Miami Laboratory area representative is responsible for reviewing the basic data reports and 

 for weekly monitoring of the stranding rates throughout the southeast. This allows for rapid 

 identification of anomalous stranding events and the transfer of this information to NMFS 

 Headquarters and others in a timely maimer. 



Specimen Necropsy Collection and Analyses 



The Charleston Laboratory has developed necropsy protocols, specimen collection 

 protocols and collection kit specifications. The protocols and kits have been distributed to 

 the appropriate Network participants. 



The Miami Laboratory is presently identifying necropsy persoimel and necropsy 

 facilities in the southeast. The SEFC area representatives will ensure that appropriate 

 specimens are delivered to necropsy facilities. 



The SEFC area representatives receive, track, store and transfer collected samples. 

 Arrangements have been made with the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) to 

 conduct histopathological studies on appropriate specimuis. Other collected specimens are 

 transferred for analyses when suitable investigators are identified (e.g., for genetic, food 

 habits, aging, stock studies; some funding may be required and faculty appointments used 

 to bring investigators onboard). These activities will ensure that adequate information is 

 available to begin evaluating causes and potential effects of both normal and anomalous 

 mortality events. 



Dissemination of Results 



A quarterly newsletter which provides stranding summaries, information on analyses 

 underway or planned, and any noteworthy events or tips, is being prepared and will be 

 distnljuted to each Network participant. The newsletter is being produced by the SEFC and 

 the Network coordinator. Although this is a minor activity in terms of funding, it is critical 

 for maintaining communication and cooperation between the SEFC and the Network 

 participants. The primary purpose of this activity is to let the Network participants know that 

 their efforts made to provide the SEFC with information and specimens are worthwhile. 



A biennial Stranding Network meeting should be held, sponsored by the SEFC and 

 the Network coordinator. The meeting will provide a forum for reviewing the Network 

 activities, providing training in necropsy and specimen collection, reporting related research 

 findings, and for establishing and maintaining contacts between the Network participants and 

 the SEFC. 



The proposed activities require varying amounts of staff time from each SEFC area 

 representative. Initially, each area representative will spend a significant (probably 20 hrs or 

 more per week for two to four weeks) amount of time identifying and contacting area 



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