Post-mortem monitoring of small cetaceans

Project description

Harbor porpoises are the most common whale species in the German North and Baltic Seas. Since little was known about the status of harbor porpoises near German shores in the early 90s, federal projects were established to begin data collection and develop monitoring programs. The State of Schleswig-Holstein implements part of this monitoring program by funding the monitoring of small cetacean strandings. The program investigates causes of morbidity and mortality in small cetaceans and documents changes in these findings over time. In the course of these investigations, small cetaceans are transported from the coast to the ITAW. Size and weight of the animals are then measured. Researchers perform thorough dissections and preserve tissue samples for histology, microbiology, virology, serology, parasitology and toxicology investigations. Biologic data, such as age and reproductive status, are recorded and material for feeding analysis is collected. The investigations are conducted in collaboration with the departments of pathology at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover and the University of Giessen (Justus-Liebig-Universität). In addition, tissue samples can be provided to other research institutions.