When whales, dolphins and seals strand on beaches, emergency welfare decisions must be made rapidly, often under difficult conditions with limited resources.
Strandings present acute welfare crises with limited response options. A live-stranded large whale or dolphin may suffer for hours or days from dehydration, organ compression from its own weight, heat, and respiratory distress. Euthanasia, when indicated, requires methods that ensure rapid loss of consciousness - firearms are used for large cetaceans, requiring trained personnel. The decision to attempt refloating versus euthanase requires rapid assessment of the animal's condition. Community volunteers play a crucial role but must be guided by trained coordinators to avoid inadvertently causing additional distress.