Marine mammal stranding response networks rescue and rehabilitate thousands of seals, dolphins, and whales annually, providing emergency welfare care that requires specialized knowledge and rapid deployment across extensive coastlines.
Stranded marine mammals are often severely compromised before rescue - dehydration, hypothermia, infection, and injury are common. Welfare-based decision-making is critical: rehabilitation that causes prolonged suffering without reasonable prospect of successful release is not in the animal's interests. Euthanasia may be the most welfare-positive decision for severely compromised individuals. For animals that can recover, rehabilitation facilities must provide appropriate social housing, minimal stress handling, and gradual progression toward release. Post-release monitoring provides essential evidence on rehabilitation welfare outcomes.