If you discover a stranded whale, dolphin, porpoise or seal anywhere around the Clyde or Scottish coastline, please report it, even if the animal is already dead.
The Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS) investigates stranded marine animals to better understand their health, causes of death and the threats they face.
Information collected from strandings provides valuable scientific evidence about disease, pollution, human activities and other pressures affecting Scotland’s marine wildlife.
How to report a dead stranded animal
Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS)
Telephone or text: 07979 245893
Email: reports@strandings.org
Website: www.strandings.org/report
When reporting a stranding, please provide:
- The date and exact location, ideally with GPS coordinates.
- Photographs of the animal, if safe to take.
- The species, if known, or a brief description.
- An estimate of its length and condition.
- Your contact details.
Please do not touch, move or attempt to collect a dead animal without appropriate advice. Keep dogs and children away.
What if the animal is still alive?
A live stranding requires urgent specialist assistance. Contact:
British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR)
24-hour rescue hotline: 01825 765546
Scottish SPCA
Animal Helpline: 03000 999 999
Do not attempt to return a stranded dolphin, porpoise or whale to the sea yourself. Wait for trained marine mammal rescuers and follow their advice.
Why your report matters
Every reported stranding contributes to our understanding of Scotland’s marine mammals. Even animals that cannot be recovered for examination can provide important information about their distribution, health and mortality.
If you find a stranded marine animal, please report it. Your observation could make a valuable contribution to marine conservation.
Clyde Porpoise — Supporting marine mammal research and conservation in the Firth of Clyde.