Stranded whales, dolphins, and porpoises require rapid, expert response to maximize survival chances while minimizing the stress and suffering of the stranding event.
Cetacean stranding response involves making rapid welfare decisions with imperfect information under time pressure. A stranded dolphin deteriorating on a beach is experiencing acute stress, overheating, and circulatory problems from unsupported body weight - every hour without intervention worsens prognosis and increases suffering. At the same time, refloating a sick or injured animal without understanding why it stranded risks sending a compromised animal back into the sea to re-strand or die alone. The welfare-optimal response requires expert assessment: is this animal fit for refloating? What is the likely cause? Can refloating be supported to improve success? Trained stranding networks provide the expertise needed to make these assessments effectively.