reviewing the basic data reports and for wee)cly monitoring of the 

 stranding rates throughout the southeast. This will allow for rapid 

 identification of anomalous stranding events and the transfer of 

 this information to NMFS Headquarters and others in a timely 



manner . 



Actions Required 



• Center Director 



o Request leiboratories to assign staff as SEFC area 

 representatives 



o Coordinate with Regional Director to assign 

 regional staff as an SEFC area r^resentative 



• Regional Di rect or 



o Modify letters of Authorization to incliide 

 reporting reguireBent of basic data to SEFC area 

 representative within 48 hours 



o Assign regional staff as an SEFC area 

 representative 



Specimen Necroosv Collection and Analvses 



The Charleston Laboratory is currently developing necropsy 

 protocols, specimen collection protocols and collection Icit 

 specifications. The protocols and )cits will be distributed to the 

 appropriate Network participants. 



The Miami Laboratory is presently identifying necropsy 

 personnel and nacronsy facilities in the southeast. The SEFC area 

 representatives will ensiire that appropriate specimens are 

 delivered to necropsy facilities. 



The SEFC area representatives will receive, track, store and 

 transfer collected samples. Arrangements will be made with the 

 Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) to conduct 

 histopathological studies on appropriate specimens. Other collected 

 specimens will be trzmsferred for analyses when suiteible 

 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. 



Actions Required 



• Center Director 



196 



