Marine mammal stranding networks provide welfare support to stranded whales, dolphins, and porpoises, reducing suffering through rapid response, euthanasia decisions, and rehabilitation where appropriate.
Key Facts
An estimated 2,000 cetaceans strand on UK beaches annually, including common dolphins, harbour porpoises, and seals
BDMLR (British Divers Marine Life Rescue) coordinates trained marine mammal medics who respond to strandings
Live strandings cause acute welfare compromise from dehydration, overheating, and physical stress within hours
Mass strandings of pilot whales and false killer whales present complex triage and euthanasia decisions
Causes of stranding include noise pollution, fishing entanglement, prey depletion, disease, and disorientation
Welfare Considerations
Cetacean stranding is a welfare crisis for individual animals - large whales out of water overheat rapidly and experience respiratory stress from their own body weight on their lungs. The welfare goal of stranding networks is twofold: to provide immediate care and distress reduction for stranded animals, and to make humane euthanasia decisions when recovery is not possible. Training stranding responders in welfare assessment prevents animals from suffering through futile and distressing refloating attempts.
What You Can Do
Know the stranding hotline number for your country and report all stranded marine mammals immediately
Never attempt to push a stranded cetacean back into the water without trained responder guidance
Volunteer with your local marine mammal stranding network after completing the required training
Support noise pollution reduction campaigns that reduce cetacean disorientation from military sonar and shipping
Donate to stranding response organizations that provide rapid welfare support