Marine Mammal Strandings - Network and Response

How the UK marine mammal strandings network operates, and the welfare protocols for live stranded cetaceans.

Key Facts

The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) responds to over 5,000 marine animal incidents annually
Live stranded cetaceans typically have serious underlying health issues; refloating without veterinary assessment risks poor welfare outcomes
Stranded common dolphins account for the majority of live UK strandings; porpoise and seal strandings are also common
Casualty triage protocols guide decisions on treatment, temporary support, euthanasia, or release
CSIP (Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme) analyses post-mortem samples for disease and pollutant monitoring

Welfare Considerations

This topic has significant welfare implications for the animals involved. Evidence-based management approaches and appropriate veterinary care can substantially improve outcomes.

What You Can Do

Consult your veterinarian for guidance specific to your situation
Follow evidence-based management protocols
Monitor animals closely and intervene promptly when welfare concerns arise
Stay updated with current research and best practices
Share knowledge with others to improve welfare across the sector