Deathly Silent: Exploring the Global Lack of Data Relating to Stranded Cetacean Euthanasia.

ABSTRACT: The compromised state of stranded cetaceans means that euthanasia is often required. However, current knowledge and implementation of euthanasia methods remain highly variable, with limited data on the practicalities and welfare impacts of procedures. This study evaluated the available published data on cetacean euthanasia, highlighting knowledge gaps and providing direction to improve stranded cetacean welfare. A total of 2147 peer-reviewed articles describing marine mammal euthanasia were examined. Of these 3.1% provided details on the method used, with 91% employing chemical methods. Two countries, the United Kingdom (UK) and New Zealand (NZ), provided euthanasia reports to the International Whaling Commission (IWC) between 2007 and 2020. Methods employed were reported for 78.3% and 100

SUBMITTER: Boys RM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8161157 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature