Our Programs:
Stranding network
GRIMMA is part of the Banderas Bay Stranding Network, and we actively collaborate and participate in these events with government authorities and other organizations, including the rescue of live organisms and the collection of data and information that allow us to determine possible causes of the stranding, and deduce possible risks that are in the ecosystem. Also strandings are an important source of biological and ecological information as it gives us the opportunity to closely study many aspects of the life of marine mammals, which may complement to the data we obtain during marine surveys, or that otherwise would not be possible to collect in other conditions.
What is a stranding?
It is when a marine mammal is unable to fend for itself while alive or when it is dragged into shallow water or onto land when it is dead. It can be classified in three types:
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Single strandings (only one individual, but when a mother strands with its calf it is still counted as a single stranding).
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Mass strandings (When two or more individuals are stranded).
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Mass mortality event (This is when many species, included even species of fish, sea turtles and birds, etc. are involved in a single event of stranding or sea die-off, this may not be properly a direct marine mammal stranding, but it is still an event with huge importance to attend and investigate).
Why they strand?
Strandings can occur in two situations: natural or anthropogenic causes.
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Natural causes include: disease, attack from predators, disorientation, old age, etc.
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Anthropogenic causes include: ship strike, pollution, entanglement, or others associated with direct or indirect human activities.
What to do in case you see a stranding?
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First Keep yourself and your pets at a good distance from the animal, remember, marine mammals can bite or hit you, and also they may infect you and your pet with possible diseases (or viceversa.
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Take as many photos (or videos) of the stranded individual(s) in different angles (include if possible dorsal fin, head and total body photos) as you can and also take note of the name of the place you are witnessing the event (if its possible include GPS position).
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Contact the local authorities as quickly as possible (PROFEPA, LIFE GUARDS, POLICE, call 911) or GRIMMA in our facebook page as an inbox message (facebook.com/GRIMMA.ORG), and send the photos or videos you have taken, and the protocol for attending this event will be immediately activated.
