The FWC-southwest field laboratory (FWC-swfl) seeks to maintain high level response to stranded cetaceans by retaining critical infrastructure through the continuation of a part-time cetacean…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Fish and Wildlife Research Institute $225,892 on October 1, 2025, under the Marine Mammal Data Program (CFDA 11.439) to maintain cetacean stranding response capacity in Southwest Florida through September 30, 2027.

The award funds continuation of a part-time cetacean stranding coordinator position and response operations for live and dead stranded cetaceans throughout Southwest Florida. The recipient will conduct advanced diagnostic analyses to determine cause of stranding and death for small cetaceans and endangered large whales, and will participate in large whale, mass stranding, and disentanglement events with regional network partners. Work is performed in Tallahassee, Florida.

The Marine Mammal Data Program provides nondiscretionary funding to state and federal agencies for collection and analysis of information on marine mammals occurring in U.S. waters and interacting with state and federally managed fisheries and other marine resources. Information collected supports conservation of marine mammals, resolution of conflicts between marine mammals and fisheries, and improved understanding of individual and population health.

The FWC-southwest field laboratory (FWC-swfl) seeks to maintain high level response to stranded cetaceans by retaining critical infrastructure through the continuation of a part-time cetacean stranding coordinator, responding to live and dead stranded cetaceans throughout southwest florida, utilizing advanced diagnostic analyses to supply nmfs with cause of stranding and death determinations for small cetaceans and endangered large whales, and participating in large whale, mass stranding, and disentanglement events with regional network partners.