The Wildlife Trust's North Sea Wildlife Project

Fascinating Finds!

A surprised birdwatcher made a startling discovery off Mappleton, on the coast of East Yorkshire this week when he discovered a large fin sticking out the water just out to sea. Knowing the fin not to be one of a porpoise he watched as it drifted inshore, revealing it belonged to a 3 foot Tope.

 

Further investigation along the shore also led to the discovery of a smaller (about half the size) body of a smoothhound. It is thought that both of these animals died as a result of bycatch.