care and Assessment –
What care oiled birds need once caught (on the beach), basic assessment
of the bird once caught (on the beach), what happens once caught.
If you are
intested, please e-mail me at trevor@iar.org.uk
or ring me on 07815-078234 (not Tuesday and Thursday daytimes as
I don't man the phone on those days anymore), or Sue at BDMLR HQ.
Trevor
Weeks
BDMLR East Sussex & East Sussex
Wildlife Rescue.
Devon
Medics respond to 'small cetacean' swimming in circles in Brixham
Harbour
14th December
19.00hrs
Exmouth
Coordinator Tony Woodley received a call from a member of the public
(via Lindy Hingley of Brixham
Seawatch) concerning a "small cetacean" swimming in
tight circles in Brixham harbour. It was first seen at about 1pm
but not reported until 6.15pm. Medics Clare Toffolo, Dave Sanders
and Sue Davie are on their way to take a look and report back. The
animal is described as approx 1 metre long and has "laboured
breathing".
20.20hrs
Clare
Toffolo and Dave Sanders arrived at the harbour and found a Harbour
porpoise circling near and around the lifeboat, just inside the
breakwater. This is exactly the same location as the two Common
dolphins involved in a rescue in 2003 (report
here). Clare and Dave confirmed it was approximately 1.5m long
and had a respiratory rate of approx 4-6 per minute (normal).
However, the animal was in a relatively enclosed area and why it
was there was a concern.
20.45hrs
With Sue Davie now joining Clare
and Dave and Dave fetching a decent torch, they were ale to see
that the animal appeared to be feeding. In the torch light they
could make out many small fish which the porpoise appeared to be
chasing. It was making strong coordinated movements.
Dave will return early on Wednesday
morning to check the area.
Many
thanks to Dave, Clare and Sue who all made the effort to turn out
for BDMLR and to check on this report. They were rewarded by getting
the chance to view the most elusive of the UK's marine mammals.
Tony
Woodley - Exmouth Coordinator/BDMLR OnLine
Update
on Scurdiness pup - See Below
Confirmation received
at 08.41hrs (14th) by lighthouse cottage residents that last nights
grey seal pup "Lisa" moved from its location with the
flow tide.
Observations will
continue in the area to see if the pup remains with our small colony
of mixed Greys and Commons that team monitor on a daily basis.
Second
Xmas pup for Montrose team
13th December
At 16.27 hrs,
Montrose Co-ordinator Elaine Roft received a call from local residents
who were concerned for the welfare of a seal pup - apparently showing
signs of distress hauled out at Scurdiness lighthouse. Elaine and
Deputy Co-ordinator Bob Pert along with volunteer Jim Horne arrived
on scene at approx 5.30pm where they were met with a weaned Grey
seal pup hauled out on the high tide line just below the footpath.
The pup, named "Lisa" was in good body condition, respiration
was normal at 12bpm, they eyes were bright and clear and there were
no signs of discharges from the eyes, nose ears or mouth. The right
nostril had some crusting which appeared to be that of a scrape
wound that had cleared, and the gums were a healthy pink colour.
It was decided that since it was dark and that the footpath would
remain clear from public and canine disturbance, the pup should
be left until the next flow tide due at 03.25am. Residents at the
lighthouse agreed to call Elaine at first light on Tuesday, and
if the seal pup was still there then it would be moved to a quieter
location in the same area away from disturbance and "gun"
happy people who wouldnt give a second thought at shooting it.
[click on image to enlarge]
Many thanks to Lisa and Stewart Mauchlen
for alerting us of the pup, and to Tayforth Co-ordinator Gareth
Norman for "provisional" booking of an overnight pen if
required at the Dundee BDMLR Resource and Rescue Unit.
Elaine
Roft
British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Montrose Area Co-ordinator (Inverbervie-Easthaven)
DIVERS
SUPPORT CLEAN OCEANS
Press Release
- 7th December
Scheduled in September each year, the
International Coastal Cleanup* is the world’s largest, one-day
volunteer effort to clean up our marine environment. It’s
the time of the year when volunteers from all over the world –
including thousands of SCUBA divers – show their commitment
to cleaner oceans and waterways by giving a few hours to this worthwhile
cause. The Ocean Conservancy*, Project AWARE* and PADI* were once
again proud to sponsor this year’s event celebrated on 18th
September 2004.
From 1995 through 2003, over 117,000
divers helped clean over 4,000 miles under the water. That’s
greater than the distance from New York to Paris. In 2003, more
than 9,600 divers participated in underwater cleanups in 70 countries.
Divers removed over 185,000 pounds of marine debris that, without
them, would have posed a threat to ocean life. Data gathered so
far from the 2004 International Coastal Cleanup, shows that once
again SCUBA Divers have answered the call for action.
SCUBA divers enjoy the beauty and diversity
of the underwater world, but they will also undoubtedly have encountered
litter. All divers can see the damage caused by debris when fish,
coral, or other living organisms are wrapped in fishing line or
smothered in plastic bags. Divers are our underwater “eyes”;
Litter isn’t just a surface problem. What people are finding
along beaches and shorelines is also found under water.
Participating in the International Coastal
Cleanup is a positive way to give back to the marine environment.
When the cleanup day is over, Project AWARE and the Ocean Conservancy
continue to raise awareness of the needless and irresponsible dumping
of rubbish that is prevalent in many areas and to encourage local
communities to care for their fragile aquatic sites. The International
Coastal Cleanup would not be possible without the hard work and
commitment of volunteers, divers and non-divers, and cleanup co-ordinators
dedicated to this worthwhile cause. On behalf of Project AWARE and
the Ocean Conservancy, THANK YOU to everyone involved in the success
of this year’s event.
If you too
want to participate in a cleanup in your local area, please log
onto our website at www.projectaware.org.
Visit the “Cleanup Highlights” page where you will find
information on outstanding cleanup efforts, fun activities and unusual
items found.
Project
AWARE (UK) - [ a BDMLR sponsor ]
Photo credit : Emperor
Divers Marsa Alaam
click image for larger
size
Sperm
whale stranding, Isle of Lewis
9th December
Just
back from the stunning Isle of Lewis in the outer Hebrides (see
map, right) after being called out to a live-stranded sperm whale
in Bhaltos Bay. The adult whale was first seen swimming in circles
in the Bay at 14:30 hrs on Tuesday, and it soon became obvious that
the animal was going to strand. We were subsequently alerted to
the situation by Bob Reid of the SAC, but as the last ferry to Lewis
was leaving at 15:30, the next best option was to try to get on
the freight ferry at 02:00 hrs, so we set off into the night. With
past experience in hand, we knew it 
was
rare for a sperm whale to survive much longer than 12 hrs after
stranding, but individuals have been known to suffer for up to 36
hrs. Although there was little we might be able to do to help this
animal, we had to attempt to get to it as soon as we could in order
to do our best for it.
Sadly, the leviathan was pronounced
dead by Callum Watt of the SSPCA at 20:00 hrs that very evening.
We eventually arrived at 09:15 yesterday (Weds) morning to be met
by the local coastguards.
The stranded whale was an adult male
measuring 16 metres (54 ft) in length. Whilst no observable signs
of external trauma were apparent, the animal was found to be in
a poor nutritive shape with obvious muscle wastage. A blubber thickness
of approx 6 cm (less than half that expected in a healthy sperm
whale of this size) was noted from a sample that had been taken
from a dorso-lateral region adjacent to the small triangular dorsal
fin, indicating that the whale may not have eaten for some time.
The 22 pairs of teeth were not worn as seen in older sperm whales.
A healthy whale
of this size and species would be expected to weigh in the order
of 45 to 50 tonnes and is clearly going to present a 
challenge
for the authorities in its removal from this beach. Unfortunately,
we could do little more than make a few observations and measurements
for the SAC and then just stand there on the remote and exposed
beach with a familiar mixture of wonderment and sadness of what
had come to pass. The whole trip in fact was a rather surreal experience
for us all.
The photos below show the sheer size
of the whale next to Cameron & Caroline.
The Grampian Television news report
is below as a Windows Media Player file for those interested in
seeing it.
Thanks to the SAC and HM Coastguard
for their support, the local SSPCA, the BDMLR medics on stand by,
and the wonderful members of the public who took us in and warmed
us up with that very much-appreciated cup of tea and biscuit next
to the fire.
To learn more about this largest member
of the toothed whales, go to: http://www.crru.org.uk/education/factfiles/sperm.htm
Dr.
