Supporting marine mammal stranding diagnostic capacity and training opportunities in the midatlantic the goal of this project is to increase capacity for marine mammal stranding diagnostic…

This $102,700 Cooperative Agreement awarded by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Marine Mammal Data Program (CFDA 11.439) aims to increase capacity for marine mammal stranding diagnostic investigation and provide training opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic region (NY to VA).

The key products and services to be delivered include: 1) Providing veterinary assistance at 8 large whale stranding events in NY and NJ, including necropsy examination and sample collection; 2) Increasing Level C data collection by providing histopathology services for 30 marine mammal cases in NY, NJ, DE, MD, and VA, covering large whales, small cetaceans, and pinnipeds; and 3) Creating and providing training resources and opportunities for stranding responders and the next generation of stranding veterinarians and pathologists, such as a digital histopathology sampling guide, two necropsy workshops, and bimonthly virtual pathology rounds. The award period runs from August 1, 2024 to July 31, 2025, with the prime awardee being Cornell University.

Supporting marine mammal stranding diagnostic capacity and training opportunities in the midatlantic the goal of this project is to increase capacity for marine mammal stranding diagnostic investigation and provide training opportunities in the mid-atlantic region (NY to VA). Specific objectives are to 1) provide veterinary assistance at eight large whale stranding events in NY and NJ, including necropsy examination and sample collection; 2) increase level C data collection by providing histopathology services for 30 marine mammal cases in NY, NJ, DE, MD, and VA, including representation from large whales, small cetaceans, and pinnipeds; and 3) create and provide training resources and opportunities for stranding responders and the next generation of stranding veterinarians and pathologists, including a digital histopathology sampling guide, two necropsy workshops, and bimonthly virtual pathology rounds.