Evaluating Stranded Marine Mammals for Signs of Human Interaction Workshop - December 2005
Workshop Report
This workshop was geared toward stranding responders and protected species managers who utilize stranding data. Evaluating marine mammals for signs of human interaction requires consistent, objective examination by trained personnel. The workshop introduced a new protocol for examining stranded marine mammals for evidence of human interaction and provided training and training materials to attendees so that they may then train other stranding responders within their organization. The protocol focuses on two distinct elements necessary to properly evaluate marine mammals for evidence of interactions: 1) systematic, objective data collection and documentation methods and 2) the synthesis of data (stranding history and circumstances, necropsy and histopathology findings, etc.) to evaluate the likelihood that a documented interaction contributed to or caused the stranding.
The four hour training reviewed the following topics: reasons to evaluate animals for signs of human interaction (HI), how to use HI data, definitions of terms on the Marine Mammal Stranding (Level A) form, the importance of being objective and conservative, and how to recognize different types of HI. We reviewed case studies and discussed HI evaluation results. Prior to the workshop, participants were encouraged to review their own cases and bring questions, images and necropsy reports to discuss with the group. All stranding response personnel were encouraged to attend; volunteers and others were welcome. We assumed that participants have some basic knowledge of marine mammal anatomy, stranding response and necropsy. (Development of this protocol was funded by the John H. Prescott Grant Program through NOAA/NMFS/OPR).
The four hour training reviewed the following topics: reasons to evaluate animals for signs of human interaction (HI), how to use HI data, definitions of terms on the Marine Mammal Stranding (Level A) form, the importance of being objective and conservative, and how to recognize different types of HI. We reviewed case studies and discussed HI evaluation results. Prior to the workshop, participants were encouraged to review their own cases and bring questions, images and necropsy reports to discuss with the group. All stranding response personnel were encouraged to attend; volunteers and others were welcome. We assumed that participants have some basic knowledge of marine mammal anatomy, stranding response and necropsy. (Development of this protocol was funded by the John H. Prescott Grant Program through NOAA/NMFS/OPR).
Workshop Details
The workshop had 47 attendees (out of a maximum of 50) who represented 13 different countries. Attendees included three veterinary pathologists, two veterinarians, numerous stranding response personnel ranging from one to more than 25 years of experience, and six national and international students.
Chairs: Sue Barco and Kathie Touhey
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Day/Date: Saturday December 10
Time: PM
Chairs: Sue Barco and Kathie Touhey
E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]
Day/Date: Saturday December 10
Time: PM