Welfare of Animals in Marine Mammal Strandings

Marine mammal strandings — cetaceans and pinnipeds beaching or washing ashore — create acute welfare emergencies requiring rapid response and expert care.

Key Facts

Over 2,000 marine mammal strandings occur annually in the US, handled by NOAA-authorized response networks
Live strandings require immediate intervention to prevent hyperthermia, sunburn, and cardiovascular collapse
Mass strandings of pilot whales and beaked whales can involve dozens to hundreds of animals simultaneously
Offshore rescue of live strandings is difficult and dangerous but has improved with experience
Euthanasia is the most humane option when stranded animals have severe injuries or are too weak to survive

Welfare Considerations

Stranded marine mammals require urgent, expert welfare care: cetaceans unsupported by water bear their own weight on their internal organs, causing progressive cardiovascular and respiratory deterioration. Hyperthermia from sun exposure compounds the problem. The welfare-optimal response — cooling, support, and rapid assessment of survival probability — requires trained responders acting within hours. When survival is unlikely, rapid euthanasia is the most welfare-positive choice, preventing prolonged suffering.

What You Can Do

Report marine mammal strandings to NOAA hotline (1-877-WHALE-HELP) immediately — do not attempt to move animals
Keep people and dogs away from stranded animals to reduce stress during response
Donate to International Fund for Animal Welfare marine mammal response programs
Support NOAA stranding network funding through advocacy with your representatives