DEAD ANIMAL RESPONSE

Reports of dead animals represent 50 – 75% of all incidents that are reported to MARS each year. Because it’s often difficult to study many marine animals directly, investigating those that have died can provide some of the most valuable information we have. Each examination helps us learn more about the threats these animals face — such as vessel strikes, marine debris, and entanglement — as well as their health, ecology, and life history (like age, sex, and reproduction). This knowledge is vital for improving marine conservation efforts and is identified as a priority in most Species at Risk Act recovery and management plans. Samples from these animals contribute to research all over the world and some animals even end up in museum collections, aquariums and research institutions, helping educate and inspire the public for generations to come.

What we’re able to do with a dead animal depends on factors like the condition of the animal (how fresh is the carcass?), the location of the animal (is it accessible for people and/or equipment?), and the resources available (are trained responders available and is there funding to support the response effort?). Depending on many of these factors, MARS may either deploy a team of responders to work onsite or alternatively, bring the animal back to the MARS Lab to perform a necropsy in a controlled environment.

When a marine animal is found, it’s important to report it to MARS right away so experts can assess the situation and decide next steps. A timely, proper response ensures the safety of people involved and allows trained responders to collect valuable data from each unique incident.

When you report the animal(s), it is important to provide the following information:

1. Date and Time

2. Caller name and contact number

3. Location (i.e.Onshore or offshore?; Position (Lat/Long); Name of beach or area; Nearest town/city; Topography; Location on beach; Access point to beach; How close can you drive to stranded animal?; Directions)

4. Description of the animal(s) (i.e. Species; Number of animals; Description of cetacean – length, sex, colour pattern, head, back, fin, tail, flippers; Were photographs taken?)

5) Conditions at the scene (i.e. Weather; Sea state; Tide state; Is there a crowd around the animal?; Are people trying to move it?)

6) Condition of the dead animal (i.e. Freshly dead, moderately decomposed, severely decomposed; Animal was found alive or dead)

The importance of high quality photo and video documentation cannot be overstated! These visual materials aid in the identification of species and individuals, confirmation of sex and age, documentation of general health or malnourishment and presence of external injuries or human interaction, including the presence of debris or gear/rope.

If it is safe to do so while maintaining a respectful distance, a full photo sweep of the animal(s) should always be done. A full sweep means taking photographs from different angles while walking around the animal and includes photographs of the following:

Collecting basic information like photographs and measurements are the first step of any investigation and provide essential information for the response team. This step is often performed by members of the public or trained MARS volunteers. Whenever a more detailed examination is possible, we ask that the animal not be moved or disturbed to preserve the integrity of the carcass. MARS Responders perform a full external assessment of the animal and possibly conduct advanced sampling and/or a necropsy on site. In some instances, after a full assessment is conducted onsite, the carcass may be brought back to the MARS Lab to be necropsied. 

A necropsy (an animal autopsy) is a detailed external and internal examination that helps determine how and why an animal died. Because signs of injury or disease can fade quickly, or be masked by the decomposition process, these examinations are done as soon as possible — though even decomposed animals can still provide valuable information about marine animal health and their conservation.

MARS works closely with partners like the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative, based at the Atlantic Veterinary College, and Fisheries and Oceans Canada to conduct necropsies on large marine animals. These efforts take teamwork — from scientists and veterinarians to dedicated volunteers who help with documentation and sample collection.

While not every volunteer can take part in a necropsy, MARS provides specialized training for those who do. It’s challenging work, but every examination helps us better understand and protect the incredible marine life that shares our waters.