Whale and dolphin strandings occur globally and represent both welfare emergencies and research opportunities. Response protocols significantly affect survival rates and reduce suffering.
Cetacean stranding response is a high-stakes, time-critical welfare intervention. A live stranded dolphin or whale suffers multiple welfare harms: overheating due to lack of water cooling, compression of organs from their own weight, dehydration, and extreme stress from disorientation. Rapid response by trained BDMLR medics - providing cooling, shade, and support - can significantly reduce suffering and improve survival outcomes. The hardest welfare decision is when to euthanise: a whale that cannot be refloated, or that will certainly re-strand, faces prolonged suffering that humane euthanasia can prevent. Training of marine mammal medics, equipment stockpiles on strategic coastlines, and rapid response protocols are the most important welfare investments.