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Strandings

dolphin strandingEvery year, thousands of whales, dolphins and porpoises are found stranded on coastlines around the world. But there are some areas in particular where strandings are more common, such as Cape Cod in the USA and the around New Zealand.

Some animals die at sea and wash up, others strand alive and some becoming trapped in shallow waters. Live stranded animals may be single individuals or in a family group, and, whilst sometimes an animal may be old or unwell, many appear to be perfectly healthy.

WDCS continues to support efforts to rescue stranded marine animals around the world.

Atlantic spotted dolphinWhat To Do If You Find A Live Stranded Whale Or Dolphin
The most important thing is to seek out an expert to help the animal. Many countries have strandings networks of experts who are specially trained in how to deal with stranding emergencies and have veterinary specialists associated with them.
Bottlenose dolphin pod Mike BossleyWhy Do Whales And Dolphin Strand?
A live whale or dolphin beached on the shore is almost always in danger of its life. They are helpless on land and usually die within a few hours or days if not appropriately attended to.
Atlantic white-sided dolphinWhere To Report A Stranding
Details of appropriate emergency numbers to call in the event of finding a live marine mammal stranding.
Common dolphinsNavy Sonar “smoking Gun” In Whale And Dolphin Strandings
A new scientific publication co-authored by WDCS has concluded a strong link between naval mid frequency sonar and whale and dolphin strandings.