Joint Interim Report Bahamas Marine Mammal Stranding Event of 15-16 March 2000

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TitleJoint Interim Report Bahamas Marine Mammal Stranding Event of 15-16 March 2000
Publication TypeReport
Year of Publication2001
AuthorsNOAA/NMFS, and U. S. Navy
Date Published12/2001
InstitutionNational Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) / National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) / United States Navy (USN)
CityWashington
TypeJoint Interim Report
Keywordsbahamas beaked whale mass stranding, navy sonar
Abstract

On March 15 and 16, 2000, a multi species, mass stranding of 17 cetaceans was discovered in the Northeast and Northwest Providence Channels of the Bahamas Islands (a mass stranding is defined as two or more animals). Seven of the animals are known to have died, ten other animals were returned to the water alive. A comprehensive investigation into all possible causes of the stranding was quickly launched. Based upon necropsies of the dead animals it was preliminarily determined that they had experienced some sort of acoustic or impulse trauma that led to their stranding and subsequent death. Detailed microscopic studies were initiated to identify the mechanism by which this acoustic or impulse source caused trauma. Most, but not all, lines of investigation have now been completed.

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Refereed DesignationDoes Not Apply