Form 89-864 Marine Mammal Stranding Report - Level A Data

MARINE MAMMAL STRANDING REPORT - LEVEL A DATA
FIELD #: __________________________ NMFS REGIONAL #: _____________________________ NATIONAL DATABASE#: __________________________________
(NMFS USE)
(NMFS USE)
COMMON NAME: _______________________________ GENUS: _______________________________ SPECIES: ___________________________________________
EXAMINER Name: ________________________________________________ Affiliation: _________________________________________________________________
Address: _____________________________________________________________________ Phone: ______________________________________________________
Stranding Agreement or Authority: ________________________________________________________________________________________________

□ Restrand
□ YES
□ NO
□ Cow/Calf Pair □ Mass Stranding

LOCATION OF INITIAL OBSERVATION

OCURRENCE DETAILS

State: _______ County: _____________________

Group Event:

City: _____________________________________

If Yes, Type:

Body of Water: ____________________________

GE# ____________________
# Animals: _______ □ Actual

(NMFS Use)

□ Estimated

□ YES □ NO □ Could Not Be Determined (CBD)
□ 1. Boat Collision □ 2. Shot □ 3. Fishery Interaction

Locality Details: ____________________________

Findings of Human Interaction:

_________________________________________

□ 4. Other Human Interaction:_____________________________________________________________________
How Determined (Check one or more): □ External Exam
□ Internal Exam □ Necropsy
□ Other: _____________________________________________________________________________________
Gear Collected? □ YES □ NO Gear Disposition: _____________________________________________________
Other Findings Upon Level A:
□ YES □ NO □ Could Not Be Determined (CBD)
If Yes, Choose one or more: □ 1. Illness □ 2. Injury □ 3. Pregnant □ 4.Other:____________________________
□ Internal Exam □ Necropsy
How Determined (Check one or more): □ External Exam
□ Other: __________________________________________________________________________

If Yes, Choose one or more:

Lat (DD): ________ . _____________________ N
Long (DD): ________ . ___________________ W

□ Actual □ Estimated
How Determined: (check ONE)

□ GPS

□ Map

□ Internet/Software

□ Not Able to Examine

INITIAL OBSERVATION

LEVEL A EXAMINATION

Date: Year: _______ Month: ____________ Day: _______________

Date: Year: _______ Month: ____________ Day: _______________

First Observed:

□ Beach or Land □ Floating □ Swimming

CONDITION AT INITIAL OBSERVATION (Check ONE)

CONDITION AT EXAMINATION (Check ONE)

INITIAL LIVE ANIMAL DISPOSITION (Check one or more)

MORPHOLOGICAL DATA

□ 1. Alive
□ 2. Fresh dead
□ 3. Moderate decomposition

□ 1. Left at Site
□ 2. Immediate Release at Site
□ 3. Relocated

□ 1. Alive
□ 2. Fresh dead
□ 3. Moderate decomposition

□ 4. Advanced Decomposition
□ 5. Mummified/Skeletal
□ 6. Condition Unknown
□ 6. Euthanized at Site
□ 7. Transferred to Rehabilitation:
Date: Year:______ Month:_____Day:___
Facility:___________________________

□ 4. Disentangled
□ 8. Died during Transport
□ 5. Died at Site
□ 9. Euthanized during Transport
□ 10. Other:____________________________________________________
□ 1. Sick
□ 2. Injured
□ 3. Out of Habitat
□ 4. Deemed Releasable
□ 5. Abandoned/Orphaned
□ 6. Inaccessible

7. Location Hazardous

□ a. To animal
□ b. To public

□ 8. Unknown/CBD
□ 9.Other__________________
__________________________

TAG DATA Tags Were:
Present at Time of Stranding (Pre-existing):
Applied during Stranding Response:
ID#

Color

Type

Placement*
(Circle ONE)

D DF L
_________________________ LF LR RF RR
D DF L
_________________________ LF LR RF RR
D DF L
_________________________ LF LR RF RR

□
□

SEX (Check ONE)

AGE CLASS (Check ONE)

□ Whole Carcass

□ Partial Carcass

□ 1. Male
□ 2. Female
□ 3. Unknown

□ 1. Adult
□ 2. Subadult
□ 3. Yearling

Straight length:______________

CONDITION/DETERMINATION (Check one or more)

