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tt 3058530675
AlIfUat 2, 2001
lI*)I*C
P02
LOClll tIel E\'
Federal rescuers blamed in 4
Critics say 45-mile
trip not needed
BY ANN H8110N
SIal w..r.,
c' .,
^ ycarling dolphin calf that
was rescued friday. July 26, died
Monday of unknown causes.
S(IIlle say the rescuers are part_
ly to blame for its death,
The dolphin, which had fISh-
ing line embedded in its bKIt fm,
and its mother had been lracked
tOr aboul three weeks, according
10 Kyle Lane, a supervisor al
Dolphins Plus and volunlllcr for
the Marine MlIftJmal Rescue,
When rescued 011 the bay at
about MM 99, tile emaciatod
animal was IrllnsporWd some 4S
miles to a facility on l.on8 Key.
"We gal a call by a wildlife
offICer who spoUed him in the
Sunset Cove area, oueside of
Oaysidc Grill," Lane said.
Be said even though the dol-
phin was ill, it save diem quite a
run, The male calf appeared
dehydrated.
Lene said the dolphin was
transponed because Dolphins
Plus IIad relinquished its license
!(IlIat and rebabili1ate animals.
"We have plenty ofvolunteers
we've gathemJ, espc:cially pen-
plo: with bayside hollll:S and shal-
low basin areas suitable for lrCal-
ment IIl::OI5, " he said.
"\'0\1 wlll1t to lrCIl them in 1I
nlllllnal cnvironOlClll. The lheo'Y
i3 minin.... aansport but II was
not our ","II," he said.
BLJ~ Maso, SlrIndlng coordi-
nalW for clt.. Sourheast ReglOll of
the N.tiolla' Marine Fishery
Sc,VICC, made tile call
Accootlin, to IucaJ vcterilWi-
an l.owra L Hcureull-KupIu:e, a
volunteer for the Marine
Milmmal ConservlllC) who was
alsu un the: ~, M~ told vol.
unteers to hold off capturing the
sick QlJf until she arrived.
"It looIc her two to three hours
10 gel here; we could have cap-
lured il," she said.
FlII'lher, MIse and her com.
panions &om the: Marine Animal
Rescue Society (MARS) had no
equipmenl, according iO
I.'Heureull-Kupkee, who
brought her own mCl!gl kit.
"There was no ~cher, no
mediQlI kit or mats or anything
~
else and they didn't apptlIr to
have expcnence with CIpIUres,"
she lidded.
Initially MIse wlll1ed the baby
transported by boat, but
L'Heurcux-Kupkcc: said that
would take lwe hours. So
Dolphins Plus donated alnlck in
which the baby could be driven
to the: fll:ility.
Robert Lingmfelscr Jr. was
aJso II the~. He was so
upset by the rescue th.t he wrocc
a three-Pile letter to Gene
Proub(. 11\ admini5lrator with the
National Marine Fisheries
Service, where Mae works.
Lingenfelser also sent a video
of the proceedings,
linaenfclser is president of
Marine Mammal COllSelVUlCy, a
eroup that has been lIying
unsua:ca1Ully to get pennission
to conduct 1"llSC:lIeS.
Conservancy members say
that Mue is blclddnt the group
fhlm becominglic:en.d.
Linpnfelrer said he tried to
convince Mae to capIIIre the
modter along with the baby, but
sIle refused,
When asked aut the mother,
Mae said, "It \vas a vety sticky
situation to have a mom whose
calf is injlll1ld or sick."
She said she consulted Ih~
lop marine cllpCI1s and they fell
it would compromise II he..llhy
"You want to treal them
in a natural
environment.
The theory is minimal
"
transport.
- Kyle f.ane
--'-- -- -
female by kc:cping Ihe motller
and calf together,
Another velerinarian will>
IIfended the rescue, Dr. Rudl
Ewing. said the baby may have
been ill from a virus or bacteria
and ... were being conducted,
Lingenfelser said had the
mother been C8plured. she eQuid
have been ~
"/.sn'1 illOlsonable to a.~Sumc
- dte mother could be com.
promised somewhat since she :
has been _ing ClW oflhe calf!" ;
he asked. However, he said. Ihe
modter appeared healthy
Mae came under fire b)' local
groups for her handling of sever-
al marine mammal res<:ucs,
incJuding the mass stranding of
dolphin on tong Key about 18
n.. Reponw . hige 1
Ipbin's death
Il\OOlha aao. DurinJ thai event,
~ thaa 25 aUnaJs died. The
cause of death remains a mya-
lery.
Some of Mae's detracton
have calJed for ha' firin&. Olhen
have IIIIIfl*ld I-=r lrIinina
for volunteers who.aead mll'ine
mamma/ emersencics.
Lingenfelser said he', hard
that he aDd perftapa L'Heureux-
Kupkee will be charpd wilh
obsInJction of this raeue. B)'
submiaing a videollpe of tile
event, he fools the facts will
McoAk: lIJlIMI'Clll.
"My hope is that properl
trained, properly equipped lII\
decIicIIcd peIIOMel once agai
arc authorized to respond I
marine mammals in distress," h
Wft1fIe to Proulx.
Aliff HnrsO/f covers stale an
Moruoe COll1ll" guvernmt'n
,nvironme",. reul e.flute, /(1'
LtlTro and is . edilor of Th
&poner k -bsile. S~ ,'an "
fNCh<<f at 8.51-J116 or by e
mail Ul umMrrson@U,vsre
poner.com
'6' 3058530675
)J:1:)I:1:C
t cl t 4-0 r-
To: WhoIII it ".y cooc.'lerIl
t'roIO: Tneie Burkholder
Date: .July 3n~ 2001
Deer Sin,
The ~I.t handling or... entangled baby dolphin by Nadollal
Maftne Fi.berieIi Scnke (NMI'-'S) and MariDe Animal
Reseue Soc.,-1ecy (MAIl8) perIIODIIeI iN mlother in aloq list of
dolpbio delNdeN that. ""e resoItrAI in * ~ot. cleath8 or
every dolphin they ha"e toaclKd iD the last 2 yean (exl-.ept. for
one peJ-?*ed to -lIf.." in the .....n pens at 'I11eatre of the Hea).
NMF8 ..... M,,8 ......e heMIineH in Hi..... when HAM put ·
I-.eMother pypIY "P;". whale in . ......0 '*-*Y.... pool".
I")IT n....h ftIIIlpllS before puUlnc in her eaIt The restdt WII8
....~.. De female pJlOCeeded to rr-dC8lly nee lII'Ound the
tank looIdng for ber....u: Sbe J'IIIDIIM':tI the alDlDinum side8..
~U,....ing t.... t_k.leel'ing ber _ ....... rodQr crow.... The
MotllH' clied the Dext day. The ....fWM tnnsfern.-d to ·
8uMota re8("OC fidIIty.
Lut IRIIIUIIer MARS te.med lip with SUD Cout Seabird
WUdllle ......e (IIIlOther out ortown orpnizadoo) to dro"ft'D
"Hammep", the pypay MpP.I'ID whale .-& in feoa.. that was
pooPly iD8ballecL 'I1Ieir aednoM led to the death of'aoother
pYfIPAY whale ",hen LauI'a EorJby, . ftPl"f':8eIltJdivr. oIboth
MAR8 aud the Dolphin IIetwarcb Cellter in {.,}rusy Kef (aka
nc...../De8th Be8eareh Center), 10000ed that whale noto ·
P..k ...... boat with DO .rety p..t or proper stretcher.
That I..........ft t......bed iUelf'to drath in front of'borrifled
vot_teePN.
Now here c."JOloe the ....e people to Key Larp. Offer.. to tlM~
neM'by edm.. t.mitieJI and expertise pronded by local
P03
1:t 3058530675
H:t:M:t:C
re8('!lle1"8 &om Dolphin. PI... and the Marine M.,.......
Ceolenaney to cue fop the ......1IDd Medler weft ftIdeIy
refUsed. ID8f~ the ftllfwu ne&lipntly taken .....01 itH
MotIIer ..... ......ported ft. truck oyer 40 udle8 to. conch
I'MeIIJICh 'aeiliCy in Layton. ...... Yetel'in..... Weft .........
at. the tobIIlack ofhuie llllimal ftIft Ki~eo to thrJJe dolphins ill
dilltft88.
I would holM" that. .pco-.IlK............ refteWN" that 8hou1d be
hehI....t heft in Key ...... (not T..l...."'lee - i. pre8CDtIy
propo8ed) w1111Dc1ude reDlo'" olBlair Hue M the Htnndlq
coo",in-tor and WI rein8tateIIlent otMIIriDe MIIIIIDW
C.oOlePVaney" DoIphIwJ Pl8.. ....0 sbal-e one of the best,
Pe8l'Ue/releue reeoJId8 in the counfry. Let tile "people &om
MARS" .y at flIT or eoDle down here only to leun how to do
N8ft1e riPt.
............y.
(JJ~l~~.~"-'I1.~h~L~Qi)-12.~ .
Tneie U..rldlolder
Key LaPp, PI
30394278H6
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All Creatures Pet Hospital Otl~tn.O~iMKtYS
Laura L'Heureux-Kupkee, DVM
Ian B. Kupkee, DVM
~~.
~l1EL~
93997 Overseas Hi~way
Tavernier, FL 33070
Phone: (305) 852-CAJUE(2273)
Email: A1ICreaturesVets@aol.com
August 15,2001
Dr. Joe Powers
Acting Chief S.E. Region
9721 Executive Center Drive North
St. Petersburg, Florida 33702-2439
Dear Dr. Powers:
I am writing to you regarding the rescue of a Tursiops truncatus calf for which I was called to volunteer on Friday,
July 27. The events of that day and the actions (or lack thereot) of certain NMFS staff and their volunteers
distressed me deeply, and I feel strongly enough about it that I feel the need to address the situation to those who
seem best equipped to do something about it. I apologize in advance for the likely length ofthis letter. I know you
are busy and your time is valuable. I feel that attention to detail and an accurate timeline are necessary for you to
fully understand the gravity of the situation. Following are the events of that day as I personally witnessed them:
1. Robert Lingenfelser, President of the Marine Mammal Conservancy (MMC) paged me at approximately
1 p.m.and requested my assistance with the rescue of a juvenile dolphin, which had been sighted several
times over the past several weeks but for which MMC volunteers, including myself: had searched in vain.
Robert told me that Art Cooper of Dolphins Plus had called him and requested his assistance with the
rescue. Robert further informed me that Art had been called by Blair Mase ofNMFS. My assistant Lisa
Rutherford and myself were on the MMC boat within about 45 minutes, the time it took us to reschedule
~ppointments, close down the office, and drive to the MMC property.
