Stranding Evaluation

Questions to ask:

● Species, size and number (if species not known, size and appearance). ● Alive or dead? ● Contact details and when first seen? (who reported by - contact tel. no.). ● Exact location (nearest town - name of beach - location on beach - access to beach). ● Conditions at the scene (weather - sea state - tide state - level of disturbance). ● Condition of cetacean (alive or dead - no. of breaths per minute - any wounds - skin condition - obvious dipping of lumbar muscles or neck? - period of time observed). ● Position of cetacean (in sun or shade - in or above the surf - on rocks, shingle or sand). ● How long has it/they been stranded? ● Any attempts made to re-float? (if so, how was it done and how long was taken over it?)

Advice to give:

● Support the animal in an upright position and dig trenches under the pectoral fins. ● If animals are in water deeper than your waist - leave them alone. If shallower; and upright - leave them and get help, if on their sides - then roll them over onto their stomachs so their dorsal fin is upright and they can breathe. ● If the animal is on the beach, cover it with wet sheets or towels (even seaweed) and keep it moist by spraying or dousing with water. N.B.

the blowhole should not be covered, and care should be taken to avoid any water or sand entering it.

● Dig holes for their flippers ● Provide shade or shelter, if necessary or pour water over the animal to keep it cool (not the blowhole). ● Avoid the tail and breaths from the blowhole, due to injury/health risks.