YES
YES

□
□

NO
NO

Applied

Present

□

□

□

□

□

□

* D= Dorsal; DF= Dorsal Fin; L= Lateral Body
LF= Left Front; LR= Left Rear; RF= Right Front; RR= Right Rear

NOAA Form 89-864; OMB No.0648-0178; Expiration Date: 01/31/2014

□ 4. Advanced Decomposition
□ 5. Mummified/Skeletal
□ 6. Unknown

Weight:____________________

□ 4. Pup/Calf
□ 5. Unknown

□ cm □ in □ actual □ estimated
□ kg □ lb □ actual □ estimated

□ YES □ NO
PHOTOS/VIDEOS TAKEN:
Photo/Video Disposition: ________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
CARCASS STATUS (Check one or more)

□ 1. Left at Site □ 4. Towed: Lat__________Long__________ □ 7. Landfill
□ 2. Buried
□ 5. Sunk: Lat__________Long__________ □ 8. Unknown
□ 3. Rendered □ 6. Frozen for Later Examination □ 9. Other______________
SPECIMEN DISPOSITION (Check one or more)

□
□

1. Scientific collection

□

2. Educational collection

3. Other:__________________________________________________________

Comments: __________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
NECROPSIED □ NO

□ Carcass Fresh

□ YES □ Limited □ Complete
□ Carcass Frozen/Thawed

NECROPSIED BY: ____________________________________________________
Date: Year: ______________Month:_______________Day:__________________
PLEASE USE THE BACK SIDE OF THIS FORM FOR ADDITIONAL REMARKS

ADDITIONAL REMARKS
ADDITIONAL IDENTIFIER: _________________________________________________ (If animal is restranded, please indicate any previous field numbers here)
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DISCLAIMER
THESE DATA SHOULD NOT BE USED OUT OF CONTEXT OR WITHOUT VERIFICATION. THIS SHOULD BE STRICTLY ENFORCED WHEN REPORTING SIGNS
OF HUMAN INTERACTION DATA.
DATA ACCESS FOR LEVEL A DATA
UPON WRITTEN REQUEST, CERTAIN FIELDS OF THE LEVEL A DATA SHEET WILL BE RELEASED TO THE REQUESTOR PROVIDED THAT THE REQUESTOR
CREDIT THE STRANDING NETWORK AND THE NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE. THE NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE WILL NOTIFY THE
CONTRIBUTING STRANDING NETWORK MEMBERS THAT THESE DATA HAVE BEEN REQUESTED AND THE INTENT OF USE. ALL OTHER DATA WILL BE
RELEASED TO THE REQUESTOR PROVIDED THAT THE REQUESTOR OBTAIN PERMISSION FROM THE CONTRIBUTING STRANDING NETWORK AND THE
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE.
PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT INFORMATION
PUBLIC REPORTING BURDEN FOR THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION IS ESTIMATED TO AVERAGE 30 MINUTES PER RESPONSE, INCLUDING THE TIME
FOR REVIEWING INSTRUCTIONS, SEARCHING EXISTING DATA SOURCES, GATHERING AND MAINTAINING THE DATA NEEDED, AND COMPLETING AND
REVIEWING THE COLLECTION OF INFORMATION. SEND COMMENTS REGARDING THIS BURDEN ESTIMATE OR ANY OTHER ASPECT OF THE
COLLECTION INFORMATION, INCLUDING SUGGESTIONS FOR REDUCING THE BURDEN TO: CHIEF, MARINE MAMMAL AND SEA TURTLE CONSERVATION
DIVISION, OFFICE OF PROTECTED RESOURCES, NOAA FISHERIES, 1315 EAST-WEST HIGHWAY, SILVER SPRING, MARYLAND 20910. NOT WITHSTANDING
ANY OTHER PROVISION OF THE LAW, NO PERSON IS REQUIRED TO RESPOND, NOR SHALL ANY PERSON BE SUBJECTED TO A PENALTY FOR FAILURE
TO COMPLY WITH, A COLLECTION OF INFORMATION SUBJECT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF THE PAPERWORK REDUCTION ACT, UNLESS THE
COLLECTION OF INFORMATION DISPLAYS A CURRENTLY VALID OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET (OMB) CONTROL NUMBER.

