Vol. 2 No. 1 The Newsletter of the Louisiana Marine Mammal Stranding Network Ready to roll!! 24 members of LMMSN went to a live animal care and handling workshop at Mote Marine Laboratory in Sarasota, FL. the weekend of March 7-9, 1997. Topics covered during the workshop included live stranded animal care; food and medication preparation; data and record keeping; and animal handling procedures. In addition, 15 members of the network witnessed the arrival of “Gulliver” at Mote. Gulliver was animal that stranded near St. Augustine, FL and transferred to Mote for long-term rehab. Discussion has begun concerning a return trip in early September for those interested in animal training. More info to come!!! LA021-97,"SID”", was a 236 cm female Tursiops truncatus found floating in Lake Pontchartrain on Saturday, March 15. Allison Grande and Angela Langs retrieved the animal on Thursday, March 20, and she was necropsied on Saturday, March 22. All measurements were collected and the animal opened for internal examination. The uterus was enlarged and the cervix dilated, indicating a possible pregnancy. Teeth wear pattern indicate this animal to be middle aged. Upon removal of the skull, it was noted that the left occipital condyle was completely eroded and fused to the atlas, and the right condyle was partially eroded, indicating possible arthritis. During skull removal, two fish (1 ~30 cm long) were removed from the esophagus. It was noted that the goosebeak had been pushed down by the fish - resulting in death by choking.
An additional data collection training session has been scheduled for Thursday, April 17, 1997 at 6:00pm in the anatomy lab. Please RSVP as soon as possible so that we can have an accurate head count (756-9938).
The LMMSN has had 25 strandings reported from January 1 through March 25, 1997. All of the animals were bottlenose dolphins, except for one Atlantic spotted dolphin, Stenella frontalis. Two of these animals were necropsied at LSU and their skeletons showed signs of arthritis. Both are being examined by experts at Mote Marine Lab and University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston. In addition, we had one live animal reported from Lake Charles, LA on March 4, 1997. The animal was reported to LADWF in Lake Charles who monitored the animals condition and determined it was healthy.
The month of March was such an important month for LMMSN that it would be impossible to pick only one volunteer - so Thanks to all of you that helped with open house and made it such a success as well as those of you that took your weekend to drive 26 hrs round-trip to attend the workshop at Mote!!! We could not do it without YOU!!!
Is an excellent reference guide for stranding network participants. If you would like to obtain a copy, we are preparing an order. The books are only $18.75 (that includes shipping & tax) instead of $25.00 if purchased singularly, and must be pre-paid. The next book order will be placed April 16, 1997.
We have recently purchased more equipment for dead stranding response as well as have begun procuring all of the items necessary for live animal response and care (see need list). In addition to the equipment we previously had, we now have two complete kits including the following: ziplock bags; pruning shears (rib cutters); more knives; flashlights and bug spray; human first aid kits; clipboards; cutting boards; cameras... and much, much more. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the equipment before a stranding.
As you know, part of our mission is to educate the public about marine mammals in Louisiana and to further this goal, we have accepted invitations to attend three public awareness events in the next two months: April 19, the annual bird show at Bon Marche mall from 9 am to 5pm, followed by Earth Day on the waterfront, Sunday April 20 from 12pm - 5pm; and the Barataria-Terrebonne National Estuary Program festival on May 31 in Houma. If you are able to help at one or all of these, please let Tamara know at 318-235-2695.
Mote Marine Laboratory was pleased to host a Live Stranded Marine Mammal Care Workshop to members of the Louisiana Stranding Network on March 8. Based upon our experiences over the last 10 years, we realize now more than ever that there is a need for additional facilities capable of providing rehabilitative care for stranded marine mammals. Though chances for survival and ultimate return to the wild are still slim, we hope that maintaining an open exchange of information, techniques, and protocols will result in many more successfully rehabilitated animals in the near future. We hope that the participants of this workshop had a worthwhile experience, and wish you the best of luck with your future patients!Louisiana Tales
Back from Florida and...
CONTENTS
Recent Strandings...
Training......
Calendar of Events
Tailslaps (Thank you).....
Jay Gozelany, Howard Rhineheart & staff of Mote Marine Lab - Thanks for being wonderful hosts and passing on so much of your knowledge! We look forward to working with you in the future!
LSU-Sea Grant - (Marilyn Barrett and Robert Ray) Thanks for featuring LMMSN in the publication "Coast and Sea".
Jeff Brown - NMFS - Thank you for all of the help with the equipment procurement (especially the pool!) You have really made a difference for Louisiana
!
Roger Cappe - Of Coca Sales - for donating a sling for use with live cetaceans!
Stranding Data
Contact Phone Numbers...
Put these on the fridge...
State Beeper - 934-5337
Team Beeper - 934-6581
LA Dept of Wildlife& Fisheries
1-800-442-2511
Volunteer phone lists are now
available... get yours soon.
The keep-your-eyes open-for list...
Live animal care & food prep items:
Volunteer Spotlight
Marine Mammals Ashore..
Stranding Equipment Update ...
Public Events...
Note from Mote