Strandings - Lessons from the beach
By Tonya Wimmer
 |
A sick common dolphin stranded in East Ship Harbour on September 1, 2005. |
The desire to get in contact with nature draws many visitors to the beach. Coming across a stranded whale, dolphin, porpoise or seal – one of over 20 species of marine mammals that live or visit Nova Scotia’s waters - may be more contact than many people expect.
Every year dozens of marine mammals are found alive or dead on our shores. They come ashore alone and sometimes in large groups. Some of the live animals are healthy and others are not. When you encounter a live marine mammal on the shore, it is important to determine if these animals need help.
A resting seal is commonly mistaken for a stranded one. Many people do not know that coming ashore is normal behaviour for many seals. There are four species of seals that live in our waters - the harbour, grey, harp and hooded seals - and every year they have to come ashore to have their babies. They also like to lay on beaches sun bathing! Actually, most of the time seals on land are perfectly fine and should be left alone.
Some of the most magnificent mammals in the world can be found in our waters including the North Atlantic right whale, the blue whale, and the northern bottlenose whale, all of which are endangered species. Our waters provide important habitat for these and many other fascinating marine mammals, which come here to feed, mate, and to have and raise their babies. When these species are found stranded onshore, they may require assistance. For maximum chance at survival, it is important to quickly contact trained rescuers. The Marine Animal Response Society, a charitable organization dedicated to working with local communities for marine mammal conservation in the Maritime Provinces, operates a toll-free hotline to receive reports of these incidents and to answer questions.
Dead animals should also be reported as they are a valuable source of scientific information. Many marine mammals are difficult to study in the wild, and strandings offer a way to gather information on their biology and life history. Stranded animals also offer us insight into the type and prevalence of threats that marine mammals encounter in our waters, for example vessel strikes, plastic pollution or entanglement in fishing gear.
If you see a dead or distressed marine mammal, do not touch it, or try to return it to the water. Try to keep other people and animals away from the animal. Contact the Marine Response Society www.marineanimals.ca or 1- 866 - 567- 6277 where trained volunteers can help.
Tonya Wimmer is the president and co-coordinator of the Marine Animal Response Society and the Species Conservation Manager for WWF-Canada. She is a marine biologist and enjoys teaching and whale-watching in Maritime waters.
Coastal Issues Committee
Phone: (902) 442-5046
Fax: (902) 405-3716
How do you like your coast? Take action on coastal issues that matter to you. The Coastal Issues Committee meets at the EAC on the last Thursday of every month at 5:30PM.
