Abstract

The Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN) marked a significant milestone in its objective to develop the capability of Filipinos to respond to marine mammal strandings by conducting the first two trainings for veterinarians on the medical aspects of the stranding response operation in 2010. The aim of the training was to teach veterinarians the fundamentals of marine mammal stranding response with emphasis on the medical aspects. The course package is composed of a series of lectures, case studies on previous responses and challenges faced, film demonstrations and hands-on training with display dolphins on emergency first response. In addition, diagnostic sample collection and clinical laboratory exercises were taught. Both trainings were conducted at Ocean Adventure in Subic Bay wherein the participants had access to the marine theme park's animal care facility and marine mammal care experts.

As interest far exceeded workshop capacity, the criteria for the selection of participants was based on the following: a) the veterinarian's involvement in marine mammal stranding events in their locality, b) their endorsement by the Department of Agriculture – Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, c) the veterinarian's proximity to marine mammal stranding hotspots¹ and d) their professional activities (i.e., animal welfare, academe and public office). Both of these initial courses, in which 16 and 17 licensed veterinarians were trained, received positive feedback and suggestions on how to further improve and continue the program.

In another positive response to the above activities, those trained from the provinces of Albay, Bataan and Romblon immediately conducted their own province-wide marine mammal stranding response trainings. Subsequently, these training sessions motivated the formation of local PMMSN groups or chapters. Furthermore, several veterinarians have already been responding to cetacean strandings. These events put to test the ability of the veterinarians to use the knowledge and skill they got from the training into practice. In support to these fledging groups and trained veterinarians, Ocean adventure staff and consultants are available, providing support and advice to local veterinarians and the stranding response efforts. Cellular phone calls, text messaging, photos as well as e-mail are readily available and have proven very beneficial. Experience has proven that our trainings and work with stranding groups is the most effective means of improved response. The major challenges in stranding response are many. The lack of identified and accessible holding and treatment facilities, basic response and support equipment remain as major hurdles to the necessary resources. There are plans being developed and actions made in various chapters of the network to acquire and share better equipment, organize the access to diagnostic laboratories, make available treatments and even put up animal holding facilities for temporary rehabilitation efforts.

We are proud to announce that there is already a waitlist of veterinarians to attend and train in the next medical course! Our goal is that every stranding response team in the various PMMSN chapters in the country can have access to personnel trained in medical response.

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank the financial support given by the SeaWorld Busch Gardens Conservation Fund as well as the invaluable efforts of the staff of the Zoological Operations Department Ocean Adventure and Wildlife in Need that have made the conduct of the medical courses possible.

Reference

1.  Aragones LV, Roque MA, Flores MB, Encomienda RP, Laule GE, Espinos BG, Bianca G, Maniago, FE, Diaz GC, Alesna EB, Braun RC. The Philippine marine mammal strandings from 1998 to 2009: Animals in the Philippines in peril? Aquatic Mammals 2010; 36(3): 219–233.