How useful are marine mammal rehabilitation efforts?
In a biological sense, most rehabilitation efforts are not significant at a population level. The majority of marine mammals that are successfully rehabilitated are extremely small in proportion to total populations and are generally harbor seals or California sea lions from populations that are already healthy. Even though rehabilitation may not have significant conservation value on a population basis, rehabilitation centers: 1) have made a significant contribution to our understanding of diseases affecting marine mammals and treatment methods, 2) may help with critically endangered animals faced with catastrophic events (such as a harmful algal bloom), and 3) perform a humane function. NMFS recognizes that society places value on rehabilitation efforts. NMFS is a management agency, and our primary focus is on biological issues affecting populations in the wild.
Related Questions
- How can NMFS support the marine mammal rehabilitation network to rescue injured or ill animals, while recommending that commercial fishermen shoot nuisance marine mammals?
- I am starting a brand-new marine mammal stranding response and/or rehabilitation facility. Am I eligible to apply for Prescott funds?
- How useful are marine mammal rehabilitation efforts?
