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Objective and Coordination
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- The ‘Marine Mega Fauna Stranding Guidelines’ aim to improve coordination between various government bodies and civil organizations responding to marine strandings. They focus on conducting research, managing data, and promoting collaboration across sectors to safeguard marine animals.
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Key Initiatives
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- These guidelines emphasize the creation of a nationwide database tracking cetacean sightings and strandings.Â
- Additionally, they propose the establishment of a national stranding center and the appointment of district or local coordinators in areas that experience frequent strandings and bycatch incidents.
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Role of Marine Wildlife Stranding NetworkÂ
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- The primary functions of a marine wildlife stranding network include providing information, rescuing/rehabilitating stranded animals, collecting biological data, and, if possible, determining the cause of death.
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Constituents of a Basic Marine Stranding NetworkÂ
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- A basic marine stranding network comprises first responders, forest guards, divisional forest officers, government veterinary officials, and marine police.
- First responders play a crucial role in ensuring the comfort of live individuals and preventing dead ones from being washed back into the sea. They also assist scientists, veterinarians, and departments in data collection or rescue-release operations.
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Tagging for Live Strandings
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- In instances of live strandings, where animals can be released into the sea, they will be tagged for identification purposes.
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Long-Term Conservation Focus
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- The overarching goal of these guidelines is to contribute to the long-term conservation of marine species and their habitats.
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