2. The three of us and the MMC intern met up on the water with Kyle Lane and two other volunteers from
Dolphins Plus' Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation (MMRF), a first response LOA holder. Kyle informed
us that Laura Urian-Engleby, a local dolphin researcher doing photo-identification work, was tracking the
dolphin, but would not give Kyle her GPS coordinates. He also told us that he had spoken with Ms. Mase
and she had told him not to do anything until she got there. Between MMC and MMRF, we had all of the
equipment and personnel necessary to rescue the calf. While we awaited Ms. Mase's arrival, Kyle
informed us after a phone call that Ms. Mase was already planning to transport the captured dolphin to the
Long Key facility, sight unseen. Around the same time we located Ms. Urian-Engleby's boat but did not
approach until Blair Mase and Dr. Ruth Ewing arrived aboard an FMP vessel with Marine Animal Rescue
Society (MARS) volunteers between 3:30 and 4:00p.m.,
3. Kyle and his volunteers approached Ms. Mase's vessel while we approached closely enough to volunteer
our services but not so close as to be privy to conversations among the other three vessels. We could see
that the mother accompanied the calf. Marcos, one ofthe MMRF volunteers, entered the water at this time
but was not able to capture the dolphin. He then boarded Ms. Urian-Engleby's boat. Ms. Urian-Engleby
made several attempts to head off the calf but only succeeded in chasing it into deeper water. There were at
least 2-3 times when she could have gotten close enough for Marcos to capture the calf if she had been
more assertive in her piloting. While caution was necessary to avoid injury to mother and calf, it appeared
that Ms. Urian-Engleby's lack of experience was causing her to be timid in her approach. While this was
happening, the MMRF and MMC boats tried to stay in a formation that would box off the dolphins. The
FMP vessel, which held the most volunteers and the NMFS stranding coordinator and veterinarian,
appeared to be standing off and giving little aid at all.
4. At approximately 5:15, the dolphins approached a stand of mangroves where it appeared we might be able
to corral them. At this point it became evident that Ms. Mase and her volunteers did not have any of the
equipment necessary to do so, nor did they appear to have the experience to do so. It was at this time that
Robert entered the water from our boat to assist. The area was successfully fenced off very quickly with
Robert's help, but the dolphins had swum through to the other side. The FMP vessel and Ms. Urian-
Engleby's boat went off quickly to try and find them, leaving behind two of their volunteers. The MMRF
vessel followed after gathering our collective equipment, and the MMC also followed after picking up the
MARS volunteers from the water.
5. When we arrived, all vessels were tracking the dolphins near a mangrove stand, and shortly thereafter
Marcos and Kyle captured the calf. Ms. Mase and the MARS volunteers did not have the equipment
necessary to safely lift the calf into the FMP vessel, and MMC offered theirs. As this was happening, the
mother was repeatedly butting the volunteers who had the calf I was not privy to the conversations
regarding whether or not the mother should be captured, as I was not close enough. Robert Lingenfelser
was and I believe he has related these discussions to you. It was my understanding that Robert felt he could
capture the mother in a couple of instances, but Ms. Mase told him not to.
6. As the calf was being lifted into the FMP vessel, the mother began jumping out ofthe water repeatedly, in
obvious distress. Robert boarded our vessel and suggested to Ms. Mase, still aboard the FMP vessel, that
the calfbe taken to the MMC property, which has areas appropriate for (and indeed intended for) the
rehabilitation of sick and injured marine mammals. Though Ms. Mase clearly heard Robert when he called
her name and began speaking, she turned her head and ignored the rest of his suggestion, which included
that MMC need not be involved in the rehabilitation, that we were just offering our land.
7. All of us aboard the MMC vessel could hear conversation regarding the transport of the calf to Long Key,
including that Ms. Mase's first suggestion was that he be transported by boat, a transport time on hours. It
appeared that it was Kyle and the MMRF personnel who talked her out of this course of action and
persuaded her to use their van, a 50-minute transport time. Transport time to the MMC facility, even if we
had gone slowly enough for the mother to follow, would have been approximately 15-20 minutes.
8. The FMP vessel headed for the van rendezvous area, and the other vessels, including ours, followed. When
we arrived at the dock, I stayed behind to catch the attention of Dr. Ewing, who followed slowly after the
calfwas put in the van and did not seem to be involved with the transfer. I have met Dr Ewing before,
having met with her, Dr. Greg Bossart, and MMC and MMRF personnel several months previously
regarding stranding procedures. I asked Dr. Ewing if she had heard Robert's suggestion that they use our
facilities, including that we would not need to have any direct involvement with the rehabilitation save the
use of our property. She claimed she had not, which is possible, as she had been attending the calf at the
time. When I reiterated the suggestion, she had no response. This is not to say that she ignored me, but she
glanced at Ms. Mase and appeared reluctant to make any comment.
9. At this point I followed behind Dr. Ewing and observed the calf being attended in the back of the van.
Robert approached Ms. Mase and once more asked why his suggestion of using our property was not taken,
reiterating that MMC need not be directly involved. Ms. Mase's response was that her hands were tied-
she had to do everything "by the book" as she was being ''very closely scrutinized right now."
10. I was informed on Monday, July 30, that the calf had died that day.
I have been a volunteer with MMC for nearly three years now, and on the board for one year. During this time I
have heard many stories similar to the one above but have avoided writing to complain or comment because I was
not personally a witness. The problems with the one other rescue I have attended, that ofa Risso's dolphin in late
October of 1999, occurred after I had to leave the scene ofthe rescue. My only personal observation in that
stranding was that it seemed to take far too long to be able to reach any NMFS personnel, who did not show up until
24 hours after the stranding was reported. This time, however, I was personally involved and witness, and the
questions and comments I have regarding my observations are numerous. I will try to keep them as brief as
possible.
Regarding timetable item 2: Why, since MMRF holds a first response LOA, would Ms. Mase insist that they wait
for her arrival before capturing the calf? Waiting, and thus tracking the animal for several additional hours, only
served to exhaust and stress the calf and also stress the mother. Furthermore, Ms. Mase seemed to bring nothing of
value to the rescue itself. She had no equipment that I could see but a med kit, and volunteers who clearly were
poorly trained, if at all. On the other hand, MMRF and MMC were fully equipped and staffed with experienced
volunteers. Ms. Mase seemed to have not only no equipment and no well-trained volunteers to add, she also had no
guidance to lend. As I said, for the first hour or more her boat stayed well away from where any capture would have
taken place (timetable item 3).
Also regarding timetable item 2: Why would it be deemed appropriate for Ms. Urian-Engleby to track the animal
while keeping MMRF in the dark regarding her coordinates? While Ms. Urian-Engleby may be a designee under
ORe's or MARS' LOA, ORC no longer responds to strandings and it was my understanding that the director of
MARS has moved out of the area or is doing so imminently, leaving MARS without leadership. On the other hand,
the employees of Dolphins Plus are designees under MMRF's first-response LOA, and they routinely assist in
strandings and other rescues, and have an excellent record. My observations in timetable item 3 made it clear to me
that Ms. Urian-Engleby was, if anything, far less qualified to respond than any ofMMRF's or MMC's volunteers,
LOA's notwithstanding.
Further regarding timetable item 2: Why would Ms. Mase have a plan in mind to take an animal she had not even
seen yet? Although this statement was hearsay on my part, I have no reason to believe Kyle would misrepresent
what he heard. Not only had she not seen the animal yet, but no veterinarian had seen the animal yet - how could
she make a call as to the best course of action without personal observation or the observation of qualified medical
personnel?
Regarding the entire episode - it may sound repetitive but it bears repeating: Why did the NMFS SE Regional
Stranding Coordinator (Ms. Mase) arrive at the scene several hours later than others, demanding action not be taken
until she got there, with poorly trained volunteers and no equipment? Her presence added nothing to the rescue but
poorly trained people who could have gotten hurt. When there is a stranding in Georgia, North Carolina, Texas, etc.,
does she insist on being there before action is taken? Such inconsistency casts suspicion on her motives.
Regarding timetable item 5: Why, if Ms. Mase was insistent that the calf be taken to a distant facility, would she
insist that the mother not be taken? It is my understanding that Ms. Mase assessed that the mother was healthy and
that Ms. Urian-Engleby has sufficient record of her appearance and travel patterns to return the calf to her should he
survive. This raises a couple of issues. First, how could we know for sure that mother was healthy? This calf had
been sighted with line around it's tail fluke for several weeks at this point, and just the fact that the mother had been
having to attend this calf in-shore for an extended time would make her health suspect due to stress and prolonged
exposure to near-shore waters that are not always as clean as those further out. Secondly, and more important to me
as a veterinary clinician, why would anyone deem it best under any circumstances to separate a mother and calf?
Though we assumed due to the extreme emaciation that this calf was probably weaned, he did not appear to be any
older than 2, probably younger. It is my understanding that post-capture estimates put him at about I year old. It is
simple, common sense veterinary medicine that stress hampers recovery and that prematurely separating a mother
and baby stresses both, probably severely. If common sense isn't enough, then I refer you to Oieraufs Handbook of
Marine Mammal Medicine, page 64, "Attempts at removing a juvenile cetacean under 2 years of age from its mother
frequently result in significant stress to the juvenile." If the primary concern/goal was the recovery of this calf, then
all decisions made should have reflected his medical needs. If Ms. Mase was not willing to make the call that the
mother should be kept with the calf, then Dr. Ewing should have been. Futhermore, the idea that the calf could or
would be returned to his mother seems shaky at best. Volunteers had been searching for this pair for nearly a month
_ how likely would it be to find the mother later on with no sick calf to slow her down? And would the search for
her be conducted with the calf on board, causing yet more undue stress, or would the mother be found and the calf
brought to the site as quickly as possible, with a high risk that tracking the mother for that hour might be
impossible? The decision showed not only poor clinical judgment in my opinion, but also lack of forethought.
Along the same vein, a perfect opportunity was given for mother and calf to be kept together - rehabilitate the calf
in his own waters. Why was this opportunity declined repeatedly? MMC does not hold an LOA at this time, but we
were very clear that we were offering the use of our property to MARS or whomever Ms. Mase wanted to
rehabilitate the calf there. We had no illusions that we would be in charge of the rehabilitation - we just wanted to
offer what was best for both animals. Why was the offer declined? When asked directly, Ms. Mase's response was
as mentioned in timetable item 9. Please forgive my directness, but I would like to see the book that says a juvenile
calf should be transported nearly an hour over land away from its mother to be kept in the unfamiliar environment of
a holding tank, in preference to being transported 15 minutes at most to be kept in its natural waters near its mother.
Ms. Mase was quoted in the local paper as claiming that the fact that MARS holds the only rehab LOA necessitated
using MARS' facility at Long Key. Considering Ms. Mase is the stranding coordinator, it seems to me that she has
the leeway to coordinate the rehabilitation in whatever way she deems most appropriate. MARS may not have its
own facility in the Upper Keys, but MARS was offered a facility for its use, and I doubt, please correct me ifI'm
wrong, that there is a book that says Ms. Mase could not have allowed MARS' use ofthat facility, should she
choose. So then the only question that remains is this - what was the real reason the offer for use of the MMC
facility was declined? Though I believe I know the answer to that question, it would be only speculation - I believe
Ms. Mase needs to be made to answer that question, and all the questions arising from this stranding.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, I make this observation - the entire incident could have been avoided and
would certainly have gone a lot more smoothly ifMMC had been issued the LOA for which they have repeatedly
applied. Supporting evidence has been submitted again and again that we have the facilities, the equipment, the
training, and the experience to be, along with MMRC, the best fIrst responders to any marine mammal in distress in
the Upper Keys. Further, since MMRC does not wish to compromise the health of Dolphin Plus' captive animals by
rehabilitating at their facility, MMC is the best and only logical group to hold an LOA for rehabilitation and release,
with the further support of an outstanding track record in this arena. DRC holds an LOA but will not respond due to
their large numbers of captive animals, and MARS has proven time and again to have slow response times and little
expertise. This time, they didn't even have proper equipment. The reason given for denial of an LOA to MMC up
to now has been that coverage in the Keys is sufficient. From all that I had heard until July 27, I assumed this to be
entirely untrue. Now I know it to be so. The work that I saw Robert do on that day was nothing but professional,
while what little I saw MARS volunteers do was entirely the opposite. Only under Robert's guidance were they of
any help at all. Robert or someone with similar experience is on site 24 hours a day during a rescue and
rehabilitation in which MMC is involved, when they are allowed to be involved. Therefore, as a member ofthe
animal health profession with the utmost concern for the welfare of all animals, and a resident of the Upper Keys, it
is my assessment not only that MMC deserves to hold an LOA for rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals, but
that marine mammals in the Upper Keys need MMC to hold such an LOA. It is my hope that those to whom these
concerns are addressed will finely see this as the case, and issue an LOA to MMC as soon as possible.
