What to do if you find a dead whale or dolphin (or seals, large-bodied sharks and turtles)
On Monday 15 March, 2021, we found a dead Common Dolphin at Porth Nobla, Anglesey UK. In order that this sighting be recorded and accessible to scientists, we logged the sighting on the Natural History Museum’s Website (below). It is now highly likely that a post mortem examination will be conducted on this animal.
We did the following:
1. Took photographs. This is invaluable for species identification and assessing the level of decomposition (which affects whether we do a post-mortem examination).
2. Estimated the animal's size in metres or feet.
3. Noted the exact location and date.
4. Send these details and photos to strandings@nhm.ac.uk or call 0800 6520 333.