Kevin Robinson - CRRU
All photos
by Kevin Robinson/CRRU |
|
|
Watch
Grampian TV news report (440kb) - click image below |
|
Scotland
(Thurso) Seal Unit Update - no2
7th
December
Today
Dave Williams BDMLR Liverpool has been helping us. We were also
joined in the evening by two local Scotish Medics. As seal 2 has
not started eating enough fish on her own Ali (the unit manger)
decided to force feed her again. It isn't a nice thing for the seal
but hopefully
she will not need to go through that again. We've been learning
how to take temperatures. Unforunately there appears to be a problem
with the thermometres, and the readings seem to be very low and
obviously wrong.
It has been good practice. Later in the week 3 of the seals are
going to Oban who have space. Ali has decided to move the two smallest
seals
which are developing slowly, and a large female with injured rear
flippers. This should make life easier and reduce down crowding.
As the
seals grow they will need more food and larger feeds. So even though
3 are going there will still be as much work to do. Each feeding
session does not just involve feeding but food preparation, cleaning
out, hosing down, and all the washing up afterwards plus washing
down the floors before leaving. The last few days I have been doing
more of the cleaning out at the begining. This does not always smell
pleasent but is very important. Different buckets are used in different
pens to reduce risk of cross infection. Each pen also has its own
tub of syringes, tube and bite guard. These all need strict cleaning
out and washing carefully. Hygeine is very important, we even have
to wash down our water-proof trousers after feeding and handling
each seal. I was watching seal 4 today playing in the water fasinated
by the plug and playing with the water pouring into the pen, they
are so intellegent.
I'm
certainly learning alot while here. With 2 days to go I'll be reluctant
to leave but will do so knowing I have helped and will use my experience
to start developing a holding pen and initial treatment facility
at Seaford.
Trevor
Weeks - BDMLR Marine Mammal medic ( Sussex )
Scotland
(Thurso) Seal Unit Update
6th December
The
last few days have been hard but exciting and challenging. I am
now feeding up to half the seals in the unit. Luckily 2 are starting
to eat by themselves, we hope a third might soon. It is easy to
look at the seals and think they are cute and attempt to stroke
them, it wouldn't be a good idea as you would probably get bitten!
What we are doing here is difficult and I for one feel really sorry
for these not so little
creatures. The fact that these pups have been orphaned, injured
or abandoned is bad enough. To then start tube feeding them isn't
much
better.
You
have to be very tough in catching and handling them. If you don't
apply enough pressure you are likely to get bitten. They wriggle
and snort at you but you know they will not survive otherwise. I'm
always appologising to them when I finish each one. However when
you've finished and leave them be for a while they soon settle down.
I watched one of the smaller pups lying on its back (which they
all seem to love doing) scratching her tummy and then bitting nails.
The larger grey seal was being force fed whole fish but now we have
given her 12inches of water to play in and leaving fish in the water
for her. She loves the water and swims about playing and rolling
over.
Trevor
getting to grips with a pup
She
makes one hell of a noise and commotion. She was fasinated by the
plug to day and as we drained her tank she kept puting her flipper
over the hole or sticking noise down the hole! The common seal has
a real cool and calm attitude and is eating on her own. Fverytime
you pass her pen she looks up to see if you have any fish for her.
I went for a walk today a few miles away to a little bay where I
counted 18 grey seals. 12 in the water and 6 on the beach. I sat
for a while on the remains of the old harbour wall an watched them.
They seemed as fasinated by me as I was of them. When there heads
are all that is showing whilst at sea they look quite small but
those on the beach were hugh. It makes you realise how small the
ones in the unit are. It also shows you how small the Sussex rescued
seals have been. I'm having a great time up her and learning a lot.
Trevor
Weeks - BDMLR Marine Mammal medic ( Sussex )
treatment
for shock (fluids and prednisolone) on the beach as well as sedatives
(midazolam) to facilitate the trip back to The Centre, and propranolol
to control his heart rate. On arrival he weighed 75 kg, was 214
cm in length and was very weak. Bloods were taken and results showed
no medical abnormalities. Other than being underweight, having a
few rake marks on him and a bite on his nose, externally he seemed
fine too.
deteriorate.
Whilst a deeper pool was found physiotherapy was instigated to try
and relieve the scoliosis. This was not an ideal situation as hands
on procedures potentially can habituate a wild animal, and we wanted
him fit for release. However for the next week while we worked on
a new home, physiotherapy was the only option. 
His
VHF signals are still being listened for daily to ensure that he continues
to dive and surface. The satellite tag is transmitting well and we
have been able to get locations on him daily since the release. After
a short journey north, he returned back to the south end of Monterey
bay and then further south to the Channel Islands offshore from Santa
Barbara.
