Stranded whales & dolphins: sharing what we've learned
One of the world’s hotspots for mass strandings is on the doorstep of IFAW’s international HQ, so we've been working to rescue stranded whales and dolphins since the 1980s and helped create the Cape Cod Stranding Network in 1998. Now we are looking at ways to share the lessons learned here with other stranding groups around the world.
IFAW has been involved in responding to marine mammals strandings, primarily
on Cape Cod where IFAW's International Headquarters is located, for the past
eight years. It is here that our marine mammal stranding work is focused. The
Cape has an unusually high number of strandings each year of about 15 different
species including pilot whales, humpback whales and harbor porpoises. The area
is particularly known for the mass strandings of up to hundreds of animals,
mainly common and striped dolphins, that occur regularly.
While some marine mammal strandings can be attributed to illness or injury, the causes of many strandings are not completely understood and no single factor has been identified as the cause of strandings. Through our years of experience with marine mammal strandings we know that rescue, rehabilitation and release is successful. IFAW also works to prevent the unnecessary suffering and death of stranded marine mammals.
Our work with marine mammals at risk also extends to the waters surrounding Grand Manan Island, Canada. By supporting the work of the Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station (GMWSRS), IFAW has saved the lives of hundreds of porpoises, freeing those trapped in the fishing weirs nets of the local fishermen.
While some marine mammal strandings can be attributed to illness or injury, the causes of many strandings are not completely understood and no single factor has been identified as the cause of strandings. Through our years of experience with marine mammal strandings we know that rescue, rehabilitation and release is successful. IFAW also works to prevent the unnecessary suffering and death of stranded marine mammals.
Our work with marine mammals at risk also extends to the waters surrounding Grand Manan Island, Canada. By supporting the work of the Grand Manan Whale and Seabird Research Station (GMWSRS), IFAW has saved the lives of hundreds of porpoises, freeing those trapped in the fishing weirs nets of the local fishermen.