NOAA Form 89-864; OMB No. 0648-0178; Expiration Date: 01/31/2014

DEFINITIONS OF TERMS FOR LEVEL A
VERSION 2007
ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Field #: Assign each stranding event a unique identifier. Format is open to each
agency’s requirements; however, please remain consistent within your agency.
NMFS Regional #: Leave this blank. NMFS will assign a regional number consistent
with the National Marine Mammal Stranding Database.
National Database #: Leave this blank. NMFS will assign a national database number
consistent with the National Marine Mammal Stranding Database.
Common Name: The common name of the stranded animal. If identity is not
determined to species, describe the level to which the remains can be identified.
(Example: unknown, pinniped/cetacean, otariid/phocid, or odontocete/mysticete,
delphinid/phocoenid, etc.)
Genus/Species: This is the Latin name for the animal in standard binomial
nomenclature. If either genus or species is not identifiable, fill in the appropriate blank
with “UNKNOWN.”
Examiner: Name of the examiner who is submitting the report. This should be the
individual who is responsible for preparing the entire level A stranding report, not
necessarily the note taker or a public citizen who first reported the animal
Affiliation: Affiliation of the examiner who is submitting the report. This could be the
same organization as listed below under “Stranding Agreement or Authority”, a Designee
organization (designee of an Stranding Agreement holder), the agency of a federal, state,
or local government official authorized under MMPA Section 109(h), public, citizen or
none.
Address: Mailing address of the examiners Stranding Agreement organization or
government agency office.
Phone: Daytime (Work) phone number where the examiner may be reached for further
comment. NOTE: Please include only business addresses and phone numbers, to prevent
the release of personal information to the public.
Stranding Agreement or Authority: Stranding Agreement holder or agency through
which the examiner has been authorized to take marine mammals or marine mammal
parts. If the examiner is the member of a “Designee Organization” record the name of
the Stranding Agreement holder under whom the examiners organization is designated.
If the examiner is operating under 109(h) authority, include the name of the government
organization.

LOCATION OF INITITAL OBSERVATION
State, County, and City: The standard state, county, and city names for the stranding
location. For floating carcasses (U.S. waters between 3 and 200 miles offshore), fill State
with “EEZ” and closest state. This should include boroughs, parishes, provinces, islands,
commonwealths, and territories.
Body of Water: The major ocean basin closest to the site where the animal was
observed stranded (e.g., Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Alaska)
and describe the specific location in “Locality Details”.
Locality Details: Using known landmarks (access point, mile markers, street addresses
etc), describe the precise locality where the animal was found. Compass bearings and
relative distances are useful but GPS coordinates are preferred. For animals swimming or
floating, this should include the referencing the associated ocean, sea, gulf, bay, inlet,
estuary, or river.
GPS Coordinates: Documentation in decimal degrees is required. NOTE: Negative
longitude represents the Western Hemisphere, positive longitude represents the Eastern
Hemisphere, negative latitude represents the Southern Hemisphere, and positive latitude
represents the Northern Hemisphere. Note that most GPS units can be set to display
latitude and longitude in the decimal degree format and there are many lat/long
conversion websites on the internet.
Actual or Estimated: Indicate if the latitude/longitude coordinates are exact (from a
GPS unit) or an estimate (based on a map, website, previous strandings, known lat/longs
for landmarks, etc.).
How Determined: Indicate how the latitude/longitude coordinates were obtained.
Check the box that represents method of data collection:
ƒ Global Positioning System (GPS)
ƒ Map
ƒ Software program/Internet website

OCCURRENCE DETAILS - The occurrence details help define the reason for the
response and details associated with the stranding event.
Restrand - Check this box if the animal has previously stranded, either responded to by
your organization or another. The animal may have tags from a rehabilitation facility, or
may have recognizable and distinctive features. If this box is checked, you should
indicate the previous field numbers assigned to this animal (by your facility or others), if
known, on the back of the form in the space marked “Additional Identifiers.”
GE # - Leave this blank. NMFS will assign a regional designation to represent the
“Group Event Number”.

