Stranded marine mammals present complex welfare challenges requiring trained responders, appropriate facilities, and honest assessment of which individuals merit intensive intervention.
Seal pups are the most commonly stranded marine mammals in the UK; many are naturally weaned rather than abandoned. Inappropriate intervention — handling apparently healthy pups — causes welfare harm through stress and possible abandonment. Harbour porpoises, dolphins, and whales that strand singly are often seriously ill; intervention assessment is complex. British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) provides training for marine mammal medics who can respond appropriately. Euthanasia of non-salvageable stranded animals is a welfare priority that prevents prolonged suffering; this requires trained responders with appropriate authority.