I found the events of July 27 to be most grievously distressing for many reasons, but most importantly because the
good of the animals involved seemed to be the farthest thing from the minds ofthe people who are authorized by
NMFS to make decisions. That dolphin calf may have died no matter where or how he was rehabilitated, but the
decision to take him from his mother and transport him 50 miles down the road when much closer, equally viable
options were repeatedly offered was a decision that, in my medical opinion, certainly decreased his chances of
survival, and may even have cost him his life. These types of decisions make NMFS looks as if their primary
concern is not for the health and well being of distressed marine mammals - in fact they make it look as if the goal
is the collection of necropsy specimens. While I am sure that this is not the case and that NMFS is well aware ofthe
value of rehabilitating and studying live animals, this is not the impression one gets from the actions of Dr . Ewing or
most especially of Ms. Mase, and their decision-making is doing NMFS no good in the eyes of public opinion in the
Florida Keys.
In closing, I would like to make it clear that I am bringing these concerns to you as a formal complaint, and would
therefore very much appreciate a reply in writing at your earliest convenience. Also, I would like to request that
either the impending program review be held in South Florida, or a special meeting be held down here to address
these recurring concerns. Once again, thank you so much for your time and attention in this matter. I look forward
to receiving your reply.
Respectfully,
Laura L'Heureux-Kupkee, DVM
Board Member and Consulting Veterinarian
Marine Mammal Conservancy
e 3058530675
H*M>tC
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JUL 9axl1
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Hr. Dan C. knapp
Gen..ral Manager
Dep.Tt~nt of Ani~al S@rvlces
City of Loa Anseleu
~16 SQ~th Spr1~9 Stre~L
LoB Angel~as c.'ali,foxniif SlOO1..7f
-.
Dear ~r. ICrUlpp:
We have rece1~.d your letter .~.tin9 that your Department
uti.li-zea ~he ee1"'Vicea o( non-p~Q!it vol\,lnt.oe~ g~QUp., suc;:h .. en.
whale ~escue 'Team, to altai 5t. t.lle Cit.y 1ra the rescue of marina
mammals. 'the purpose of t.hie 1 et tar is to ~lear up some
contu8ion resarc11ng t.he rescue and trlm.port of tnari.ne tnanna18
under t.he Mar1ne Mammal prot.ection ACt (HMPA).
Under $ect.ion 10i(h) of t.he MMPA. Cit.y employees or official. m8Y
~eltC\l. marine 1Nrl~1. dl.lrili9 the 1I01.'l'I'IAl eO\lra* of their 4u.eiea
w1tbout a p4rmit from Cne Nation.l Marine Fiaheriea service
tNKFS). This 18 th~ au\-horizat 101'\ your oepartment; has been
operating under since the PM.sage of the MMPA 1n 1'72.
This authorization does not automatically apply to volunteer
g~Q~p. ...iBLing the C1CY, Theee group. c.n legally ...ist tbe
C~~y with ~he re.cue and transport ot mar1ne Mammals through the
follo~.i.ng meana only; {l} by being 1 iliJtee! alii a volun~eer Of the
City' II An).".l Cont.X'ol Department, wich 1:he C:U:.y 8tiU:':i.nv in a
letter to NMF$ ~hat the City assumes full r..ponftlbil~ty for t.n.
volunteer 9ro~p for the humane capture ano traneport ot marine
..~~. under the MMPA or (21 by enterlug ineo . cont~.c~ w1th
the C;i,ty, wi.~h tne c:oncract. $talin9 that. the volu.nteer jroup is
acting .. an employee or Q't1Cl~! ot ~bc c~~y when rescuing and
t~.n.p<>rt1ng nwir;\.lltCt matl'M161S (,01' the Ci.ty.
In the aummer of 1998, the City of ~8 AngeleM en~.red 1n~o a
con~c.~~ w~~h ~h. Whale Re~c~e Team to ...i.~ the C~ty with
marine manJnal rescue and trAnsport. we ha.ve just recently
l.ar~ tha~ che current con~raCl ~o.. noc contain the language
re,rerenced in (2) above. l.'llerefore. che Whale? It.e.cue Team cannot
continue to legally a.SiRt. th~ City in marine mammal rescue and
traneporL ~dcr the current contr.ct unless this language i.
1ncluaed i.n tne coneraCl, ur WllftS$ l,he CJ..t:Y pursues the
volunteer .leernat.1 ve referenced .tCl (1) a.bove.
..
j:.3
'& 3058530675
M',:M*C
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To ensure the unint.rr\lpt~d re8CU~ and t ran.port of marine
~l. by ~he Whale R..cue Team w1~nln the City of LQa Angel...
you or .no~h.r City official ehould verbally contact Joe.pb
Cora.ro. Coo.rdinator of the Cal..i forn1a Marine M.unal StraDd1Dg
.\"-work (562-980-401'), within tV\') wcteks of rece.ipt of thi6
letter. to dlSCU.. this matter. Your coop.ration ie gre.tly
a~.c:i.ted.
Sinc.re \.y .
) 4Jp'~_
A::~ /.../;~
;.. H. tecky t-
"A..t.~an~ ~~i.~~Atcr
fer P~otected a.8ouree.
cc: ~Oft Feder-QeD
~t.r Wallerste1ft-WRT
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BILL NELSON
flORIDA
tinittd ~tatts ~matt
WASHINGTON. DC 205100-{)906
August 8,2001
The Honorable George Neugent
25 Ships Way
Big Pine Key, Florida 33043
Dear Mayor Neugent,
I am pleased to provide this Jetter in support of the Marine Mammal Conservancy's efforts
to more effectively rescue marine mammals in distress in Monroe County. I respectfully request
your consideration of this organization's plan.
Quality programs benefitting marine mammals are among my priorities as a U.S. Senator.
I have recently been made aware of the change instituted by the Federal Southeast Region
Coordinator. The new policy has excluded local rescuers and allowed organizations outside of
Monroe County to rescue marine mammals in distress. It is my understanding that since this
change, the success of the rescue and release of these distressed mammals has been 0%.
I encourage your consideration of the proposal put forth by the Marine Mammal
Conservancy modeled after a Los Angeles area program that has enjoyed a high success rate. This
program operates under the guidelines of the Marine Mammal Protection Act. The new policy
would allow the Marine Mammal Conservancy and the Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation to be
designated as the primary respondents to marine mammals in distress in Monroe County.
Again, I encourage your consideration of this worthy cause. If I can be of further
assistance in this matter, please do not hesitate to contact me at the address below.
Sincerely,
BN/ctb
Enclosure
Ai
United States Senator Bill Nelson, 225 East Robinson Street, Suite 410, Orlando, Florida 32801
PAINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
808 GRAHAM
FLORIOA
llnittd ~tattJ ~mQtt
WASHINGTON, DC 2051~3
August 10,2001
Mr. Robert G. Lingenfelser Jr.
Marine Mammal Conservancy Inc.
Post Office Box 1625
Key Largo, Florida 33037
Dear Robert:
Thank you for your letter of August 7 regarding your efforts to be designated as a marine
mammal rescue organization for the Florida Keys.
Although I understand your concerns, this is a matter in which the Monroe COlmty Commission
has primary jurisdiction. In an effort to assist you, I have forwarded your correspondence to
them with a request that they take into consideration the information you presented.
I appreciate your bringing this matter to my attention. It is important to me to be aware of your
views and concerns. Please know that my staff and I stand ready to assist you with other issues
in which federal guidelines or potential federal policy applies.
With kind regards,
Sincerely,
United States Senator
BG/pdg
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"'-_ 'MaJl'ine Mammal RescV\e FoV\ndation
--= of t~e lAppe~ Ke~s) Jnc.
Monroe County Commissioners,
Thank you for the opportunity to speak before you today to better the marine mammal
rescues done within Monroe county. Enclosed are two letters which have been sent to Blair
Mase and Katherine Wang in attempt to regain possession of Article 4 of our current L.O.A.
which would enable us to recover, rehabilitate, research, and release stranded marine
mammals locally. This would avoid the stressful transfer of these mammals over vast
distances to be treated by other agencies which is currently the status for the strandings that
have taken place over the past two years when we last held Article 4. Also included is a
brief summary of our equipment and personnel available to us in the case of a local
stranding. Our current L.O.A. is attached last that authorizes us as first response team to
stranding events in a 50 mile radius.
Thank you again,
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Director of Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation of the Upper Keys
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14 August 2001
NMFS Stranding Coordinator
Blair Mase
Southeast Fisheries Science Center
75 Virginia Beach Dr.
Miami, FI. 33149
Attn; Blair Mase,
We are in a position of community involvement where local individuals as well as the
newly Incorporated Village of Islamorada have jointly agreed to allow us exclusive use of
both private and public basins for rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals. Dolphins
plus is also in the position of acquiring a new parcel of property on the bayside in Key
Largo with a nice basin. Water quality meets requirements and spatial considerations are
not a problem. We also posses an above ground pool that is completely portable with all
necessary pumps and filters. Please allow us to have article IV reinstated as soon as
possible. We do believe that lessened ground and or water transportation times will only
benefit the marine mammals who strand. Our record speaks for itself and we look forward
to working with your office in the future. A hard copy of this request has been sent for your
records. Kyle Lane is now the acting Director for MMRF. I will remain President, but no
longer have enough time to perform all duties efficiently. His contact # is 305-394-2333.
Thank you,
Art Cooper
President
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14 August 2001
National Marine Fisheries Service
Southeast Regional Office
9721 Executive Center Drive N.
St. Petersburg, FI. 33702
Attn; Katherine R. Wang
We are in a position of community involvement where local individuals as well as the
newly Incorporated Village of Islarnorada have jointly agreed to allow us exclusive use of
both private and public basins for rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals. Dolphins
plus is also in the position of acquiring a new parcel of property on the bayside in Key
Largo with a nice basin. Water quality meets requirements and spatial considerations are
not a problem. We also posses an above ground pool that is completely portable with all
necessary pumps and filters. Please allow us to have article IV reinstated as soon as
possible. We do believe that lessened ground and or water transportation times will only
benefit the marine mammals who strand. Our record speaks for itself and we look forward
to working with your office in the future. A hard copy of this request has been sent for your
records.
Thank you,
Art Cooper
President
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Marine Mammal Stranding
Egylpment List
Vehicles: 1989 Dodge Ram 350 Van- Capable of transporting twelve foot animals.
Equipped with canopy top allowing stranding team to stand while loading and unloading
animals. Has both air conditioning and heat. Capable of towing trailers.
Boats: 1993 17' Nautica inflatable boat with fiberglass hull and removable transom.
Powered by single Honda 35 horsepower outboard. Capable of capturing, transporting,
releasing twelve foot animals. .
