Marine mammal emergencies season in full swing

A diversity of marine mammals leads to a diversity of incidents

There are many, often complex, cases involving a large number of participants. Marine Mammal Emergencies is responsible for documenting these incidents, collecting data from carcasses and coming to the aid of animals in difficulty whenever resources are available.

In addition to interventions in the field, the call centre team plays a crucial role in raising awareness. A seal has been lying on shore for a long while? Please, do not disturb it! A sighting of a whale swimming freely with ropes in tow? It is important to explain to observers the risks associated with such a situation and the different steps of an intervention, if one can be made. A carcass washed up on shore in front of your chalet? It is important to inform local residents that they represent an unparallelled source of information for partners of the Quebec Marine Mammal Emergency Response Network, who will travel or otherwise dispatch volunteers to collect data on the animal. Arriving at the site of a live stranded whale? Rules of safety must be quickly shared with people on the beach by our call centre team, who will promptly send a specialized team to administer first aid to the animal. A veterinarian will also be consulted to assess whether releasing it back into the water is the preferred option.