PORTISHEAD'S coastguard team were called out last week after a dead porpoise was spotted near Black Nore Lighthouse in Portishead.

The crew launched at around 5.05pm on Wednesday, March 27.

Measurements and specific observations needed to be recorded because the creature was a Royal Fish, which means that the Crown or grantee has a right to claim it.

The HM Coastguard website explains further: "Fishes Royal (or Royal Fish) are deceased cetaceans and sturgeons that have been stranded on the UK’s shores.

"They are called Royal Fish because they are a Royal Prerogative and the Crown (or grantee) has the right to claim them. 

"In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Royal Fish include all whales, porpoises, dolphins, and sturgeons. In Scotland, Royal Fish only include whales over 25ft long.

"The Crown’s right to claim Royal Fish dates back to the 12th century when a stranded cetacean would have been a valuable commodity.

"Today, in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, the Fishes Royal Prerogative is administered on behalf of the Crown by HM Coastguard’s Receiver of Wreck. 

"If you find a deceased whale, porpoise, dolphin or sturgeon on the coast please contact the Receiver of Wreck on 0203 817 2575.

"By reporting Royal Fish to HM Coastguard, you are supporting scientific research into the health of whale, porpoise, dolphin, and sturgeon populations as well as the wider marine ecosystem."

Posting on social media, a spokesperson from the Portishead Coastguard Rescue Team said: "Tasking 18 - March 27, 2024, 17:05.

"Team were tasked to a deceased #porpoise west of Black Nore Lighthouse #Portishead.

"As a porpoise is a Royal Fish, specific observations and measurements needed to be recorded. This data is submitted to the Natural History Museum for scientific analysis.

"Once the data was collected, the porpoise was moved above the high water line. This was in case further research or a post mortem needed to be carried out.

"In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Royal Fish include all whales, porpoises, dolphins, and sturgeons. In Scotland, Royal Fish only include whales over 25ft long.

"If you find a deceased whale, porpoise, dolphin or sturgeon on the coast please contact the Receiver of Wreck on 0203 817 2575.

"In a coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the #Coastguard."