Group Event - A group event is a stranding event which involves two or more animals,
either simultaneously or over a period of time.
If Yes - identify the type of group event. These designations are not exclusive, more than
one option may be selected:
Cow/Calf Pair – this would be two animals stranding where one is the mother and the
other is the offspring (a mom/pup pair would also qualify).
Mass Stranding - this is 2 or more cetaceans that simultaneously strand, other than cowcalf pairs.
ƒ Number of Animals - Indicate the number of cetaceans involved in the mass
stranding, and whether this count is an “Actual” or “Estimate”count.
NOTE: Animals may be involved in other types of group events that will be determined
after the Level A data sheet is filled out and submitted. These animals will be assigned a
“Group Event Number (GE#)” and the group event fields will be incorporated into a
separate database in the National Database by the Regional Stranding Coordinator or by
the Onsite Coordinator if the case of Unusual Mortality Event. Examples of these types
of events include:
ƒ “hazmat or oil spill” - any animal affected by a spill of oil or another hazardous
material;
ƒ “pre-event investigation” - animals sampled after a group event is suspected, but
before it has been officially designated as an Unusual Mortality Event by the
Working Group on Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events (WGMMUME);
ƒ “unusual mortality event” - any animal part of a die-off that has been officially
designated as a UME by the WGMMUME; and
ƒ “repeat event” - animals stranding during a die-off that has been designated as a
repeat event by the WGMMUME.
If you wish, you may update your Level A datasheet for your records to reflect the Group
Event number that will be listed in the National Database after the Regional Stranding
Coordinator has verified the entry.
Findings of Human Interaction - This field does not represent cause of stranding or
cause of death. These data should not be used out of context or without verification.
Check “Yes” if there are any signs or evidence of human interaction (HI), whether or not
you believe they were the cause of death. If you check “Yes,” use the back of this form
in ADDITIONAL REMARKS to further explain the nature of the injury (or evidence)
and how it was assessed and determined to be human related. If possible, document
injuries or marks with photographs or sketches/drawings. Describe the injury or mark,
the type of fishing gear recovered the location of any wounds (gunshot, fishing gaff, knife
incision, line or net entanglement, etc.). Note any external markings or color patterns and
if the injury or mark could be determined as antemortem or postmortem (i.e., if animal

seen with injury when alive or by histological confirmation). Also, describe any relevant
circumstances regarding the interaction (e.g., whether the interaction was witnessed).
Please indicate if you used the Protocol developed by the Virginia Aquarium and Cape
Cod Stranding Network entitled “2006 Protocol for Examining Marine Mammal for
Signs of Human Interaction” and attach a copy of the completed Form to the Level A
Data sheet. Also indicate if you have attended training on this protocol.
Check “No” if the animal was examined and there was no indication of human
interaction. Check
“Check Could not Be Determined (CBD)” if there is insufficient evidence to indicate
an interaction, the animal was not thoroughly examined, the animal was too decomposed
for a thorough examination, there may have been signs of something that may have been
a human interaction but you can’t tell for sure, or the observer does not feel competent to
determine this type of injury (do not guess).
If you checked “Yes”, check the box that most accurately details the type of human
interaction:
Boat Collision - Check if there are any signs of boat or ship collision such as
propeller wounds or blunt trauma from a boat hull.
Shot - Check if there are any signs of gunshots. Add in the comments how this
was determined (metal detector, bullet found, etc.)
Fishery Interaction - Check if there are any signs of fishery interaction such as
wounds related to fishing gear, or fishing gear attached to the animal.
Other Human Interaction - If you checked “Yes” and there were signs of
human interactions other than those listed, please describe in this blank. This
could include signs of as ingested plastic, debris entanglement, wounds from
other weapons besides firearms (arrows, harpoons, etc.), non-boat vessel related
injuries (car or train collision, etc.), mutilation, etc. Use the back of this form
under “ADDITIONAL REMARKS” to continue your description, if necessary.
How Determined - If you checked “Yes” or “No”, describe how the signs of human
interaction were determined:
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External Exam – The entire external surface of animal is visually assessed
for signs of HI. If the entire surface could not be examined, please state why and
which parts were looked at (e.g., large whale could not be turned over, only dorsal
surface examined)
Internal Exam - The response included an examination of some or all of the
body cavity. However, the condition of the animal or other factors precluded the
collection and analysis of samples from internal organs. Please indicate in the

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ADDITIONAL REMARKS section the systems examined and not examination
as well as examination findings.
Necropsy – a necropsy was done, detailed information was documented, and
internal tissues were collected for analysis. Please refer to the definitions and
check whether the necropsy was limited or complete in the section below entitled
“SPECIEMEN DISPOSITION.”
Other – other obvious signs of HI including presence of gear, and eye witness
account of a human interaction.

