problems are primarily the result of relying on a partially organized, mostly ill-trained, and 

 generally poorly equipped, volunteer Network. The SEFC has taken steps to improve the 

 capabilities of the Network by assuming some responsibilities for reporting, by establishing 

 collection protocols and providing collection materials, by providing training and 

 arrangements for clinical necropsy of suitable specimens, by providing for analyses of tissue 

 samples, and by informing Network participants on the results of their reponing and data 

 collection efforts. 



The SEFC stranding response activities center on three areas: monitoring stranding 

 rate, specimen necropsy, collection and analyses, and dissemination of results. The stranding 

 rate is monitored by a system for rapid reporting of basic data on stranded animals. 

 Consistent specimen collection is being accomplished by providing manuals, collection kits 

 and training to Network participants. The SEFC is establishing pathways for ensuring clinical 

 necropsy and tissue analyses of suitable specimens. Results will be disseminated to Network 

 participants in a quarterly report produced in conjimction with the Network Coordinator. 

 The most important component of all these activities is the development and maintenance 

 of communication between the SEFC and the Network participants. 



The Network already had a system for reporting strandings, some data collection 

 protocol, and for dissemination of results. However, the level of these activities was not 

 sufficient to meet the SEFC information requirements. It should be clear that the SEFC is 

 not attempting to takeover the Network, but that the SEFC is trying to supplement the 

 Network by providing assistance for particular activities. 



Although the Network has been improved and efforts to further improve the Network 

 continue, the system is not perfect. There will likely be difficulties, both anticipated and 

 unanticipated, should another anomalous event occur. It is not possible to assure that 

 adequate staff and funding will always be available to respond to anomalous events. The 

 development of contingency plans and funding mechanisms at the national level for 

 anomalous events was recommended by Wilkinson (1991). The establishment of a stranding 

 emergency response team, much like the national oil spill response team, would eliminate 

 many of the types of problems encountered during this investigation. 



Monitoring Stranding Rate 



The SEFC has estabhshed a system to receive stranding reports from the Network 

 volunteers for near real-time monitoring of the stranding rate. Appropriate staff at each of 

 the SEFC laboratories and the Regional Office have been identified as SEFC area 

 representatives and have established contacts in their area with Network participants. The 

 Network participants are required to report basic data (what, when, where and condition) 

 to the SEFC area representative within 48 hours of a stranding event The area 

 representative reports the basic data within 48 hours of receipt to the Miami Laboratory. 

 A computer bulletin board system has been established for receiving basic data reports. The 



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