Transportation Supplies: Two 1 O'L X 5'8"W X 4"H foam pads with vinyl covers. Two
vinyl stretchers with terry cloth inserts and steel poles for moving animals up to 14' in length.
Four vinyl stretchers with terry cloth inserts and steel poles for moving animals up to 12' in
length. Four vinyl stretchers with terry cloth inserts and steel poles for moving animals up to
8' in length. Four 11' aluminum pole boxes with attachable vinyl pools for lengthy
transports which would enable the animal to be transported in saltwater to avoid the
suffocating effects of gravity during transport.
Medical Supplies: One medical kit containing triage supplies, blood and tissue sampling
equipment and necropsy instruments. One medical kit containing first-aid supplies for
rescuers and volunteers.
Additional Supplies: We have access to vast amounts of diving/snorkeling equipment
though local dive companies including use of larger boats for larger strandings and group
releases. All of the equipment at Dolphins Plus and Dolphin Cove, such as nets, medical
supplies, dive/snorkel equipment, and funding for the expense of care for stranded animals.
Heavy machinery such as cranes are available from local companies for movement of larger
marine mammals. We also have an agreement with Marine Mammal Conservancy to use
any of the items they have in their inventory.
Personnel: All of the staff at Dolphins Plus, Dolphins Cove, Island Dolphin Care which
includes individuals which have thirty-five years of experience with marine mammals. Much
of the staff at local dive companies who have experience handling not only stranded
animals but the animals residing at Dolphin Plus and Dolphin Cove. The extensive list of
volunteers and members of the Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation of the Upper Keys
along with the extensive list of volunteers and members of the Marine Mammal
Conservancy that own equipment and property that would aid the recovery, rehabilitation,
research and release of stranded marine mammals.
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UNITEO STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NA TIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
Protected Resources Division
Southeast Regional Office
9721 Executive Center Drive N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
727-570-5312, FAX 570-5517
March 1999
Dear Marine Mammal Stranding Network Participant:
Enclosed is the 1999 Marine Mammal Stranding Network Directory for the southeastern
United States. The directory lists institutions and individuals who are both qualified and
authorized to respond to marine mammal strandings. This directory is divided by states
and covers the Atlantic coast from North Carolina south, the entire U.S. Gulf of Mexico
coast, and the Caribbean stranding network in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
All participants listed are either Federal or state entities authorized by section 109(h) of
the Marine Mammal Protection Act to take stranded marine mammals, or are
institutions that have been issued a Letter of Agreement (LOA) by the National Marine
Fisheries Service, or their designees. In rare cases, an LOA may be issued to an
individual.
Institutional LOAs are issued for a five-year period, so the list of participating institutions
should remain relatively constant through 2002. However, since addresses, telephone
numbers, and contacts may change over time, NMFS requests that each institution
notify us in writing when any change, including the addition/deletion of new participants,
takes place. We will periodically update the directory.
These standard institutional LOAs describe the activities permitted as well as the
obligations of participants acting under a particular LOA. It is imperative that each
person responding to a marine mammal stranding fully understands the provisions and
requirements contained in the LOA and has a copy to show a law enforcement officer
upon request. Any individual desiring to participate in the Marine Mammal Stranding
Network, but not presently covered by an LOA, should contact one of the listed
institutions to discuss the possibility of becoming a designee under their LOA.
Thank you for your interest and participation in the Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
If you have any questions regarding the directory or the LOAs, please call 727-570-
5312.
Sincerely,
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Katherine R. Wang, Ph.D.
Fishery Biologist
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UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE
Southeast Regional Office
9721 Executive Center Drive N.
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
March 13, 1997
F ISEO 13 :JEB
Dear Institutional Contact:
Enclosed you will find a hard copy and floppy disk copies (WP6.1, WP5.1, and ASCII text) of
the Letter of Authorization (LOA) for your institution. The agreement is valid for five years and
is effective January 1, 1997. The LOA details the purpose of the authorization as well as the
authorities and responsibilities that the institution assumes under the agreement. You will note
that there are two copies of the LOA signature page. To validate the agreement, a representative
of your institution must sign both signature pages and return one to the Southeast Regional
Office (at the letterhead address).
This LOA allows the institution to designate individuals to act under its authority when
responding to marine mammal strandings. Each person designated should be provided a copy of
the institution's LOA. Portions may be excluded, or remain included, in the designee's copy of
the LOA depending on the ability of the individual designee. It is the responsibility of the
institution to provide an LOA that is appropriate to the designee's qualifications. Further, the
in~titution is responsible for the stranding network activities of its designees.
Each institution must supply NMFS, Southeast Regional Office, a list of its designees and their
telephone numbers each year and updates to the list as needed. In addition, each institution must
supply the names and telephone numbers for two to three institutional contacts. These contact
people will be responsible for alerting designees under their institution's LOA in the event of a
marine mammal stranding in the institution's area and with coordinating a response. The
institution and the names and telephone numbers of the contacts will be compiled in a directory
that will be distributed to all stranding network members. If you have not already done so,
please provide this information as soon as possible. An updated standing directory will be
distributed in Spring 1997.
Thank you for taking an active interest in marine mammal strandings and for being an integral
part of the stranding network. If you have questions, please call Jeffrey Brown at (813) 570-
5312.
Sincerely,
GC ~R-:
Enclosures
Charles A. Oravetz
Chief, Protected Species Management Bran~J~~
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AGREEMENT BETWEEN
NATIONAL MARINE FISHERIES SERVICE OF THE
NATIONAL OCEANIC AND ATMOSPHERIC ADMINISTRATION
DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
AND
MAREINE MAMMAL RESCUE FOUNDATION
OF THE FLORIDA KEYS
ARTICLE I
Authority
1. This Agreement is entered into between the National Marine Fisheries Service, National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (hereinafter NOAAINMFS) and Marine Mammal
Rescue Foundation of the Florida Keys (hereinafter the Letterholder) under the authority of
sections 109(h) and 112(c) of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, as amended
(hereinafter the MMP A).
2. NOAAlNMFS has been delegated authority to administer the MMP A. Under the MMP A,
NOAAINMFS is responsible for mammals of the Order Cetacea and the Order Pinnipedia other
than walruses.
3. To assist in the implementation and administration of the MMPA, the Southeast Regional
Marine Mammal Stranding Network has been established to deal with stranded marine mammals
within the Southeast Region of the United States. The Southeast Region consists of the
following states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi,
Louisiana, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the U. S. Virgin Islands.
ARTICLE II
PUl:pose of Agreement
NOAAINMFS and the Letterholder enter into this Agreement for the following purposes:
1. To provide for the protection, health and welfare of stranded marine mammals within the
Southeast Region in accordance with the purposes and policies of the MMP A.
2. To authorize the take of stranded marine mammals or marine mammal parts for the primary
purpose of ensuring the appropriate rehabilitation, disposition, and utilization of stranded marine
mammals or marine mammal parts under the jurisdiction ofNOAAINMFS.
3. To define the nature and extent of services that the Letterholder will provide NOAAINMFS
under this Agreement.
4. To provide for the preparation and maintenance of records containing scientific data obtained
from dead and living stranded marine mammals or parts from dead stranded marine mammals.
5. To provide for the timely exchange of information for use by both parties and other
Agreement holders in furthering their respective objectives under this Agreement.
2
ARTICLE III
Authorization to take
1. Subject to the conditions contained in this Agreement, the Letterholder is authorized to take
stranded marine mammals [or marine mammal parts] for the protection or welfare of the marine
mammal or for the protection of public health and welfare. This authorization specifically
includes the following activities:
a. Taking marine mammals for the rescue and rehabilitation of all live, sick, injured, or
distressed stranded marine mammals in a humane manner and within the NMFS
Southeast Region for the purposes of transporting individuals to an approved
rehabilitation center or a temporary holding facility.
b. Taking measurements and biological samples or parts from dead stranded marine
mammals [provided that such biological samples are forwarded to an approved institution
or individual within six months].
c. Taking and transporting dead stranded or floating dead marine mammals to facilities or
individuals approved pursuant to 50 C.F.R. 216.22 for scientific and/or educational use,
or disposing of dead stranded marine mammals at a sanitary landfill or other location
determined to be suitable.
d. Returning live stranded marine mammals to sea and tagging such animals.
e. Relocating relatively healthy stranded individuals from a site of heavy human use to a
more inaccessible site for immediate release.
f. Taking measurements and blood or other medical type samples from live stranded marine
mammals.
g. To destroy live stranded marine mammals in a humane manner if necessary.
h. Subject to NOAA/NMFS approval, appointing other individuals or institutions to take'
marine mammals or marine mammal parts and collecting information pursuant to this
Agreement (provided that a list of such individuals or institutions is provided annually to
the Southeast Regional Office ofNMFS).
2. This does not authorize the sale or offer of sale of any marine mammal or marine mammal
part taken under the authority of this Agreement.
3
ARTICLE IV
[RESERVED]
ARTICLE V
Responsibilities of the Letterholder
In consideration for and as a condition to the authorization specified in Articles III and IV, the
Letterholder agrees to do the following:
1. The Letterholder shall respond quickly to reports of stranded marine mammals and cooperate
with State and local officials in the expeditious removal of these animals.
2. The Letterholder shall assist local officials in the clean-up of beach areas should the actions of
necropsy or specimen collection contribute to the soiling of the site.
3. The Letterholder and/or its qualified representative appointed under Article III Section l(h),
shall collect the following information from each marine mammal taken:
a. Identity of the collector
b. Date of response to the stranding
c. Circumstances of stranding
d. Specific location of stranding (latitude/longitude)
e. Species (number, name, length, sex, and condition)
f. Unusual physical conditions or evidence of physical trauma or human-induced mortality,
if present
g. Disposition of the marine mammal, including in cases where the marine mammal has
been retained in captivity, the name of the facility, in the case of a dead marine mammal,
the field number, catalog number and institution in which specimen materials have been
deposited, and in the case of a marine mammal returned to the wild, the tag type and
identification number or name.
4. The Letterholder shall fill out a Marine Mammal Stranding Report form with data collected as
required by Article V (3) and send it by the 15th day of the following month to: Dr. Dan Odell,
Sea World of Florida, 7007 Sea World Drive, Orlando, FL 32821-8097.
5. The Letterholder shall submit annually to the above address beginning one year from the date
of this Agreement a report summarizing its activities and findings conducted and made under this
Agreement.
4
6. The Letterholder shall report the retention or transfer of any parts from any stranded marine
mammal collected under this agreement to National Marine Fisheries Service, Southeast
Regional Office, 9721 Executive Center Drive North, St. Petersburg, FL, 33702 as required by
50 CFR 216.22. Individual identification numbers must accompany any transferred parts.
Individuals or institutions desiring tissues or whole specimens for research or educational
purposes must have received prior written authorization from NOAAlNMFS.
7. The Letterholder shall make available to NOAAlNMFS any additional data collected or
analyses conducted, if requested. These data will be considered the proprietary information of
the Letterholder. .
8. The Letterholder shall bear any and all expenses connected with the taking, collection,
maintenance, release, or other activities associated with marine mammals pursuant to this
Agreement.
9. The Letterholder shall cooperate with State and local officials in matters relating to stranded
marine mammals or their disposition.
10. The Letterholder shall be subject to the authority and direction of any designated agent or
employee ofNOAAINMFS with respect to the taking of a stranded marine mammal.
