Meanwhile, return to the scene and wait for help to arrive. Try to keep dogs and members of the public at a distance to avoid any further stress to the animal. If you can find adequate help, gently roll the animal over onto its front and keep its skin wet by dousing with seawater. Do NOT pull the animal by its fins or tail and be VERY careful not to get water down the blowhole when dousing. Also, be extremely careful of the teeth and tail. DO NOT PUT YOURSELF AT RISK. Whales and dolphins are powerful animals and they can carry diseases that are transferrable to humans. If in doubt, WAIT for help.

For full contact numbers for Scotland or England/Wales, download the respective Strandings Poster by clicking on the appropriate links below.

If you find a DEAD whale or dolphin, however, (in any condition) secure the carcass if possible above the high water mark; make exact notes on its location with reference to maps or local features; and contact the appropriate local authorities with details:

In Scotland, you should contact the National Strandings Co-ordinator at the Scottish Agricultural College (SAC) on 01463 243030 (or 01463 791915 outside office hours).

In England or Wales, telephone The Natural History Museum on 0207 942 5155.

In Northern Ireland contact 08 0232 381251.

For the Republic of Ireland telephone 021 276871.

In either case, any stranding (dead or alive) can be reported to the CRRU on 01261 851 696.

For a copy of the CRRU's newly-released "Scottish Strandings Poster", with contact numbers and advice on what to do if you find a stranded dolphin or seal, simply click on the yellow icon (right) for a downloadable pdf version. To print the poster in A4 size, make sure you select the option "fit to page" in the print options. Full sized copies of the A3 poster can be obtained by sending a stamped addressed A4 envelope to the CRRU at PO Box 11307, Banff, AB45 3WB.

Thanks to new support from WDCS, we are now pleased to have also produced another version of the strandings poster with contact no's for England & Wales. To download a copy of this version click HERE.

Please Note: To download the poster in pdf format you will require a copy of Acrobat Reader. This software can be downloaded for free by clicking on the following link :