Marine mammal strandings create some of the most visible and urgent wildlife welfare crises. Understanding why they occur and how to respond appropriately can save lives.
The welfare implications of marine mammal strandings are profound. Animals may suffer for hours or days before help arrives. The stress of being out of water, the weight of their own bodies, overheating, and in some cases injuries from ships or fishing gear all create acute suffering. Mass strandings present the most challenging scenarios, with limited resources to help many animals simultaneously. In some cases, euthanasia is the most humane outcome for severely compromised individuals. Well-meaning but untrained interventions can cause additional harm.