Barrel jellyfish washed up. Photo: Jonathan Holt
Find out more information on how to report stranded marine animals or report interesting sightings when you are out and about.
How to report a stranding
If you find a stranded whale, dolphin, porpoise, shark or turtle, please contact the relevant authorities:
FOR LIVE STRANDINGS:
| England, Scotland & Wales (all species) | British Divers Marine Life Rescue | 08125 765546 or 07787 433412 (out of hours) |
| England & Wales (all species) | RSPCA | 0300 1234999 |
| Scotland (all species) | SSPCA | 0131 3390111 |
| Northern Ireland (whales, dolphins or porpoises) | DAERA - Marine and Fisheries Division - Coastal Zone Portrush | 028 70823600 (This diverts to a 24 hour mobile if no one is available in the office) |
| Northern Ireland (sick/injured seals) | Exploris Aquarium | 028 427 28062 or alternatively 02842 721 196, email info@explorisni.com or send a message on Facebook. |
| Isle of Man (all species) | MSPCA | 01624 851672 |
If you find a live stranded marine mammal inform the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (see above). They will then advise you about the best action to take.
In the case of a seal, it might also be useful to inform the RSPCA/SSPCA (see above) who will be trained on how to deal with these animals.
Please do not attempt to catch or touch the animal until you have consulted the professionals; it could cause more harm than good to you and the animal.
FOR DEAD STRANDINGS:
| England, Scotland & Wales (all species) | Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme | 0800 652 0333 |
| Scotland (all species) | Scottish Marine Animal Strandings Scheme | 07979 245893 (out of hours) |
| Isle of Man (all species) | Manx Wildlife Trust (Marine Officer) | 07624 450879 or 01624 844432 |
| Northern Ireland | DAERA - Marine and Fisheries Division - Coastal Zone Portrush | 028 70823600 (This diverts to a 24 hour mobile if no one is available in the office) |
Sightings
There are lots of organisations that collect information on sightings, so if you see anything interesting when you are out and about, why not help them create a picture of our marine life. Below are links of where to report different species: