Virginia Coastal Program: 2000 Coastal Grant Project Description and Final Summary
Project Task:
FY2000 Task 52
Grantee:
Virginia Marine Science Museum
Project Title:
Marine Mammal/Sea Turtle Stranding Response
Project Description as Proposed:
The Virginia Marine Science Museum Stranding Program (VMSM-SP) is permitted by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the state to manage the Virginia Marine Mammal Stranding Network. The VMSM-SP will maintain a statewide stranding response network including a volunteer stranding response team and cooperating organizations. VMSM-SP staff, volunteers and cooperators will respond to marine mammal and sea turtle strandings occurring along the ocean coast, eastern shore and lower Chesapeake Bay. Stranding response includes carcass recovery, external and internal examination with photographs and/or video, human interaction analysis, stomach contents analysis, tissue sampling and dissemination, coordination of carcass disposal, and database management. The VMSM- SP responds to more than 200 strandings each year. The VMSM-SP recruits, trains, and coordinates a volunteer stranding team with over 100 members. Additionally, state stranding cooperators include park personnel, game wardens and biologists, U.S. Coast Guard, Virginia Marine Resources personnel, life guards and law enforcement officers. Trainings are conducted throughout the year with the a heavy emphasis on the spring season. The VMSM-SP maintains the state marine mammal stranding database and submits reports to NMFS and other agencies. Sea turtle data is supplied to the state database managed by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS). Through these ways, information regarding the status of marine mammals and sea turtles in Virginia is presented to the agencies and individuals responsible for the conservation and management of natural resources. TheVMSM-SP is also dedicated to educating the public. Each stranding event is viewed as an opportunity for education about Virginia's protected marine mammals and sea turtles.
Federal Funding:
$31,000
Project Contact:
Mark Swingle, 757.437.6022
Project Status:
Grant Closed
Final Product Received:
Project Summary Provided by Grantee:
Data
collected by the VMSM Stranding Program and Virginia stranding network
continue to be critical to the long-term monitoring of sea turtle
and marine mammal populations. Stranding records from Virginia indicate
that marine mammal strandings, particularly bottlenose dolphins,
remain high and that a significant percentage of the mortalities
are related to human activities such as commercial fishing. Sea
turtle strandings are rising dramatically and will require further
study to determine why. In addition, data collected from strandings
provides excellent information on life histories of the many species
of marine mammals and sea turtles that inhabit Virginia waters.
Stranded animals are the only source of this type of scientific
information for most species of marine mammals.
The Virginia Marine Science Museum Stranding Program reported more
than 450 animals in 2001 - the most ever in one year. This included
record numbers of strandings for both marine mammals (128) and sea
turtles (331). In comparison only 64 marine mammal and 189 sea turtle
strandings were recorded in 2000. It is clear that the 2001 numbers
represent dramatic increases in marine protected species strandings
along Virginia's coastlines.
The VMSM Stranding Center has increased its role in the rescue and
rehabilitation of sea turtles, seals and cetaceans. The increase
in live stranding response in 2001 was unprecedented in Virginia
stranding history, and the need for a fully functional rehabilitation
facility is clear. VMSM is planning to continue its efforts on behalf
of live stranded sea turtles and marine mammals in Virginia and
northeastern North Carolina and work towards a larger and better
equipped stranding facility in which to do this work.
Marine mammal and sea turtle strandings in Virginia were at historically
high levels during 2001. Bottlenose dolphins stranded in record
numbers and the number of sea turtle strandings recorded by VMSM
was the highest ever for a single year. Continued monitoring and
reporting of these disturbing trends in strandings of protected
species will be priorities for the stranding network in 2002.
Form C end
Disclaimer: This project summary provides the federal dollars initially awarded to the grantee. Due to underexpenditure or reprogramming of grant funds, this figure may change. For more information on the allocation of coastal grant funds, please contact Laura McKay, Virginia Coastal Program Manager, at 804.698.4323 or email: Laura.McKay@deq.virginia.gov
A more detailed Scope of Work for this project is available. Please direct your request for a copy to Virginia.Witmer@deq.virginia.gov