11. The Letterholder shall cooperate with other authorized members of the Southeast Marine
Mammal Stranding Network.
12. By its nature, the handling oflive and dead stranded animals and the care and protection of
live stranded marine mammals is a dangerous activity. The Letterholder shall indemnify and
hold harmless the United States Government from any and all losses, damages, or liability--or
claims therefore--on account of personal injury, death, or property damage of any nature
whatsoever, arising out of the activities of the Letterholder, hislher/its employees, hislher/its
qualified representatives, hislher/its subcontractors, or agents.
5
ARTICLE VI
Rights of States and Local Governments
Nothing in this Agreement shall be construed to affect the rights or responsibilities of the States
and local governments or their employees under the MMP A with respect to stranded marine
mammals.
ARTICLE VII
Review or termination
This agreement may be modified at any time by NOAAfNMFS upon written notification to the
Letterholder. The Letterholder may request modification of the Agreement in writing. This
Agreement may be terminated upon thirty (30) days written notice by the Letterholder and at any
time by NOAAfNMFS.
ARTICLE VIII
Effective Date
The terms of this Agreement shall become effective upon the signature of the Letterholder and
NOAAfNMFS. This Agreement will remain in effect for five years from the effective date and
may be renewed thereafter if agreed to in writing by both parties.
AGREEMENT IS ENTERED INTO AND MADE EFFECTIVE THIS first day of January
1997.
APPROVED:
NOAAfNMFS
(f C c.r Qv':
Charles A. Oravetz
Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation
~ C!v,nla1u
Ly Cermak
Chief, Protected Species
Management Branch
Director
6
MARINE MAMMAL CONSERVANCY, INC.
(305) 451-0778 / (305) 853-0675
FAX: (305) 451-0407
Protecting Marine Mammals & Their Habitats
Through Research, Rescue, Rehabilitation,
Release and Education
P.O. Box 1625
102200 Overseas Highway
Key Largo, FL 33037
www.marinemamma1consv.com
(under construction)
E-mail: mmcrescue(iV.msn.com
APPLICATION FOR A
LETTER OF AUTHORIZATION
Submitted To:
NOAA Fisheries Service
SEUS MMSN
MARINE MAMMAL CONSERVANCY, INC.
POBOX 1625
KEY LARGO, FL 33037-1625
(305) 451-0778 or (305) 853-0675
FAX: (305) 451-0407
Web Site: www.marinemammalconsv.com
(Under Construction)
E-mail: mmcrescue(tUmsn.com
NOAA Fisheries Service
South East United States Marine Mammal Stranding Network
To All Whom It May Concern,
Protecting Marine Mammals & Their Habitats
Through Research, Rescue, Rehabilitation,
Release and Education
We respectfully submit the following application for a Letter of Authorization from NOAA
Fisheries in order to participate in the South East United States Marine Mammal Stranding Network
(SEUS MMSN). As our application shows, the Marine Mammal Conservancy, it's Officers and it's
volunteers are very well qualified to participate as members of the SEUS MMSN. We also believe that
the Marine Mammal Conservancy, its equipment, Officers and Volunteers will be a great asset to the
SEUS MMSN.
This application is the third application to be submitted for review since 1997. This format
supercedes all previous applications submitted and should be accepted in conjunction with those
applications previously submitted for review. This updated format complies with the proposed minimum
requirements set forth by NOAA Fisheries Service.
We have submitted the following information for your review:
1. Qualifications met or exceeded based on the proposed minimum guidelines of the NOAA
Fisheries Service including Article IV requirements.
2. Corporate and Officer Information on the Marine Mammal Conservancy, Inc.
3. Marine Mammal Holding Facilities for use during stranding events.
4. The Marine Mammal Conservancy's Equipment List.
5. Stranding Event Staff, Primary/Assistant Husbandry Personnel, Veterinary Staff, and Volunteers
qualifications.
6. Educational Programs associated with stranding events.
7. Stranding Response History of the Marine Mammal Conservancy's Board of Directors and
volunteers.
The Proposed Letter Holder will be the Marine Mammal Conservancy c/o Robert G Lingenfelser
Jr as President ofMMC. If you should require any further information, please don't hesitate to contact
the undersigned at one of the above numbers or (305) 778-4847. Thank you for your attention in this
matter.
R:~~;P
Robert G Lingenfelser Jr
President
Applicant:
Response Only:
Item # 1:
Item # 2:
Item # 3:
Item # 4:
Item # 5:
Item # 6:
Article IV:
Item # 1:
MARINE MAMMAL CONSERVANCY, INC.
POBox 1625
102200 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037-1625
(305) 451-0778 or (305) 853-0675
FAX: (305) 451-0407
Web Site: www.marinemammalconsv.com
(Under Construction)
E-mail: mmcrescue~msn.com
Protecting Marine Mammals & Their Habitats
Through Research. Rescue. Rehabilitation.
Release and Education
Robert G Lingenfelser Jr (proposed letter holder)
Marine Mammal Conservancy, Inc.
MINIMUM GUIDELINE REQUIREMENTS MET OR EXCEEDED
AS PROPOSED BY NOAA FISHERIES SERVICE
Florida Bay Dolphin Refuge will be an established APHIS Licensed Facility as of January 2002.
Experienced Designees are: Robert G Lingenfelser Jr, Richard L Trout and Sandy M Holland.
The holder and associated designees have been through several ofNMFS SEUS MMSN training
sessions and have the experience necessary to obtain accurate Level A stranding data and basic
tissue sample collection. Further, the above personnel have participated in several necropsies and
are familiar with NOAA Fisheries Service guidelines in performing same.
The prospective letter holder has demonstrated the ability to communicate with the general
public, local, state and federal agencies. The prospective letter holder and organization hold
regular training sessions for the general public to assure injured or stranded marine mammals get
the proper timely response. The prospective letter holder speaks with local officials on an as
needed basis for cooperation and use of public facilities when the need arises. An example is the
June stranding event when the need arose to make use of Founder's Park in the Village of
Islamorada. A single call was made to Mayor Frank Kulinski so that use could be made of the
Founder's Park facility. The prospective letter holder contacts state authorities on an as needed
basis for educational and training materials for the general public.
The prospective letter holder and the associated organization have and maintain a large inventory
of equipment and resources for use in response to stranding events. The list of said equipment is
attached.
Based on the history of timely effective response or lack thereof in the Florida Keys since 1998,
this detailed application, the qualifications of the individuals and the dedication, experience and
commitment we and our volunteers bring to this endeavor, we respectfully submit that this
prospective letter holder and the Marine Mammal Conservancy, Inc. be issued a Letter of
Authorization by NOAA Fisheries Service SEUS MMSN.
Robert G Lingenfelser Jr and Richard L Trout are very experienced in marine mammal care and
rehabilitation techniques and are very familiar with NOAA Fisheries rehabilitation/release
guidelines.
Item # 2:
Item # 3:
Item # 4:
Item # 5:
Item # 6:
Dr Clifford Glade, DVM and Dr. Laura L'Heureux-Kupkee, DVM are licensed veterinarians who
have experience in marine mammal care and are willing to assume responsibility for diagnosis
and treatment. Both veterinarians are willing to cooperate closely with NOAA Fisheries Service
veterinarians or designated SEUS MMSN veterinarians during the rehabilitative process.
The Marine Mammal Conservancy has a volunteer database of over 350 individuals able to
participate in the rehabilitative process. Additionally, visitors and those interested will be trained
on a stranding site to assist in the rehabilitative process. An example of this was realized during
the August 1995 to October 1995 stranding off our pilot whales. Under the LOA of the Florida
Marine Conservation Corporation, MMC trained over 3000 participants in the day to day
volunteer process during the 64 days of this stranding event.
Resources to meet or exceed minimum requirements:
Medical Treatment: MMC has two veterinarians, a fully equipped medical kit, accounts with
three medical suppliers, and the experience in treating sick marine
mammals.
Provisions: MMC's has two fully stocked medical kits, as well as all ofthe facilities,
equipment and supplies listed in this application.
Quarantine Practices: MMC's policy is to isolate sick or injured marine mammals from contact
with other marine mammals in the wild or in captivity. We also have the
capability of isolating a marine mammal in an above ground 21' diameter
pool. It is also MMC's policy to inform volunteers not to have contact
with any other marine mammals (either in the wild or in captivity) for at
least five days. This policy is to prevent any possible spread of infection
or contamination to other marine mammal populations.
Short/Long Term Care: MMC has the resources, both financial and physical, to provide care for
any marine mammal(s) that may come to us. The Florida Bay Dolphin
Refuge is capable of holding any marine mammal(s) for any extended
care required and was developed for that purpose.
Plan of Action: Upon notification of a stranding, MMC will have qualified personnel capable of
initial evaluation on marine mammal(s) respond immediately to the stranding
site. Other personnel (The Initial Response Team) will be notified to begin
moving equipment to the stranding site. If there is a live stranding, MMC's
phone tree will be activated and all volunteers will be notified by the volunteer
coordinators and schedules will be set up for volunteer participation. The initial
response team will set up the nearest holding site so that the marine mammal(s)
can be medically evaluateu, treated and stabilized as near as possible to the
original stranding site. Stranding Coordinators will begin mobilizing those
community and equipment resources as required for the situation. Decisions
from the point of notification of the event will be made in conjunction with the
SEUS Stranding Coordinator and experts as directed by NOAA Fisheries
Service. If the marine mammal(s) are already deceased then either MMC's
necropsy team will respond or the deceased marine mammal(s) will be
transported to NOAA Fisheries laboratory on Virginia Key depending on the
wishes of the SEUS Stranding Coordinator. Initial response times to a stranding
event will be within 30 to 45 minutes anywhere in South Florida as our volunteer
database covers West Palm Beach to Key West.
Based on the history of timely effective response or lack thereof in the Florida Keys and South
Florida since 1998, this detailed application, the qualifications of the individuals and the
dedication, experience and commitment we and our volunteers bring to this endeavor, we
respectfully submit that this prospective letter holder and the Marine Mammal Conservancy, Inc.
be issued a Letter of Authorization, Article IV by NOAA Fisheries.
MARINE MAMMAL CONSERVANCY, INC.
POBox 1625
102200 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037-1625
(305) 451-0778 or (305) 853-0675
FAX: (305) 451-0407
Web Site: www.marinemammalconsv.com
(Under Construction)
E-mail: mmcrescue{a).msn.com
CORPORATE INFORMATION
Protecting Marine Mammals & Their Habitats
Through Research, Rescue, Rehabilitation.
Release and Education
1) Incorporated: 5 February 1995 as a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Corporation
2) FEIN: 65-0562563
3) Florida Corporate Document No: N95000001086
4) Registered with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Registration Number: SC-06361
OFFICERS & DIRECTORS LIST
Richard L. Trout
192 Lowe St.
Tavernier, FI. 33070
Vice-President / Director of Husbandry
Registered Agent
Tel: 305-451-0778
Fax: 305-451-0407
Off: 800-404-0778
Cel: 305-778-4847
Tel: 305-853-0675
Fax: 305-853-0675
Robert G. Lingenfelser Jr.
