Enhance the quality, quantity and sharing of level a, b, and c data collected from stranded marine mammals, provide post-unusual mortality event (UME) surveillance in an area of repeated umes…

This Project Grant award of $339,584 from the Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration will support the Hubbs-Sea World Research Institute in enhancing data collection, analysis, and reporting related to stranded marine mammals in California and the mid-Atlantic region from August 1, 2022 through July 31, 2023. Specifically, the awardee will work to improve the quality, quantity, and sharing of data from stranded marine mammals under the NOAA Marine Mammal Data Program (CFDA 11.439). This will include post-unusual mortality event surveillance in the Indian River Lagoon and mid-Atlantic regions where repeat events have occurred. The funding will also help strengthen response capabilities for disentangling and monitoring free-swimming small cetaceans, as well as increase collaboration with state and local organizations to enhance detection of stranding events and response effectiveness.

Enhance the quality, quantity and sharing of level a, b, and c data collected from stranded marine mammals, provide post-unusual mortality event (UME) surveillance in an area of repeated umes (indian river lagoon, 2001, 2008, 2013; mid atlantic 2013-2015) and enhance data collection, diagnostic analyses, and the detection/reporting of emerging diseases. Strengthen live animal response capabilities, preparedness for the disentanglement and monitoring of free-swimming small cetaceans. Increase collaboration with state and local government organizations through training and outreach development to enhance the detection of stranding events and yield a more effective response.