Investigation into the long-finned pilot whale mass stranding event, Kyle of Durness, 22nd July 2011

Citation

Brownlow A, Baily J, Dagleish MP, Deaville R, Foster G, Jensen S, Krupp E, Law R, Penrose R, Perkins M, Read F & Jepson P (2015) Investigation into the long-finned pilot whale mass stranding event, Kyle of Durness, 22nd July 2011. Department for Environment Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme. DEFRA. http://robedwards.typepad.com/files/kyle-of-durness-mass-stranding-report.pdf

Abstract
Cetacean mass stranding events (MSEs) elicit much interest from both the public and scientific community but the underlying reasons largely remain a mystery. Live stranding events and more specifically mass live stranding events are extreme situations in which public safety, animal welfare and conservation science issues have to be managed with an extremely clear perception of priorities and under the constant pressure of emergency. Thorough investigation of these events usually requires the consideration of a number of natural and anthropogenic factors. In 2011 and 2012 two large mass strandings of longfinned pilot whales (Globicephala melas) occurred in Scotland. This report outlines the diagnostic and investigative pathways followed to investigate any potential causal or contributory factors for the 2011 mass stranding. It is in response to funding allocated by Defra and the Scottish Government as a variation to contract number MB0111 (CSIP cetacean strandings around the UK coast).