Marine Mammal Stranding Response Welfare Protocols

Stranded marine mammals — dolphins, whales, and seals — require specialized rescue protocols that minimize stress and injury while providing effective veterinary care.

Key Facts

Thousands of marine mammal strandings are reported annually along US coastlines
Causes include illness, entanglement, boat strikes, and natural end of life
Handling stress during rescue can be fatal for already-compromised animals
Specialized stranding networks provide trained first responders in many coastal regions
Successful rescues depend on minimizing handling time while maximizing diagnostic accuracy

Welfare Considerations

Marine mammal strandings represent acute welfare emergencies where rapid, skilled response determines survival. Stressed marine mammals release cortisol and catecholamines that exacerbate underlying conditions. Improper handling causes additional trauma. Welfare-focused stranding protocols emphasize minimizing handling time, maintaining appropriate body temperature, providing shade and moisture, and using sedation when necessary. The decision to euthanize severely compromised animals is often the most welfare-positive option available.

What You Can Do

Know the marine mammal stranding hotline number for your region
Never attempt to push stranded animals back into the water without expert guidance
Keep crowds and noise away from stranded animals while help is summoned
Support and donate to certified marine mammal stranding response organizations