MMC Mass Stranding Simulation Exercise a Success

MMC conducted a simulation of a mass stranding event at its facility in Key Largo on August 21, 2009.  The simulated stranding involved 15 dolphins and whales spread out over several miles on shallow reefs and beach areas.  Using the Incident Command System (ICS) as the procedure to manage the event, over 60 volunteers, including 2 marine mammal veternarians, successfully located, evaluated, and transported the mock dolphins and whales to shore.  MMC thanks National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), the Florida Marine Research Institute, the National Park Service, for their participation in this training event.  MMC also thanks the dedicated volunteers who made this event a successful training exercise.  The Mock Stranding Exercise was followed by a medical clinic in which Dr. Micah Brodsky demonstrated medical procedures, including the procedures for drawing blood from dolphins and whales and the procedure for tubing animals in rehabilitation.