Stranded cetaceans and seals require skilled welfare response to either support recovery or provide humane euthanasia. The British Divers Marine Life Rescue network coordinates UK response.
Stranded marine mammals face acute welfare crises. Cetaceans out of water suffer from their own weight compressing internal organs, dehydration, sunburn, and overheating. The welfare response requires rapid assessment: is the animal likely to recover and survive if refloated? Are there signs of disease (morbillivirus, trauma, entanglement injury) that make survival unlikely? Humane euthanasia — where available and appropriate — is often the kindest response to a severely compromised animal. The BDMLR's network of trained marine mammal medics provides the expertise to make these welfare-sensitive decisions across UK coastlines.