Long-term tracking of rehabilitated domoic acid-affected sea lions reveals post-release welfare outcomes that inform euthanasia and release decision protocols.
Long-term post-release tracking has transformed the ethical framework for domoic acid rehabilitation decisions. Before tracking data existed, rehabilitation and release was considered uniformly beneficial compared to euthanasia. Tracking now shows a gradient — mild cases benefit from rehabilitation, severe cases face ongoing welfare compromise post-release. The Marine Mammal Center euthanasia criteria for irreversible neurological damage reflect this evidence, prioritizing welfare over rescue statistics. The ongoing question is whether intermediate cases should be released with welfare compromise accepted or whether euthanasia provides a better welfare outcome.