Gear Collected - Check “Yes” if you collected fishery gear from the animal (hook, line,
net, etc.). Check “No” if you did not collect any gear, or if there was no gear to collect.
Gear Disposition - If you checked “Yes”, use this line to indicate what was done with
that gear (i.e. sent to NMFS Enforcement or Regional Stranding Coordinator), or where
the gear is housed.
Other Findings Upon Level A - Check “Yes” if there are any signs or evidence of other
(non-human related interaction) findings related to the stranding, whether or not you
believe they were the cause of death; check “No” if there was no indication of other
factors; check “CBD” if there is insufficient evidence to indicate. Non-human related
injuries or disease may include signs of infectious or parasitic disease and signs of trauma
from beaching, conspecific interactions/aggression, interspecific interactions, scavengers
and predators, etc. See above definition of external and internal exam for more
description. Also, document if the animal was pregnant and in other findings – include
comments.
If Yes, choose one or more – check the box that most accurately details the other
factors:
ƒ Ilness
ƒ Injury
ƒ Pregnant
ƒ Other (indicate what was found)
How Determined (check one or more) – if you noted other findings than HI signs,
check how this was determined (please use the back of this form in ADDITIONAL
REMARKS section to include more detail):
ƒ External Exam (see above for definition)
ƒ Internal Exam (see above for definition)
ƒ Necropsy (see above for definition)
ƒ Other – document the process

INITIAL OBSERVATION
Date - Enter the date the stranded animal was first observed by any witness. This is the
earliest known date of observation of the stranded animal.

First Observed - Check the appropriate box that indicates the how the animal was
initially observed:
ƒ Beach or Land
ƒ Floating (in the water)
ƒ Swimming.
Condition at Initial Observation - Check the appropriate box that indicates the physical
state of the animal or carcass on the date of the initial observation:
ƒ Alive (Code 1): Check this box if the animal was alive at the initial observation.
ƒ Fresh Dead (Code 2): Check this box if the carcass was in good condition
(fresh/edible). Normal appearance, usually with little scavenger damage; fresh
smell; minimal drying and wrinkling of skin, eyes and mucous membranes; eyes
clear; carcass not bloated, tongue and penis not protruded; blubber firm and
white; muscles firm, dark red, well-defined; blood cells intact, able to settle in a
sample tube; serum unhemolyzed; viscera intact and well-defined, gut contains
little or no gas; brain firm with no discoloration, surface features distinct, easily
removed intact.
ƒ Moderate Decomposition (Code 3): Check this box if the carcass was in fair
condition (decomposed, but organs basically intact). Carcass intact, bloating
evident (tongue and penis protruded) and skin cracked and sloughing; possible
scavenger damage; characteristic mild odor; mucous membranes dry, eyes sunken
or missing; blubber blood-tinged and oily; muscles soft and poorly defined; blood
hemolyzed, uniformly dark red; viscera soft, friable, mottled, but still intact; gut
dilated by gas; brain soft, surface features distinct, dark reddish cast, fragile but
can usually be moved intact.
ƒ Advanced Decomposition (Code 4): Check this box if the carcass was in poor
condition (advanced decomposition). Carcass may be intact, but collapsed; skin
sloughing; epidermis of cetaceans may be entirely missing; often severe
scavenger damage; strong odor; blubber soft, often with pockets of gas and
pooled oil; muscles nearly liquefied and easily torn, falling easily off bones; blood
thin and black; viscera often identifiable but friable, easily torn, and difficult to
dissect; gut gas-filled; brain soft, dark red, containing gas pockets, pudding-like
consistency.
ƒ Mummified/Skeletal (Code 5): Check this box if mummified or skeletal
remains. Skin may be draped over skeletal remains; any remaining tissues are
desiccated.
ƒ Unknown: Check this box if the stranded animal was dead at the time of initial
observation but information on the condition of the carcass is unavailable.
LEVEL A EXAMINATION
Date – Enter the date of examination that the animal was responded to and examined by
your organization to collect Level A data (location, condition, signs of human interaction,
species, sex, age class, length, weight, and any other visual observations). Complete
morphometrics and necropsy could be taken later.

