Movements and dive patterns of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) released from a mass stranding in the Florida Keys

Published source details Wells R.S., Fougeres E.M., Cooper A.G., Stevens R.O., Brodsky M., Lingenfelser R., Dold C. & Douglas D.C. (2013) Movements and dive patterns of short-finned pilot whales (Globicephala macrorhynchus) released from a mass stranding in the Florida Keys. Aquatic Mammals, 39, 61-72.
Share Tweet Email

This study is summarised as evidence for the following.

	Action	Category
	Rescue and release stranded or trapped marine and freshwater mammals Action Link

Rescue and release stranded or trapped marine and freshwater mammals

A study in 2011 of a pelagic area in the North Atlantic Ocean, off the coast of Florida, USA (Wells et al. 2013) found that one of two stranded short-finned pilot whales Globicephala macrorhynchus that was rescued and released survived for at least two months. One of two stranded whales survived for at least 67 days after release. The whale occupied appropriate habitats (warm waters in high relief areas) and had dive depths (maximum average 1,000–1,500 m) and durations (99% of dives <30 minutes) within or greater than reported ranges for the species. Contact was lost with the other whale 16 days after release. A sudden decline in travel rates and dive depths suggested the whale died. The two adult male whales were released following a mass stranding event in May 2011. Both were considered healthy following assessment of body condition, behaviour and blood samples. The whales were satellite-tagged and released together 16 km offshore within two days of stranding. They were tracked to 118–319 locations during 16–67 days in 2011.

(Summarised by: Anna Berthinussen)