Do You Know What To Do If You Find A Stranded Whale, Dolphon Or Porpoise?

In a proactive move to address the recent spate of marine mammal strandings along Polzeath and surrounding beaches, the Polzeath Beach Ranger Service has issued a public awareness message. Centred around educational outreach, highlights the importance of informed and sensitive responses to such incidents to ensure the best possible outcomes for the affected marine life.

The message leverages materials produced by the British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR), focusing on disseminating critical information on how the public can assist — and when to refrain from intervening — in the event of a marine mammal stranding. These guidelines are crucial for the survival and welfare of stranded animals, providing them with the highest chance of recovery and return to their natural habitat.

Strandings of marine mammals, such as dolphins, seals, and whales, have been reported with increasing frequency on Polzeath and nearby beaches over the past year. These incidents pose significant challenges not only to the marine animals involved but also to local wildlife conservation efforts. The causes of such strandings can vary, including illness, navigational errors, and environmental factors, making public education on the appropriate response all the more vital.

The BDMLR, aims to empower residents and visitors with knowledge and tools to effectively contribute to conservation efforts. By understanding the proper actions to take when encountering a stranded marine mammal — which includes immediately contacting wildlife rescue organisations and following expert instructions — the public can play a critical role in safeguarding the well-being of these vulnerable creatures.

This underscores the importance of community involvement in environmental conservation and the positive impact that informed and coordinated actions can have on the natural world. The Polzeath Beach Ranger Service encourages everyone to familiarise themselves with the BDMLR’s guidelines, available through their campaign materials, to ensure they are prepared to help in the most effective way possible during these critical incidents.