917 Plantation Rd.
Key Largo, FI. 33037
President
Sandy M. Holland
233 Lignum Vitae Dr
Key Largo, FI. 33037
Director
Tel: 305-453-0080
December Lauretano
14741 SW 69th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33330
Secretary / Treasurer / Director
Tel: 954-252-4741
Off: 954-846-7545 (xtn: 315)
Fax: 954-846-8559
Cel: 954-328-6446
Brenda Bush
126 Coco Palm Blvd
Tavernier, FL 33070
Director
Tel: 305-852-0299
Off: 305-853-3222 (xtn: 332)
Fax: 305-853-3228
Scott Trell
1 SE 3'd Street
Suite 1450
Miami, FL 33131
Director
Tel: 305-573-7572
Off: 305-371-8662
Fax: 305-530-9417
Dr. Laura L'Heureux-Kupkee
93997 Overseas Hwy
Tavernier, FL 33070
Director
Tel: 305-852-6136
Off: 305-852-2273
Fax: 305-852-9473
Pag: 305-239-8778
GENERAL COUNSEL:
Martin E. Firestone, Esq
310B North College Parkway
Frederick, MD 21701
General Counsel
Government Relations
Tel: 301-631-5259
Fax: 301-631-5291
Holland and Knight
Dana Choi, Esq
Barbara Arco, Esq
701 Brickell Avenue
Suite 3000
Miami, FL 33134
General Counsel
Off: 305-374-5800
INSURANCE
Allstate Indemnity Company
Agent: Cheryl Carlisle
100 Executive Way
Suite 216
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082
Tel:
Contact:
904-285-1117
Cheryl or Connie
Facility:
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MARINE MAMMAL CONSERVANCY, INC.
POBOX 1625
KEY LARGO, FL 33037-1625
(305) 451-0778 or (305) 853-0675
FAX: (305) 451-0407
Web Site: www.marinemamma1consv.com
(Under Construction)
E-mail: mmcrescue(aJ.msn.com
Protecting Marine Mammals & Their Habitats
Through Research, Rescue, Rehabilitation,
Release and Education
MARINE MAMMAL HOLDING FACILITIES
FOR USE DURING
STRANDING EVENTS
The Florida Bay Dolphin Refuge Location: MM 102.2 Key Largo, Florida
Under Development, eventually will have fish kitchen, medical pens, a shower/locker facility
and be APHIS Licensed by January 2002.
Property has 1.75 acres ofland and 1.5 acres of water. Lagoon measurements are 80 feet of
width by 560 feet of length with an average depth ranging from 28 feet to 15 feet. An additional
150 feet by 200 feet of bay bottom are also available though this area has a mean depth of
approximately six to eight feet.
Mariner's Resort Location: MM 39 Big Pine Key, Florida
Kitchen, Accommodations for personnel,
Property is unoccupied at this time but is available to us for stranding events. Property has
approximately 3 acres of land and a marina (unused) measuring 400 feet by 100 feet with an
average depth of approximately ten feet. Rehabilitation Stranding events would be coordinated
through the lodge area.
Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority and City Electric Property on Stock Island.
MM 3 Key West, Florida
Power and building access through the above.
Property is used by both of the above as a storage area. Lagoon area is approximately 75 feet
wide by 150 feet in length with an average depth of approximately 6 feet. This area would be
used to stabilize animals for transport to a better long term rehabilitation facility.
Zimm Property Location: MM 89 Tavernier, Florida
Power, Water, and septic access
Property has an enclosed boat basin (no boats) approximately 150 feet by 150 feet with direct
access to the ocean. A shallow water boat ramp is also located in the basin. The basin's mean
depth runs anywhere from six feet (near boat ramp) to 12 feet.
South Florida and especially the Florida Keys are unique in that there are virtually hundreds of
areas that can be temporarily fenced off to contain and treat stranded marine mammals. This
precludes the need for long transports which are often the cause of serious stress which often kills
a wild marine mammal. In our experience, no one, either individual homeowners or corporate
entities have turned us down for the temporary use of a suitable area to treat a stranded or injured
marine mammal.
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MARINE MAMMAL CONSERVANCY, INC.
POBox 1625
102200 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037-1625
(305) 451-0778 or (305) 853-0675
FAX: (305) 451-0407
Web Site: www.marinemammalconsv.com
(Under Construction)
E-mail: mmcrescue@msD.com
Protecting Marine Mammals & Their Habitats
Through Research, Rescue, Rehabilitation.
Release and Education
EQUIPMENT FOR USE DURING STRANDING EVENTS
Mobile Housing /Fish Kitchen
37' Pace Arrow RV with a 6.5KW generator, large kitchen, refrigerator/freezer, washer/dryer,
Bath/shower. 40 gallon fresh water tank and 60 gallons of waste holding. Can sleep up to 8
personnel at a time. This unit is capable of going to stranding sites for short or long term
stabilization of marine mammals.
Dedicated Mobile Fish Kitchen (To be purchased: November 2001, DeliveryJan/Feb 2002)
35' Winnebago with a 12.0KW generator, large kitchen, stainless steel sink & prep area; full size
refrigerator; Chest freezer; 651b per day ice maker, LP Tank/Fumace/ Hot Water System,
Exterior shower station; 80 gallon fresh water tank w/ 100 gal/per/day reverse osmosis water
maker and 80 gallons of gray water waste holding; Lab/Office in rear w/ computer, printer,
copier, fax machine, telephone hookup or cellular capabilities, microscope, centrifuge, Dupont
Blood Analyzer, 25" TVNCR Satellite System and cabinets for storage of medical supplies. This
unit is capable of going to stranding sites for short or long term stabilization of marine mammals.
Medical Equipment
Necropsy Kit Sets supplied per NMFS guidelines
Medical Kit (2) Sets w/ Syringes/needles/vacu-tubes (various sizes and types for blood collection
and intramuscular injections), sample containers, including all of the miscellaneous disposable
medical supplies, etc...
Tubing (various sizes for tube feeding purposes)
Centrifuge (1)
Weigh Scales (2)
Stethoscopes (2)
Commercial BlenderslMixers (3) (for preparation offish gruels)
Stainless Steel 3 gallon feeding buckets (4)
Coolers for feeding buckets (4)
Assorted sized measure pitchers for tube feeding (8)
Equipment Trailer (To be ourchased in Julv 200n
6'5"H X 8'W X 20'L enclosed trailer with much of the listed equipment below stored inside
(except the medical equipment and supplies which are located in the Mobile Fish Kitchen)
Marine Mammal Transport Truck / Ambulance (In Process)
1996 converted Mac Tools truck with a 17' enclosed Air-conditioned interior, gel-coated
fiberglass, with water tanks to keep animals moist during transport and 2" thick padding. Also
has a large hydraulic ramp for easy access to the cargo area.
Trailer
6' X 18' open high side for equipment transport.
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25' Carolina Skiff Rescue Boat
As designed for manatee rescue without transom and motor mounted forward through hull (To be
purchased in November 2001 With trailer).
17' Proline
Center Console wI 90HP Force Mercury Outboard including Trailer.
10' Zodiac
Inflatable without transom. Used for transport of marine mammals from offshore to inshore
locations.
10' Old Town Kayak
Hard Fiberglass Type, two seats with storage area.
Stretchers (Stored in Equipment Trailer)
Marine Mammal Stretchers (7)
1 very large (marine mammals up to 15')
2 large (marine mammals up to 12')
3 medium (marine mammals up to 10')
1 small (marine mammals up to 7')
Stretcher poles 8 ( 4 sets) 10' in length
Quick Shade Canopies & Caravan EZ-Up Tents (Stored in Equipment Trailer)
Tents (for in water shading) (10' X 10') (2)
Tents (for on site use) (10' X 15' & 10' X 20')
Tables (2) 6' X 30" and (2) 3' X 3'
Miscellaneous Equipment (Stored in Equipment Trailer)
Lighting (4) portable Halogen exterior light stands with dual lights.
Extension Cords (4) 100'; (3) 50', (10) 25', (5) 10'
Fencing
Type:
Orange construction fencing (plastic) 5' X 50'
(15 Rolls for a total of 750')
Black Heavy Duty (plastic) 6' X 50' (8 Rolls for a total of 400')
# 2 Re-Bar 5'lengths used as weight for fencing
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Padding:
(1) 6' X 12' X 2 Y2 " thick closed cell foam Pad
Assorted sizes: Used to lay marine mammals on in either situations where
animals must be transported or to lay marine mammals on in
shallow water during medical examinations.
Oil Boom:
(10) 8" Boom X 16" Skirt X 25' length Sections for a total of 250 feet of oil
boom. Used for temporary containment of stranded marine mammals when
plastic fencing is attached to the skirt. Includes wheeled deployment reel dolly.
Pump:
5000gph electric pump used to circulate water in any temporary holding area.
(Used to maintain water quality)
Aeration:
Cambell Hausfeld 6HP, 125psi Air Compressor, (4) aeration units and 300' of
associated tubing to aerate, clean & circulate water in temporary holding areas.
(Used to maintain water quality)
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Miscellaneous Equipment (Stored in Equipment Trailer) continued
Pool: 21' above ground pool, pump and filters that can be set up as an isolation tank
within 4 hours after sand is delivered to level and soften set up area. Includes
associated PVC piping for flow/discharge and circulation of water.
Dive Gear:
(8) Sets of fins, masks, snorkels in assorted sizes; (4) dive tanks w/ regulators &
back packs (2 basic & 2 buoyancy compensators), (4) extra wet suits in assorted
sizes, (2) dive skins, (6) ski vests, (7) life jackets. NOTE: does not include any
personal gear owned by officers ofMMC.
Rescue Net:
100'L X 12'D temporary containment / capture net for stranded or injured marine
mammals. Includes 1 Cubic Yard Tilt Truck for storage and deployment.
Outlet Box:
Multiple plug station 120/240 Volt 15 amp to 30 amp outlets designed to be
hooked up directly to Utility Pole (Florida Keys Electric Cooperative has
approved the box for use). Used at stranding site for electrical needs.
Transport Boxes:
(2) 4'W X 12'L X 2'D Plywood reinforced boxes with waterbed liners for
offshore transport of marine mammals. Note: These two boxes would be
separately transported to a site.
Type:: Miscellaneous Equipment made available by Private Owners or Corporate Sponsors during
stranding events.
Description: (1) 21' Mako center console (Mr. Warren Dedrick)
(1) Ford F-350 Dually Truck 8' cargo bed (LINGO Construction Corp)
(2) Ford F-250 Trucks 8' cargo bed (LINGO Construction Corp)
(1) 38' Dive Boat w/large open rear deck (Atlantis Dive Center)
(2) Port-a-Lets from Bee's Honey Pots or Able Sanitation
(2) Ice Machine or a constant supply of ice from Party Ice
(1) Mobile telephone & service from Bellsouth/Cingular Wireless
(1) Onan 6.5KW Generator (LINGO Construction Corp)(Stored in Equipment Trailer)
If Required:
(1) Crane from Key's Crane or George's Crane Service
(I) Air-conditioned 40' container for transport (Freightliner of Florida) of multiple marine
mammals.
(?) Any heavy equipment required can be delivered by Kelly Tractor. (i.e. bobcats, bulldozers,
backhoe's, dump trucks, large generators, high powered light stands, etc...)
(?) Florida Rock & Sand Co. for delivery of Sand for set up of Isolation Pool.
(8) Staff members of Dolphin's Plus/Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation
MARINE MAMMAL CONSERVANCY, INC.
POBox 1625
102200 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037-1625
(305) 451-0778 or (305) 853-0675
FAX: (305) 451-0407
Web Site: www.marinemammalconsv.com
(Under Construction)
E-mail: mmcrescue(W.msn.com
STRANDING EVENT STAFF I VOLUNTEERS
Protecting Marine Mammals & Their Habitats
Through Research. Rescue, Rehabilitation.