Not Able to Examine - Check this box if you were unable to examine the animal. Some
examples would be: the animal was inaccessible (at the bottom of a cliff, on an island,
floating, etc.); the animal washed out with the tide before you responded; manpower/time
constraints made a response impossible; etc.
Condition at Examination - Check the appropriate box that indicates the physical state
of the animal or carcass on the date of the Level A examination:
ƒ Alive (Code 1): Check this box if the animal was alive at the initial observation.
ƒ Fresh Dead (Code 2): Check this box if the carcass was in good condition
(fresh/edible). Normal appearance, usually with little scavenger damage; fresh
smell; minimal drying and wrinkling of skin, eyes and mucous membranes; eyes
clear; carcass not bloated, tongue and penis not protruded; blubber firm and
white; muscles firm, dark red, well-defined; blood cells intact, able to settle in a
sample tube; serum unhemolyzed; viscera intact and well-defined, gut contains
little or no gas; brain firm with no discoloration, surface features distinct, easily
removed intact.
ƒ Moderate Decomposition (Code 3): Check this box if the carcass was in fair
condition (decomposed, but organs basically intact). Carcass intact, bloating
evident (tongue and penis protruded) and skin cracked and sloughing; possible
scavenger damage; characteristic mild odor; mucous membranes dry, eyes sunken
or missing; blubber blood-tinged and oily; muscles soft and poorly defined; blood
hemolyzed, uniformly dark red; viscera soft, friable, mottled, but still intact; gut
dilated by gas; brain soft, surface features distinct, dark reddish cast, fragile but
can usually be moved intact.
ƒ Advanced Decomposition (Code 4): Check this box if the carcass was in poor
condition (advanced decomposition). Carcass may be intact, but collapsed; skin
sloughing; epidermis of cetaceans may be entirely missing; often severe
scavenger damage; strong odor; blubber soft, often with pockets of gas and
pooled oil; muscles nearly liquefied and easily torn, falling easily off bones; blood
thin and black; viscera often identifiable but friable, easily torn, and difficult to
dissect; gut gas-filled; brain soft, dark red, containing gas pockets, pudding-like
consistency.
ƒ Mummified/Skeletal (Code 5): Check this box if mummified or skeletal
remains. Skin may be draped over skeletal remains; any remaining tissues are
desiccated.
ƒ Unknown: Check this box if the stranded animal was dead at the time of initial
observation but information on the condition of the carcass is unavailable.

INITIAL LIVE ANIMAL DISPOSITION - Indicate what action(s) was/were taken to
handle a live animal (NOTE: check all that apply at the time of completing the Level A
examination):
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Left at Site: Check if the animal was reported, and was confirmed stranded by a
reliable source and acknowledged by the Regional Coordinator, but no response

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was made; or the animal was observed by the response team, but no other actions
were taken.
Immediate Release at Site: Check if the animal was reported and treated or
evaluated, but was not removed from the site.
Relocated: Check if the animal was evaluated or treated, was removed from the
site of stranding, and was transported and released at another site without being
admitted to an authorized rehabilitation facility.
Disentangled: Check if the animal had entangling gear removed and was
released/swam away.
Euthanized at Site: Check if the animal was found alive but was euthanized by
an authorized entity.
Died at Site: Check if the animal was found alive and died before transport to an
authorized rehabilitation facility or relocation.
Transferred to Rehabilitation: Check if the animal was transported to an
authorized rehabilitation facility.
o Date - Fill in the date of the transfer
o Facility - Fill in the name of the authorized rehabilitation facility to which
the animal was transferred.
Died during Transport: Check if the animal was found alive and died during
transport to a care facility.

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Euthanized during Transport: Check if the animal was found alive and was
euthanized during transport to an authorized rehabilitation facility by an
authorized entity.

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Other: Check if the disposition of the live animal differs from the options listed
above and document here.

CONDITION/DETERMINATION - Indicate the condition of the animal at the time of
the response This question should help provide your reasoning for the disposition that
was selected. (NOTE: Check all that apply).
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Sick: Check if the animal appears sick or is behaving oddly, with no external
signs of injury.
Injured: Check if the animal shows evidence of physical injury.
Out of Habitat: Check if the animal was found in area not typical for its species.
This could include atypical location and time of year for its known life history.
Generally an out of habitat case involves a free swimming animal that is reported
in an area outside it's normal habitat, tends to remain there for a period of time,
and may need intervention to return to it's normal habitat (e.g. a bottlenose
dolphin in a freshwater river that doesn't leave on its own accord, an ice seal in
Florida, or a humpback whale in an embayment). This does not include a typical
live stranding of an offshore species close to the beach.
Deemed Releasable: Check if the animal shows no outward signs of illness or
injury.
Abandoned/Orphaned: Check if the animal is a cetacean calf found stranded on

