Marine Animals

Stranded Marine Mammals: Rescue and Rehabilitation

Thousands of whales, dolphins, and seals strand on beaches each year. Welfare outcomes depend heavily on rapid response, skilled assessment, and coordinated rescue networks.

Key Facts

BDMLR responds to over 7,000 marine mammal incidents annually in the UK
Causes include entanglement, ship strikes, disease, malnourishment, and disorientation
Live stranded animals often suffer from hypothermia, dehydration, and internal injuries
Successful rehabilitation requires specialised pools, diet management, and careful health monitoring
Mass strandings of pilot whales and dolphins present particular logistical challenges

Welfare Considerations

Stranded marine mammals suffer acutely during and after the stranding event. Without rapid intervention, animals die from compression injuries, respiratory failure, or prolonged distress. Welfare triage is critical: some animals can be successfully rehabilitated and released, while others require humane euthanasia to prevent further suffering. Training beach rescue teams and maintaining response networks is a direct welfare intervention.

What You Can Do

Report strandings to national hotlines (BDMLR in UK: 01825 765546)
Do not attempt to move or return stranded animals without expert guidance
Support marine mammal rescue organisations financially
Reduce ocean pollution and noise that contributes to strandings
Avoid approaches to wild cetaceans that may cause disorientation or stress