Release and Education
Staff: Rick Trout, Director of Husbandry
Dana Choi, Husbandry
Sandy Holland, Husbandry
Lloyd Brown, Husbandry
Brenda Bush, Coordinator
Rosemary Farrel, Coordinator
Cynthia Nichols, Coordinator
Robert Lingenfelser, President I Operations
Laddie Wynkins, Husbandry
Angela Birke, Husbandry
December Laurentino, Coordinator
Matt Blalock, Coordinator
Marcie Davis, Coordinator
Veterinarians: Dr. Clifford Glade, DVM
Dr. Laura L'Heureux-Kupkee, DVM
Volunteers: Over 325 on our call list in South Florida from Palm Beach County to Monroe County who have
gone through our volunteer training program. A majority of these volunteers have at least one
stranding experience.
On-Site Volunteers: Will receive orientation and training in the handling of marine mammals, duties, and
safety requirements of volunteers before physical participation in the event.
QUALIFICATIONS OF PRIMARY OPERATIONAL PERSONNEL:
Primary Responsible Husbandry Personnel:
Robert Lingenfelser: Dolphin Curatorrrraining Assistant since 1987,38+ individual marine mammal stranding
responses. Has supervised, been responsible for and assisted in the medical, feeding and
handling of both captive and wild marine mammals.
Richard L Trout: Dolphin Trainer since 1973, Former US Navy Trainer, 40+ individual marine mammal
stranding responses. Has supervised, been responsible for and assisted in the medical,
feeding and handling of both captive and wild marine mammals.
Veterinary Staff:
Dr. Clifford Glade, DVM:
APHIS Certified, Two (2) individual marine mammal stranding responses. 20+
years as a practicing veterinarian in both domestic and exotic species.
Dr. Laura L'Heureux-Kupkee, DVM: Two (2) individual marine mammal stranding responses. Seven years as
a practicing veterinarian in both domestic and exotic species. An
educational background in Marine Biology.
Lisa Richards: Veterinary Technician with Five years of experience.
Husbandry Personnel:
Dana Choi:
Laddie Wynkins:
Sandy Holland:
Angela Birke:
Lloyd Brown:
Former Dolphin Trainer, Former US Navy Trainer, 12+ individual marine mammal
stranding responses. Has supervised, been responsible for and assisted in the medical,
feeding and handling of both captive and wild marine mammals.
Former Dolphin Trainer, 20+ individual marine mammal stranding responses. Has
supervised, been responsible for and assisted in the medical, feeding and handling of both
captive and wild marine mammals.
20+ individual marine mammal stranding responses. Has assisted in the medical, feeding
and handling of wild marine mammals. Is qualified to supervise volunteers in water
during normal handling operations.
20+ individual marine mammal stranding responses. Has assisted in the medical, feeding
and handling of wild marine mammals. Is qualified to supervise volunteers in water
during normal handling operations.
30+ individual marine mammal stranding responses. Has assisted in the medical, feeding
and handling of wild marine mammals. Is qualified to supervise volunteers in water
during normal handling operations.
Coordinating! Assistant Husbandry Personnel:
December Laurentino: 3+ individual marine mammal stranding responses. Has assisted in the medical, feeding
and handling of wild marine mammals. One ofMMC's Stranding Event Coordinators in
charge of organizing and coordinating materials, volunteers and site operations.
Brenda Bush:
Matt Blalock:
Rosemary Farrel:
Marcie Davis:
Cynthia Nichols:
3+ individual marine mammal stranding responses. Has assisted in the medical, feeding
and handling of wild marine mammals. One ofMMC's Stranding Event Coordinators in
charge of organizing and coordinating materials, volunteers and site operations.
16+ individual marine mammal stranding responses. Has assisted in the medical, feeding
and handling of wild marine mammals. One ofMMC's Stranding Event Coordinators in
charge of organizing and coordinating materials, volunteers and site operations. Is
qualified to supervise volunteers in water during normal handling operations.
20+ individual marine mammal stranding responses. Has assisted in the medical, feeding
and handling of wild marine mammals. One ofMMC's Stranding Event Coordinators in
charge of organizing and coordinating materials, volunteers and site operations. Is
qualified to supervise volunteers in water during normal handling operations.
20+ individual marine mammal stranding responses. Has assisted in the medical, feeding
and handling of wild marine mammals. One ofMMC's Stranding Event Coordinators in
charge of organizing and coordinating materials, volunteers and site operations. Is
qualified to supervise volunteers in water during normal handling operations.
20+ individual marine mammal stranding responses. Has assisted in the medical, feeding
and handling of wild marine mammals. One ofMMC's Stranding Event Coordinators in
charge of organizing and coordinating materials, volunteers and site operations. Is
qualified to supervise volunteers in water during normal handling operations.
Primary Volunteer Qualifications
Note: All of the below listed personnel are qualified to supervise volunteers. in water during normal handling
operations.
Captain Spenser Slate:
Rick & Kelli Kajilas:
Warren Dedrick:
Gary Sullivan:
Julie Beckman:
JimlAlisa Duquesnel:
Cheryl Magnuson:
Robin Orlandi:
Terry Maddeux:
Steve Milan:
Annette Slate:
Community Coordinator for MMC. Twelve years of
experience in the handling, medical procedures, and
treatment of stranded marine mammals. He has
participated in every stranding event in the Upper Keys
since 1989 as a volunteer for Dolphin's Plus and MMC. Captain Slate also brings a
wealth of community contacts and resources for these stranding events.
Protecting Marine Mammals & Their Habitats
Through Research. Rescue. Rehabilitation.
Release and Education
Volunteer Coordinators for MMC. Five years of experience in the handling and behavior
of stranded marine mammals. They have been on every stranding since 1995 as
volunteers for both WRFK and MMC. Rick Kajilas works for Bellsouth and has been
able to set up a dedicated information and scheduling line for stranding events.
Five years of experience in the handling, medical procedures, and behavior of stranded
marine mammals. He has been on every stranding since 1995 as a volunteer for both
WRFK and MMC.
Five years of experience in the handling, medical procedures, and behavior of stranded
marine mammals. He has been on every stranding since 1995 as a volunteer for both
WRFK and MMC.
Five years of limited experience in the handling, medical procedures, and behavior of
stranded marine mammals. She has been on every stranding since 1995 as a volunteer
for both WRFK and MMC.
Five years of limited experience in the handling and behavior of stranded marine
mammals. They have been on every stranding since 1995 as volunteers for MMC.
Five years of limited experience in the handling, medical procedures, and behavior of
stranded marine mammals. She has been on every stranding since 1995 as a volunteer
for both WRFK and MMC.
Five years of limited experience in the handling, medical procedures, and behavior of
stranded marine mammals. She has been on every stranding since 1995 as a volunteer
for both WRFK and MMC.
Five years of limited experience in the handling, medical procedures, and behavior of
stranded marine mammals. He has been on every stranding since 1995 as a volunteer for
both WRFK and MMC. Terry also serves as our military coordinator for both personnel
coming from the US Services and access to military facilities and equipment when
required.
Three years of experience in the handling of marine mammals. He has been on every
stranding since 1997 as a volunteer for both MARS and MMC.
Three years of limited experience in the handling, medical procedures, and behavior of
stranded marine mammals. She has participated on every stranding event since 1996 as a
volunteer for MMC.
All of the above personnel have been trained by MMC. The above personnel are given updated training
on a regular basis so that they can assist in first response situations as well.
MARINE MAMMAL CONSERVANCY, INC.
POBox 1625
102200 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037-1625
(305) 451-0778 or (305) 853-0675
FAX: (305) 451-0407
Web Site: www.marinemammalconsv.com
(Under Construction)
E-mail: mmcrescue@msn.com
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ASSOCIATED WITH STRANDING
RESPONSES
Protecting Marine Mammals & Their Habitats
Through Research. Rescue. Rehabilitation.
Release and Education
The Marine Mammal Conservancy also participated in and conducted the following educational
programs.
Florida Waterways/Project Earthbound: An educational program that appears on TCI ChannelS in the
Florida Keys. MMC participated in an educational production for a program about the rescue, morphology, and
husbandry ofthe four pilot whales then being treated by MMC and WRFK.
Key West Hie:h School: An educational program was presented to the entire school (approximately 1400
students and teachers) during 1997. The educational program was presented on the rescue, proper handling,
morphology, and husbandry of marine mammals in general.
Coral Shores Hi~h School: An educational program was presented to different classes during 1997, 1998 ,1999
and 2000. The educational program was presented on the rescue, proper handling, morphology, and husbandry of
marine mammals in general.
General Proe:rams: MMC also performed several educational programs about marine mammals in general and
the proper procedures to follow if one came across a stranded marine mammal to grade schools and the public.
These educational programs were held in the Florida Keys, Columbus Ohio, Denver Colorado, West Palm Beach
Florida and Miami, Florida.
Public Education: Public Education was performed through several seminars held throughout the year.
Education included the rescue, proper handling, morphology, and husbandry of marine mammals in general as
well as the training of volunteers to respond to stranding events.
Strandine: Events: During all of the stated stranding events, the Marine Mammal Conservancy in conjunction
with the other organizations participating gave short educational lectures to the visiting general public about the
species being treated, their morphology, known history of the species, and medical treatments being used in their
rehabilitative process.
Team Trainin~: The Marine Mammal Conservancy in conjunction with the other organizations participating
also provided practical hands on training for the University of Miami's Marine Mammal Stranding Team and
Florida International University's Stranding Team during live stranding events of marine mammals.
Volunteer Trainine:: The Marine Mammal Conservancy holds training sessions several times each year to train
potential volunteers. The training sessions include lectures on the law as it applies to stranded marine mammals,
proper procedures for reporting, approaching and handling a marine mammal in distress, as well as hands on
training with a dolphin replica. Potential volunteers are also trained in proper on-site protocols during a stranding
event. A volunteer handbook prepared by MMC is also distributed so that potential volunteers know what the
do's/don'ts are as well as what is expected of them during stranding events.
Soecific Tare:etine:: The Marine Mammal Conservancy has also worked with local National Marine Fisheries
Service Marshals and personnel to distribute educational pamphlets and signs for the benefit of marine mammals
in the wild and education of the community.
MARINE MAMMAL CONSERVANCY, INC.
POBox 1625
102200 Overseas Hwy
Key Largo, FL 33037-1625
(305) 451-0778 or (305) 853-0675
FAX: (305) 451-0407
Web Site: www.marinemammalconsv.com
(Under Construction)
E-mail: mmcrescue(cV.msn.com
Protecting Marine Mammals & Their Habitats
Through Research, Rescue. Rehabilitation.
Release and Education
LIVE STRANDING RESPONSE HISTORY
MMC BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Common Name: (1) Sea Lion
Species: Zalophicaus califomius
Date: May 1986
Family: Pinniped
Location: San Diego, CA
Veterinarian: Dr. Alexis Backarich, US Army
Lead Rescue: Rick Trout
Support: U S Navy NRAD, Pt. Lorna
Local Aid: Les Bivens, Director NRAD, Julie Scardina Ludwig, Sea World
Disposition: Rick Trout rescued a California Sea Lion who was slowly strangling in Navy dolphin
pen net left around his neck when weekend skeleton feeding crew was only able to partially cut him away from a
larger net preventing his drowning. Rick Trout acclimated sea lion to feeding near an enclosure where sea lion
was (after 2 weeks) captured, restrained and the net surgically removed from around his neck relieving the
respiratory distress. Wound was cleaned and antibiotics were administered 1M injection. Rick Trout assisted by
Dr. Alexis Backarich, U.S. Army DVM consulting with Dr. Sam Ridgway, U.s. Navy DVM.
