A marine conservation group is training more people to record the number of dolphin deaths off the Cornish coast. More than 250 dolphins and porpoises have been found washed up on South West beaches this year alone.
The Silver Dolphin Marine Conservation Centre in Porthleven is hosting courses designed to help volunteers identify dolphin and porpoise species.
The head of the Silver Dolphin Centre, David Bull, said it was important dead animals were recovered for research and so bodies could be disposed of properly.
Animal autopsy
The training is designed to both give people the skills to identify species as part of a coastal walk or to use that information specifically to update current statistics.
David Bull said it was essential the centre was informed about sightings.
He said: "Some of the specimens are in really good condition and we can have them taken in for an autopsy, so we know exactly why they died, if it was fishing-related injuries, old age or some other cause.
"Also, specimens that get washed up that are not suitable for autopsy, we have to arrange for councils to dispose of them."
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