Whale and dolphins strandings down - 2004/2005

 The number of whales and dolphins stranded on UK shores has dropped between 2004 and 2005.

Initial figures show a UK-wide decrease in strandings of around 13 per cent (799 in 2004, 700 in 2005).

In South-west England, which has one of the most comprehensive stranding volunteers networks in the UK, there was a decrease of 41 per cent (477 in 2004, 282 in 2005).

Figures for the preceding four years (2000 to 2004) had shown a national increase in strandings (420 in 2000, 799 in 2004). Defra has today published a report to analyse the findings.

Marine and Fisheries Minister Ben Bradshaw said: “This is very welcome news, particularly for the South West. I am pleased that the measures implemented in recent years appear to be having an effect. But we must not be complacent. The British Government will continue to be in the forefront of national and international efforts to protect our much loved dolphins, porpoises and other cetaceans.”

Notes to editors

1.   Defra has funded an internationally acclaimed UK-wide cetacean strandings monitoring programme for the last 15 years.
2. 2000-2004 Strandings Report is available at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/wildlife-countryside/resprog/findings/index.htm

End

Public enquiries: 08459 335577
News releases available on our website:
www.defra.gov.uk
Defra's aim is sustainable development