Cetacean Stranding Response and Welfare

Mass strandings of whales and dolphins are increasing in frequency and may be linked to sonar, climate change, and ocean noise pollution, with welfare interventions facing significant limitations.

Key Facts

Over 2,000 cetaceans strand on US coastlines each year, including both individual and mass events
Beaked whales are particularly susceptible to stranding associated with naval sonar exercises
Mass strandings may occur when a single sick or disoriented animal leads a social group ashore
Euthanasia protocols for stranded cetaceans are complex and require large doses of barbiturates or firearms
Refloating stranded animals has a high recurrence rate with limited long-term survival success

Welfare Considerations

Mass-stranded whales experience progressive dehydration, hyperthermia from sun exposure, crushing injury from their own weight without water support, and acute fear from disorientation. The decision to euthanize a stranded whale is ethically and logistically complex, but delaying euthanasia in animals who cannot be successfully refloated causes preventable suffering. The welfare of stranding response can be improved through faster decision-making protocols, adequate barbiturate supplies, and training for responders on euthanasia determination.

What You Can Do

Contact NOAA Fisheries or your national stranding network if you find a stranded cetacean
Never attempt to push stranded whales back into the water without coordinating with experts
Support ocean noise pollution reduction through military sonar limitations near cetacean habitats
Donate to marine mammal stranding response networks in your region