Collaborative development of recommendations for euthanasia of stranded cetaceans

"The safe and humane euthanasia of live stranded cetaceans is one of the most challenging of all marine mammal stranding events. The experiences of the Virginia Aquarium Stranding Response Program (VAQS) and those of our colleagues in the United States Marine Mammal Stranding Network, as well as the lack of information and guidance available, inspired this important two year collaborative John H. Prescott grant project. We believe this project has been effective in accomplishing our goal of developing recommendations for stranding networks to facilitate the euthanasia of stranded cetaceans when release or rehabilitation is not an option. In order to accomplish this goal, we completed a number of targeted objectives. We developed standardized methods of data collection for cetacean euthanasia events, collected pertinent historic data from stranding networks nationwide, and compiled a review of gray and peer-reviewed published euthanasia literature. We established a cetacean euthanasia working group of experienced veterinarians, marine biologists and stranding response personnel and convened a three day workshop during the fall of 2011. To ensure we addressed critical issues and concerns from the national stranding network during the workshop, we developed and distributed a cetacean euthanasia questionnaire, using resultant information to assist us in preparation of the workshop agenda. The working group reviewed all collected information and developed the proposed recommendations"--Executive Summary. [doi:10.7289/V5/TM-OPR-56 (https://doi.org/10.7289/V5/TM-OPR-56)] Susan G. Barco, Wendy J. Walton, Craig A. Harms, Robert H. George, Linda R. D'Eri, and W. Mark Swingle. "September 2016." System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Includes bibliographical references (pages 43-49). 2016 NMFS (National Marine Fisheries Service) OPR (Office of Protected Resources) Library https://doi.org/10.7289/v5/tm-nmfs-opr-56 Public Domain 1861