Trevor Coetzee-Intern Marine MammalsTCoetzee@environment.gov.za

Supervisor/Mentor: Mike Meÿer

CD: O&C FIRST INTERNS FORUM 2016/2017

Dr Alan Boyd Mr Ashley Johnson

Mr Herman Oosthuizen Mr Liwalam Madikiza

Dr T SamaaiDr Makhado

Cetacean strandings and morphometric protocol

50 cetacean species in Southern AfricaNoel& Belinda Ashton (2012)

•Occasionally strand•Official Response team•Opportunity/draw Biological samples

• Standard protocol• External photographic records• Blubber thickness (HEALTH)

Shark bites on True’s beaked whale Inflicted bites on False killer whale peduncle

Disentanglements and external scarring

Necropsies

Lungworms cysts in lungs of False killer whale Tapeworms in a False killer whale’s intestines

• Post-mortem Report necropsy techniques

• Life history• Parasites• Samples/ DNA• Microplastics• Viral studies

Chronic stomach ulcer

Cetacean data base

Purpose•Areas/ risk shipstrikes•Mitigation measures•Locations stranding sp•Record keeping

Cetacean mass stranding training Technical support

Purpose•Effective technical assistance/research•Management rec•Cons purposes

Purpose•Apply Support care/Stabilization protocolLive marine mammals

South African Stranding Network

Thank you!

Any questions?