APPENDIX D 

 RECORDING AND REPORTING DATA ON STRANDED CETACEANS 



So that measurements of cetaceans taken at different 

 times and at widely divergent locations can be compared, the 

 measurements and the methods of taking them have been 

 standardized, although there is still some disagreement 

 about which of the measurements are most important. The 

 data form located at the end of this guide, usable on both 

 baleen and toothed whales, includes all the measurements 

 routinely taken by cetologists plus a few new ones the authors 

 consider important. The form and the directions for taking 

 measurements are synthesized from those currently in use by 

 the Naval Undersea Center, San Diego; the Fisheries 

 Research Board of Canada; the University of Rhode Island; 

 the University of Florida; the U.S. National Museum, 

 Washington, D.C.; and the National Marine Fisheries 

 Service, La Jolla, Calif. 



Data on stranded cetaceans should be collected by 

 someone experienced in handling and measuring cetaceans. 

 The legal problems associated with collection of a specimen 

 are discussed in Appendix C. In addition to having a permit or 

 knowing how to obtain permission to collect the specimen, 

 persons active in cetacean research will usually have access to 

 laboratory facilities where in-depth studies, including 

 postmortem examinations and collection of tissues for 

 specialized laboratory examinations, can be conducted. 

 Furthermore, specialized equipment, and the number of 

 steps required to do a complete job with the specimen, make 

 the procedure prohibitive for most noncetologists. Diligent 

 attempts should be made to contact one of the institutions 

 listed in Appendix E. If no one is available and no permit or 

 approval is obtainable, you are limited to photographing, 



37 36 



35 



17 



> 



FLIPPER 



FLUKES BLOWHOLES UROGEN I TAL SLI T(S) 



Appendix Figure Dl. — Locations and details of important measurements. 



169 



