LIVE ANIMAL RESPONSE

Live strandings occur when marine animals—mainly whales, dolphins, porpoises, or sharks—become stranded on shorelines or trapped in waterways or man-made structures. Recorded across all Maritime coasts, strandings can result from navigational errors, human interactions, illness, or injury, with mass strandings involving two or more animals. Successful outcomes depend on the animal’s condition, a prompt response, and proper on-site care during the incident.

LEGAL RESPONSIBILITY

If you’ve found a stranded marine animal, DO NOT touch, feed or handle the animal. It is illegal to approach, touch, disturb marine animals. No person should respond to live marine animals without prior training, authorization and instruction. These actions are illegal and could be dangerous to both you and the animal.

All marine mammals are protected under new marine animal amendments and the Species at Risk Act (SARA). It is illegal for unauthorized individuals to touch, disturb, feed or otherwise harass these animals. A scientific licence is required to handle marine mammals and, depending on the species, a Species at Risk permit may also be required. MARS annually applies for and receives these permits.

REPORTING LIVE MARINE ANIMALS

If you have found a live stranded marine animal, it is important to contact MARS right away so they can determine an appropriate course of action that makes sure animal welfare and human safety are the top priority.

ALWAYS BE CAUTIOUS – marine animals can move unpredictably, carry diseases, and bite.

Conducting an initial assessment of the animal and the site are essential for planning a safe and effective response effort. This information is invaluable.

SITE ASSESSMENT

It is important to be aware of your surroundings. Key things to note are:

  • Time of day – Is there enough daylight to work safely?
  • Tide – What is the current state of tidal cycle – is it coming in or going out?
  • Beach topography – Is the location easily accessible? Are there any major hazards to working in the water or the area?
  • Sea state – Is the water calm or are there waves? Is it safe to work in the water? 
  • Weather – Is it safe to work? Is the weather likely to change?

INITIAL ASSESSMENT AND RESPONSE

After a site assessment is complete, but before approaching or interacting with the animal, it is important to assess the current state and behaviour of the animal. Key things to note:

  • If the animal is still alive (Can you see it breathing? Is it making noises? Do its eyes follow you?)
  • The time that you first sighted the animal(s) 
  • The number of animals if mass stranding
  • Where the animal is located on the shore (e.g., in the water, surf zone or high and dry)?
  • The species of animal (if you are able to identify it) and a description (size, colouring, identification tags or markings, and other physical features; see species profiles)
  • A description of the animal’s condition (Is it weak or gaunt? Are there are any open wounds? Is there anything coming out of any orifices?)

PHOTOGRAPHING THE ANIMAL(S)

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

Whenever possible, 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:

Profile or full-body
Both sides of the animal
Head / eyes / mouth / teeth
Dorsal fin
Flipper / pectoral fin
Tail / fluke

Be sure to check for distinctive markings, visible wounds, and any signs of human interaction, such as entanglement in rope or contact with marine debris.

WORKING WITH LIVE MARINE ANIMALS

What TO DO when you encounter a marine animal?

These guidelines provide important information for safely and responsibly encountering live marine animals.

  • Keep your distance: Animals can bite, thrash, or carry diseases. It is important not to approach an animal unless instructed to do so by an authorized expert.
  • Minimize noise and disturbance: Stress can worsen their condition.
  • Keep other people and pets away: Respect their space; they are wild animals.
  • Avoid eating or drinking nearby: Protect you both from germs and keep the animal calm. 

Make the call: Call MARS for all distressed or dead marine animals in the Maritimes (Note: If you see a live or dead sea turtle, please call the Canadian Sea Turtle Network toll-free turtle hotline at 1-888-729-4667)

What NOT TO DO when you encounter a marine animal?

What NOT to Do: Cetaceans
  • Do not cover or pour water in the blowhole. They breathe air; water can drown them.
  • Do not attempt to return the animal to the water. Not every animal should be put back in the water – an evaluation of the human safety concerns and health of the animal(s) is needed to determine the best course of action. 
  • Do not pull, drag, or push the animal. Pulling tail, flippers, or dorsal fin can cause severe injury to the animal.
  • Do not inhale the cetacean’s exhaled breath. They can carry diseases transmissible to humans.
  • Do not stand on the animal or any appendages. This is dangerous and may cause the animal to become stressed, even holding its breath or hyperventilating if this occurs.
What NOT to Do: Seals
  • Do not move seals. Seals haul out on land for many reasons and should not be moved unless approved by an authority when the animal is in imminent danger. Also, mothers may not find pups if moved.
  • Do not pour water on them. Seals do not need to be wet constantly and unnecessary wetting may stress seals and force them into the water too soon.
  • Do not put pups in the water. Unweaned pups are poor swimmers.
  • Do not feed seals. They are wild and may bite; feeding can create dependency.
  • Do not cover seals. They regulate body temperature naturally; blankets or towels can be harmful.
  • Do not get in close contact seals that appear ill. They can transmit diseases to humans.
What NOT to Do: Sea Turtles
  • Do not approach the head. They have strong jaws and can bite.
  • Do not grab or hold the turtle by its head or flippers. This can be dangerous for the animal.
  • Do not place in water-filled containers. Instead, if instructed to do so by an authorized expert, keep them moist with a damp towel over head, shell, and flippers.
  • Do not return to the water unless instructed by the Canadian Sea Turtle Network or a MARS Responder.
What NOT to Do: Sharks
  • Do not touch, hold or pull gills. This can cause serious injury or death.
  • Do not approach head or tail. Sharks are strong and flexible and can thrash aggressively.
  • Do not handle sharks if they are out of the water and do not attempt to return to the water. Shark organs are very sensitive and can be easily damaged.