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the beach without an adult female, or a pup/calf that has been monitored and
determined to be abandoned. The length of time that the animal should be
observed without intervention may be up to 48 hours and varies by region; check
with your Regional Stranding Coordinator for your regional policy.
Inaccessible: Check if the animal is in an inaccessible location and therefore was
not closely examined (condition could not be determined). Examples of
inaccessible locations include: at the base of a cliff, areas with dangerous surf
conditions, mudflats, islands, ice, etc.
Location Hazardous
o To Animal - Check if the animal is in a location that is deemed hazardous
to its health and welfare (i.e. up a freshwater river, pinnipeds found inland,
etc.)
o To Public - Check if the animal is in a location that is deemed hazardous
to the public (i.e. a crowded public beach, a marina, etc.)
Unknown/CBD: Check if the animal could not be examined or if the condition
could not be determined.
Other: Describe any other situation not addressed above.

MORPHOLOGICAL DATA
SEX (Check One): Check the box indicating the animal’s sex, or check “Unknown” if
unable to determine.
AGE CLASS (check One): Check the box indicating the animal’s age class. If
possible, use information based on reproductive organs, teeth or accepted length/age data:
ƒ Adult: This age class would be used for an animal that is judged or found upon
necropsy to be sexually mature.
ƒ Subadult: This age class would be used for a animal that is judged to be greater
than one year old, but not yet mature.
ƒ Yearling: This age class would be used for an animal that is judged to be
approximately one year old, using length or time of year.
ƒ Pup/Calf: This age class would be used for a stranded animal that is smaller than
yearling size, or in a population where it would be younger than one year old.
ƒ Unknown: This age class would be used for an animal if you are unable to
determine its age.
Whole Carcass: Check the box if the carcass is sufficiently intact for the Level A
morphometric data (straight length, weight) to be collected.
Partial Carcass: Check the box if the carcass is not sufficiently intact for the Level A
morphometric data (straight length, weight) to be collected. If you measure the remains
of the carcass, the metric (weight or length) must be entered as “estimated”. Also record
what part is missing in the ADDITIONAL REMARKS section on the back of this form.
If neither length nor weight is measured, enter “zero” in the respective blanks.

Straight Length - Record the straight length (not contoured) of the animal on the date of
initial examination.
ƒ cm = centimeters (preferred)
ƒ in = inches
o actual = Check if this was an actual measurement (physical measurement)
o estimated = Check if this was an estimated measurement (visual
measurement). For example, if the carcass is not intact (e.g. flukes
degraded or severed, head missing, etc. and record what part is missing in
the ADDITIONAL REMARKS section on the back of this form.
ƒ Weight - Record the weight of the animal on the date of initial examination.
Please check if this was an actual or estimated measurement.
o kg = kilograms (preferred)
o lb = pounds
o actual = Check if this was an actual measurement (physical measurement)
o estimated = Check if this was an estimated measurement (visual
measurement) or if the carcass was not intact. Record what part is missing
in the ADDITIONAL REMARKS section on the back of this form.
PHOTOS/VIDEO Taken - Check “Yes” or “No” to indicate whether visual media was
taken of this stranding event.
ƒ Photo/Video Disposition - If photos or video were taken of the event, use this
line to indicate where these documents are housed.
TAG DATA
Present at Time of Stranding (Pre-exisiting) - Mark “YES” if tags or identification
markings were pre-existing (present on the animal at the time of stranding).
Applied During Stranding Response - Mark “YES” if tags or identification markings
were applied by the stranding response organization (i.e. prior to release at stranding or
relocation site, to prevent a carcass from being double-counted, etc.).
NOTE: If no tags were present or applied, the responder should check “NO” for both
boxes and skip the rest of the section.
Document details about the type, color, and placement of identification tags, brands,
or markings:
ID# - Write the number(s) of the identifying tag(s), brand(s), or other applied marking(s),
if applicable.
Color - Using basic color-names, indicate the identifying color of tags where applicable.
Type - List the type of tag, brand, or other applied marking. For example, radio, PIT,
plastic, roto, spaghetti, satellite, freeze brand, bleach mark, paint, etc.
Placement - Circle (ONE) the location of each applied/present marking:
D = dorsal body
DF = dorsal fin

