British Marine Turtle Stranding Network

It has been well documented that marine turtles, especially the leatherback (Dermochelys coriacea) and the loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) range widely in European Atlantic waters. This was confirmed by a recent review of British marine turtle strandings (1992-1996; Godley et al. 1998). In this data set, of a total of 38 dead turtles identified, 35 were leatherback turtles and three were loggerhead turtles. Entanglement in fishing gear was suggested as the major cause of mortality in leatherback turtles. In addition, contaminant levels of organochlorine and metal contaminants were determined in the tissues of three of the leatherback turtles. Concentrations of all contaminants determined were found to be low.

As a result of this work the British Marine Turtle Stranding Network (BMTSN) was formed. To date, this is an informal network has comprised:

Marine Environmental Monitoring
Marine Turtle Research Group
Natural History Museum
SAC Veterinary Science Division
Scottish Natural Heritage

In 1997, an additional 14 strandings were recorded (13 leatherback turtles; 1 green turtle (Chelonia mydas)). These were quite widely distributed around Britain (leatherback turtles: 2 in England, 5 in Wales and 6 in Scotland; green turtle: 1 in England). When the 1997 data are combined with those from 1992-1996 then the marked higher density of strandings in the north and west is evident.

This work continues and the BMTSN welcomes further collaboration both from within the UK, regionally within Europe and internationally. Many thanks to all the many individuals who have contributed to reporting strandings and helping to record data.

If you have a stranding or a live sighting to report please contact:

Rod Penrose
Strandings Co-ordinator (Wales)
Marine Environmental Monitoring.
Collaborative UK & Celtic Marine Mammal Project.
British Marine Turtle Stranding Network.
Tel: 01348 875000
International: +44 1239 682405
email: rodpenrose@cix.co.uk