Network for collecting samples specified by the NMFS (ie., life 

 history siunples, tissues for contaminant analyses, histopathology 

 samples, etc.) and NMFS Area Representatives should accept 

 collect telephone calls for rep>orting strandings. SEUS Network 

 Participants will F>erform general necropsies on carcasses to the 

 extent that conditions weurxant. General gross necropsies include 

 morphological measurements, photographs, examination for fishery 

 interaction, external pathology. Specimens must be collected for 

 life history, pathology, and genetics studies as detailed in the 

 necropsy manual and outlined in this report. 



If the carcass is Code 2, emd size permits, the entire 

 carcass should be tremsported to a participating veterinary 

 clinic for detailed necropsy. The following specimens (condition 

 code in parentheses) should be collected by SEUS Nettrork 

 Participants emd delivered to, or picked up by, the NMFS Area 

 network Representative. 



For Pathology: 



Necropsy reports from participating veterinary clinics 



(2). 



Histology specimens for AFIP (2). 



• Contaminants ( 2-4 ) . 



• Biotoxins (2-4). 



The Charleston Laboratory is currently establishing 

 protocols for pathology specimen collection. 



For Life history specimens: 



Entire head if at all possible (2-5), otherwise collect 

 lower jaw or 5 teeth from mid-lower jaw of each 

 stranded specimen. 



• Gonads and reproductive tract (2-4). 

 Stomachs ( 2-4 ) . 



Two mid-thoracic vertebrae ( 2-4 ) . 



For Genetics specimens: 



Blood (2-4). 

 Liver (2). 

 Heart (2). 



The SEUS Stranding Nettrork Participant will deliver or 

 arrange delivery of NMFS-reguired specimens to the NMFS Area 

 Representative and ensure proper storage of specimens until 

 delivered to NMFS. The NMFS Area Representative will receive or 

 retrieve biological samples required by the NMFS and forward them 

 to the appropriate laboratory as specified by the Miami 

 ledsoratory. The NMFS Area Representative will coordinate with 

 participating veterinary clinical pathology laboratories for 



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