L = lateral body
LF = left front flipper/appendage
LR = left rear flipper/appendage
RF = right front flipper/appendage
RR = right rear flipper/appendage
Applied = Check “Applied” for each of the tags, brands, or other makings that were
applied after the animal stranded, as part of the stranding or rescue response. If the
animal was rehabilitated and released with tags or markings, you may update this part of
the Level A form after they are applied.
Present = Check “Present” for each of the tags, brands, or other markings that were
already present when the animal stranded.
CARCASS/SPECIMEN DISPOSITION
CARCASS STATUS (Check all that apply) - Check the following boxes to indicate how
the carcass was disposed:
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Left at site - Check this box if the carcass, including skeleton, was left where it
was found to decompose.
Buried - Check this box if most of the carcass, including skeleton, was buried.
Rendered - Check this box if the carcass, including skeleton, was rendered.
Towed - Check this box if the carcass, including skeleton, was towed to sea. Fill
in the latitude and longitude of the position where the carcass was left.
Sunk - Check this box if the carcass, including skeleton, was sunk. Fill in the
latitude and longitude of the position where the carcass was sunk..
Frozen for later examination - Check this box if all or most of the carcass
and/or skeleton was retained and frozen for later examination.
Landfill - Check this box if the carcass, including skeleton, was sent to a landfill
or other waste facility.
Unknown - Check this box if the fate of the carcass is unknown or if the carcass
was lost.
Other – Check this box if the fate of the carcass is other than what is listed above
and document here.

SPECIMEN DISPOSITION (Check all that apply) – Check the following boxes to
indicate if nondiagnostic specimens were collected for scientific, educational, or other
purposes (i.e., skin for genetics, blubber for contaminants, bones for collection, etc.).
The disposition (both transitory and final) of these specimens should be recorded on the
back of the form under “ADDITIONAL REMARKS.” Please check with your NMFS
regional stranding coordinator regarding marine mammal parts authorizations prior to
retention and transfer.
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Scientific collection - check this box if specimens from the live animal or carcass,
including skeletal parts, were retained for scientific research.
Educational collection - check this box if specimens from the live animal or
carcass, including skeletal parts, were retained for educational purposes.

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Other - check this box if the fate of specimens from the live animal or carcass,
including skeletal parts, was other than that above and briefly indicate the
disposition.
Comments - List comments regarding disposition of the specimen (i.e.,
identifying which tissues were collected and retained, differentiating where
tissues were sent, etc.).

NECROPSY - Indicate “YES” if a necropsy was completed to obtain Level-C data.
ƒ Limited Necropsy - A partial necropsy includes a detailed exam of the carcass in
which some of the organs or systems are examined, collected, and analyzed
according to established protocols, but either the condition of the animal or other
factors limits a complete necropsy. Please indicate in the ADDITIONAL
REMARKS section the systems examined and not examination as well as
examination findings.
ƒ Complete necropsy - A complete necropsy consists of a detailed exam
where the majority of organs are examined, collected (i.e., if feasible, this could
include tissues for histopathology) and analyzed according to established
protocols. This will include documenting any internal lesions, bruising, or
broken/fractured bones, and
examining the entire GI tract for lesions, foreign material, gear, and other natural
contents (e.g. food), and the lungs/bronchi. A necropsy report is generated and
disseminated to the pathologist on record.
ƒ Carcass Fresh = Check if the necropsy was conducted on a fresh carcass (not
frozen before examination).
ƒ Carcass Frozen/Thawed = Check if the necropsy was conducted on a carcass
that was frozen and thawed.
NECROSPIED BY - List the name and contact information of the primary
person/facility who conducted the necropsy.
Date – List the date when the necropsy was done.

BACK OF FORM
ADDITIONAL IDENTIFIERS: Include any additional information related to the Field
ID number or identification of the stranding event. Examples include: previous Field ID
numbers if this animal previously stranded; ID numbers assigned by other organizations
(including authorized rehabilitation facilities to which the animal is transferred), former
identification numbers from scientific research projects, etc.
ADDITIONAL REMARKS: Include comments, and list other data sheets that may have
been completed such as human interaction, morphometrics, necropsy, rehabilitation
disposition, etc. Include further details or comments on any of the Level A data fields
from the front of the sheet.