Why do cetaceans strand?

Cetaceans strand for a variety of reasons, but they always require medical evaluation before being refloated into their natural habitat.

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Stranding conserves energy.

Dolphins are marine mammals, so they actually breathe air. When they are weak or disoriented they may swim into shallow waters- this allows them to breathe without expending energy needed to swim.

However, this leaves them susceptible to sunburn, and injury from the pressure of their body weight on their lungs and organs.

Causes include...

- Disorientation (large storms & tides)

- Injury (from boats or predators)

- Entanglement in fishing gear

- Sickness (respiratory illness, viruses)

- Hearing or Vision loss

- Social Bonds (mother and calf pairs)

What Happens When an Animal Strands?

When a live animal strands, emergency teams kick into action.

Code 1- Live Animal

A live animal stranding will be responded to by the nearest certified rescue and government agencies. These emergencies require vet and rescue staff to evaluate and determine the next steps to take.

After careful evaluation, animals deemed healthy enough can be refloated and monitored, to ensure they make it away from the location safely.

Sick, wounded, or very young animals are typically taken in to the closest marine mammal facility with space available for further medical care and rehabilitation. It is then up to NOAA and the NMFS to determine if the animal is a candidate for release.

Code 2- Recently Deceased

Code 3- Moderate Decomposition

Code 4- Advanced Decomposition

Code 5- Mummified

When an animal has already passed away, responders will still collect the remains and analyze them. In most cases a necropsy, or nonhuman autopsy, will be performed to confirm cause of death and learn more about the history of the individual.

Although the animal has already passed away, the information gained from its remains can provide valuable information about the species as a whole.

Non-Releasable Animals

Some individuals cannot be released, due to their lack of survival skills, disabilities, or habituation to humans. Once deemed non-releasable, NOAA accepts applications from facilities willing to give the animal a permanent home. Ultimately, the government is in charge of choosing the facility best suited to provide long-term care for the individual. Placement depends on the animal's age, sex, health status, and how they will integrate into the existing social structures of the applying facilities. Many non-releasable animals become ambassadors, educating people about their species and how we can protect our ocean ecosystems.