Cetacean strandings cause significant welfare harm, and response quality determines whether stranded animals suffer minimally or extensively.
Cetaceans stranded alive experience dehydration, sunburn, and compression injuries from their own body weight. Those that cannot be refloated on the same tide deteriorate rapidly. Poorly coordinated responses waste critical time. Mass strandings of social species may cause survivors to restand following their companions. Rapid assessment and veterinary triage reduce suffering.