What We Do

 

Physalus is ready to join and improve the quality of the work of the Italian Stranding Network that in the last years has get weak and unable to cover a big portion of the Italian coastline, for a series of reason including the lack of enthusiasm and founding.

Since 1999 we were  involve as single persons in the rescue of the stranded animals along both the Adriatic and Tyrrhenian coast but now  we join our strength, expertise and resources to the cause.

The Italian stranding Network responds to live and dead stranded marine mammals along the Italian’s shores, an area with approximately 7,600 km (4,712 mi) of coastline we will join these effort along the Lazio and Tuscany coast, and soon also along the north shore of Sicily.

Our mission is to promote the conservation of marine mammal species (dolphins, whales, and seals) and Sea Turtle, and their habitat by improving response and humane care to stranded animals, advancing stranding science, and promoting public awareness through education. 

 

Below are some of the specific goals of Physalus:

 

Stranding response

 

· Respond to live and dead stranded animals, including whales, dolphins, and sea turtles.

· Evaluate live-stranded animals to identify candidates for rescue, relocation, rehabilitation, and release.

· Plan and conduct relocation and release procedures; locate rehabilitation facilities for appropriate candidates, and aid in the transport of animals to facilities.

· Prevent mass strandings of dolphins and whales whenever possible and appropriate.

 

Research

 

· Perform full post-mortem examinations (necropsies) on all possible fresh carcasses, including human interaction evaluations, photographs, measurements, and tissue sampling to determine cause of death.

· Provide requested samples and data to outside researchers to increase the knowledge learned from each stranding event.

· Conduct research into the causes of strandings and apply the results to the prevention of future strandings.

· Develop "stranding science" through improved assessment, handling, medical treatment, and transportation of stranded animals.

 

Education

 

· Educate the public about marine mammals and marine turtle, their role in the larger marine ecosystem, reasons for stranding, and the impacts of humans on these animals.

 

Conservation

 

· Provide necessary and relevant information from marine mammal and turtle strandings to the governmental regulatory body, UNEP, and other researchers and agencies in an effort ensure the development of effective conservation measures for marine mammals and sea turtles.

 

What to do if you find a stranded marine mammal:

 

 

Do not touch, feed or handle the animal.

These actions are illegal and could be dangerous to both you and the animal.

 

 

Maintain a safe distance from the animal.

Marine Mammal are protected species and the law states that by-standers, and their pets, should stay at least 150 feet away.

Marine mammals are wild animals – close approach and excessive noise can cause great stress.

Stranded animals may have infectious diseases that could be passed to you or your pet. Make sure pets are under control and kept away from the stranded animal.

Observe the animal’s activity from a distance.

For every animal note the size, color and attitude of the animal. Also, note if there are any obvious wounds. If the animal is a whale, dolphin or a sea turtle it should be reported to immediately. Take as much information as possible and if it is feasible and safe, take video and photo, they will be of a great help later for the  assessment of the cause of  the stranding.

Take a detailed note of the animal’s location.

An accurate description of the area, with directions and landmarks will help us respond more quickly.

 

If you find a stranded animal outside of our response area please call your local stranding network or coast guard department. Be sure to give your name and a phone number where you can be reached, as well as the stranding information requested above.

 

Remember: It is illegal for unauthorized individuals to touch, disturb, feed or otherwise harass these animals.

 

1530

 

Is the phone number of the

Coast Guard.

They will pass the call to the local stranding network.

+39-02-58240050

 

Is the the new telephone number of Europ Assistance that provides an important service to the stranding network by collecting all the sightings related to the presence of a strandled, stranded or beached cetacean.

Centro Studi Cetacei

Our hot line will be activated as soon as possible, in the mean time, our colleagues will be happy to take your call.

For any information feel free to write to us or to call one of the numbers underneath.