.Tustific ^i^ion and Introduction 



The 1990 bottlenose dolphin anomalous mortality event in the 

 Gulf of Mexico illustrated that the Stranding Network was 

 unprepared to mount an adequate response to increased strandings. 

 Furthermore, gross inconsistencies in regular data collection and 

 reporting among Network participants have resulted in a lack of 

 baseline information and the inability to monitor the stranding 

 rate in a timely fashion. These problems are primarily the result 

 of relying on a not-uniformly organized or trained, under-funded, 

 volunteer Network. The SEFC can improve the capabilities of the 

 Network by assuming some responsibilities for reporting, by 

 establishing collection protocols and providing collection 

 materials, by providing training and arrxmgements for clinical 

 necropsy of suitable specimens, by providing for analyses of tissue 

 samples, and by informing Network participants on the results of 

 their reporting and data collection efforts. 



The SEFC stranding response activities will center on three 

 areas: monitoring stranding rate, specimen necropsy, collection and 

 analyses, and dissemination of results. The stranding rate will be 

 monitored by establishing a system for rapid reporting of basic 

 data on stranded animals. Consistent specimen collection will be 

 accomplished by providing manuals, collection kits and training to 

 Network participants. The SEFC will establish pathways for ensxiring 

 clinical necropsy and tissue analyses of suitable specimens. 

 Results will be disseminated to Network participants in a quarterly 

 report produced in conjunction with the Net«rork Coordinator. The 

 most important component of all these activi-tles is the development 

 and maintenance of communication between the SEFC and the Network 

 participants . 



The Network already has a system for reporting stramdings, 

 some data collection protocol, emd for dissemination of results. 

 However, the level of these activities is not sufficient to meet 

 the SEFC information requirements. It should be clear that the SEFC 

 is not attempting to takeover the Hetwork, bnt that the SEFC is 

 trying to supplement the Hetwork by providing assistance for 

 particular activities. 



Monitoring Stranding Rate 



The SEFC will establish a system for near real-time monitoring 

 of the stranding rate. Appropriate staff at each of the SEFC 

 laboratories and the Regional Office will be identified as SEFC 

 area representatives and will establish contacts in their area with 

 Network participants. The Network participants will be required to 

 report basic data (vrtiat, when, where and condition) to the SEFC 

 area representative within 48 hours of a stranding event. The area 

 representative will then report the basic data within 48 hours of 

 receipt to the Miami Laboratory. Ultimately, a computer bulletin 

 board system will be established for receiving basic data reports. 

 The Miami Laboratory area representative will be responsible for 



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