Status: Released (1)
Dec 1989/Feb 1990
Delphinidae
Virginia Beach, VA
Dr. Joseph Geraci, DVM NMFS
Rick Trout
Sea World, Orlando
Lynnhaven Dive, Mike Hillier, Bob Schoelkopf, Marine Mammal Stranding Center, Clark Lee
Miriam, Cousteau Society
Disposition: Rascal, a lone dolphin in Broad Bay adjacent to Chesapeake Bay in Virginia Beach. Rick
Trout was given a NMFS LOA issued by Mr. Doug Beach from Northeast Regional NMFS office in Gloucester,
Mass. in consultation with Dr. Joseph Geraci, DVM representing the Marine Mammal Commission to monitor
Rascal's daily health and behavior, interact to provide food and social support and prepare a capture contingency.
Between January 1 and February 18 with invaluable assistance from Lynnhaven Dive Center, Rick Trout was able
to bond and interact with Rascal but never able to supplement his diet. Written logs were sent weekly to Dr. Joe
Geraci and phone consults occurred as necessary. Rascal refused any hand fed fish, even live mullet caught in
warm water effluent from coal burning power plant. Winter weather reduced available fish stocks and cold water
temperatures in Broad Bay (40 -32 degrees F) caused photo documental weight loss. With assistance from Sea
World Orlando, Rick Trout swam Rascal into capture nets and he was flown to Sea World in Orlando in 1 hour 45
minutes in a modified Lear Jet air ambulance arranged by Lynnhaven Dive Center owner, Mike Hillier. The truck
that Sea World proposed to drive Rascal 25 hours back to Sea World was stranded for over 18 hours on 1-95 in a
snow blizzard that dumped over 16 inches in Virginia and North Carolina between Rascal's departure and the
following morning. Dr. Deke Beuse, DVM Sea World veterinarian oversaw Rascal's medical care from the day
of capture, February 18 until April. Rascal gained over 70 pounds and did require initial force feeding to learn to
eat dead fish. Rascal was freeze branded tagged and released alone 12 miles off Titusville Florida in April 1990.
Status: Released (1)
Date:
Family:
Location:
Veterinarian:
Lead Rescue:
Support:
Local Aid:
Lead Vet: Dr. Sam Ridgway, U S Navy
LOA Holder: Bill Scronce, Navy Director
Common Name: (1) Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin
Species: Tursiops truncatus
Lead Vet: Dr. Joseph Geraci, DVM NMFS
LOA Holder: Mark Swingle, Virginia Marine Science
Common Name: (2) Short-Finned Pilot Whales
Species: Globicephala macrorhynchus
Aug 1991/Sep 1991
Delphinidae
Key Largo, FL
Dr. Stevens, EPCOT Lead Vet: Dr. Greg Bossart, VMD Miami Seaquarium
Chris Blankenship LOA Holder: Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation, Key Largo
Rick Trout - Medical, Feeding, & Rehab Support
Key Largo Pod Squad, Spencer Slate, Atlantis Dive, Donna Albert, Esq, Robert Lingenfelser -
Medical, Feeding, & Rehab Support
Disposition: Rick Trout & Robert Lingenfelser, representing the Key Largo Ocean Reef dolphin care program
in conjunction with Dolphins Plus Key Largo under Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation's LOA and in
consultation with Dr. Greg Bossart DVM, Miami Seaquarium and Dr. Bob Stevens DVM, EPCOT Living Seas,
assisted in the rehabilitation and release of 2 of 4 pilot whales stranded in July '91. Duties included supervising
night shift in-water monitoring, administering preventive massage/physical therapy to minimize muscle damage,
assisting with early morning feedings, medical treatments and diagnostics including blood drawing and other fluid
collection. After 5 weeks of rehabilitation and with NMFS approval two freeze branded pilot whales were
released. They were taken by Capt. Spencer Slate's dive boat, Atlantis, to rendezvous with Miami Seaquarium's
boat who had 2 other pilot whales from the same stranding event. Except for a delay in the release of both
Seaquarium pilot whales because of problems with tracking equipment, all 4 were released in 600-700 feet of
water in the Atlantic Ocean 10 miles offshore of Miami.
Status: Released (2) Total Released (4)
Date:
Family:
Location:
Veterinarian:
Lead Rescue:
Support:
Local Aid:
Common Name: (2) Short-Finned Pilot Whales
Species: Globicephala macrorhynchus
Sep 1991/0ct 1991
Delphinidae
Key Largo, FL
Dr. Stevens, EPCOT Lead Vet: Dr. Greg Bossart, VMD Miami Seaquarium
Chris Blankenship LOA Holder: Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation, Key Largo
Rick Trout - Medical, Feeding & Rehab Support
Key Largo Pod Squad, Spencer Slate, Atlantis Dive, Donna Albert, Esq, Robert Lingenfelser -
Medical, Feeding, & Rehab Support
Disposition: Rick Trout & Robert Lingenfelser, representing the Key Largo Ocean Reef dolphin care program
in conjunction with Dolphins Plus Key Largo under Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation's LOA and in
consultation with Dr. Greg Bossart DVM, Miami Seaquarium and Dr. Bob Stevens DVM, EPCOT Living Seas,
assisted in the rehabilitation of 2 of 2 pilot whales stranded in September '91. Duties included supervising night
shift in-water monitoring, administering preventive massage/physical therapy to minimize muscle damage,
assisting with early morning feedings, medical treatments and diagnostics including blood drawing and other fluid
collection. After 3 weeks of rehabilitation and with NMFS approval both pilot whales were freeze branded and
released. Both pilot whales were released in 600-700 feet of water in the Atlantic Ocean 10 miles offshore of Key
Largo. This release was again facilitated by Capt. Slate which took place just offshore of Key Largo.
Status: Released (2)
Jul 1992/ Aug 1992
Delphinidae
Key Largo, FL
Dr. Stevens, EPCOT Lead Vet: Dr. Greg Bossart, VMD Miami Seaquarium
Chris Blankenship LOA Holder: Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation, Key Largo
Rick Trout, Medical, Feeding, & Rehab Support
Key Largo Pod Squad, Spencer Slate, Atlantis Dive, Donna Albert, Esq, Robert Lingenfelser -
Medical, Feeding, & Rehab Support
Disposition: Rick Trout & Robert Lingenfelser representing Ocean Reef dolphin care program assisted
Dolphins Plus in consult with Dr. Bossart and Dr. Stevens with the rehabilitation of 2 pygmy orcas stranded in
July 1992. Duties included night time supervision of in water monitoring, therapy and early morning feedings,
medical treatments and diagnostics. The Release permitted by NMFS took place in August 1992 in waters off
Key Largo.
Status:
Date:
Family:
Location:
Veterinarian:
Lead Rescue:
Support:
Local Aid:
Date:
Family:
Location:
Veterinarian:
Lead Rescue:
Support:
Local Aid:
Common Name: (2) Pygmy Killer Whales
Species: Feresa attenuata
Released (2)
August 1992
Delphinidae
Key Biscayne, FL
Dr. Greg Bossart, VMD, UM Lead Vet:
Rick Trout - Trainer & Recapture Coordinator
Ocean Reef Club, Key Largo, FL
Alex Edlin - Professional Marine Mammal Handler
Ocean Reef Club - Equipment & Employee support, National Marine Fisheries Service-
Enforcement Coordination, Pete Zucharini - News Film Maker, Miami Metro Parks - Property
support, Donna Albert, Esq - Legal Support,
Disposition: Following escape of Ocean Reef dolphins, Molly, Lady and Bacall and after a week of numerous
failed attempts by professional capture crews including Dolphin Research Center, Miami Seaquarium and dolphin
collector Gene Hamilton, Rick Trout in consultation with Dr. Greg Bossart is retained by contract with NMFS and
APHIS to recapture Molly and Lady for return to Ocean Reef. Rick Trout coordinates and oversees the
construction of a capture area. Final capture plans are coordinated with Alex Edlin, professional marine handler.
Molly and Lady are recaptured and returned to ocean Reef 36 hours after Rick Trout is retained.
Status: Saved (3)
July 1995
Physeteridae
Key Largo, FI
Dr. Mike Renner, Miami Seaquarium - Dr. Ruth Ewing, NMFS
Dr. Greg Bossart, VMD, UM
Rick Trout, MMC LOA Holder: Florida Marine Conservation Corp
Marine Mammal Conservancy, Inc. (MMC), Miami Seaquarium - First Response & Transport,
Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys (WRFK), Florida Marine Conservation Corp
Lee Hallman-Windham, Robert Lingenfelser, Sandy Holland - Medical, Feeding, & Rehab
Support, Howard Johnson's Resort, Key Largo, FL, MMC Volunteers
Disposition: Rick Trout & Robert Lingenfelser representing the newly formed Marine Mammal Conservancy
(2/5/95) receive a newborn female sperm whale who had come ashore at Briny Breeze, FL. Miami Seaquarium
and Florida Marine Conservation Corps transported "Briny" to MMC's newly acquired property at MM 102 Key
Largo, FL. With NMFS authorization MMC organized round the clock care and monitoring. In consultation with
Dr. Greg Bossart, Dr. Mike Renner of the Miami Seaquarium, Dr. Ruth Ewing and Blair Mase of National Marine
Fisheries Service and Howard Rhinehart of Mote Marine Lab, Sarasota, FL, special formulas were prepared and
tube fed every 3-4 hours for 11 days round the clock until Briny's sudden death in August 1995. MMC
transported Briny to NMFS Lab, Biscayne Bay for necropsy.
Status: Died (1)
Aug 1995/0ct 1995
Delphinidae
Big Pine Key, FL
Dr. Greg Bossart, VMD, UM
Rick Trout, MMC
MMC & WRFK
Robert Lingenfelser, Sandy Holland - Medical, Feeding, & Rehab Support, MMC Volunteers,
WRFK Volunteers, Mariner's Resort, Community of Big Pine Key, U S Navy
Disposition: MMC in conjunction with Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys, Key West responds to 4 stranded
pilot whales in Big Pine Key, FL MM 33 at Mariners Resort. With NMFS authorization and invaluable support
from Dr. Ruth Ewing and Blair Mase and Dr. Greg Bossart DVM, University ofMiamilMiami Seaquarium,
MMC coordinates a 65 day rescue and rehabilitation of2 of the 4 pilot whales that culminates in the NMFS
approved release of female Kandi and her son, Tyson from a U.S. Navy landing craft in 700 feet of water off
Looe Key marine sanctuary. Some 3000 volunteers assisted in this rescue effort which is the subject of a 25
minute documentary that airs monthly on local Keys cable channel 5 and will air on Discovery Channel Animal
Planet program, "Wild Rescue" in 1999.
Status: Released (2) Died (2)
Date:
Family:
Location:
Veterinarian:
Lead Rescue:
Owner:
Support:
Local Aid:
Date:
Family:
Location:
Veterinarian:
Lead Vet:
Lead Rescue:
Support:
Local Aid:
Date:
Family:
Location:
Veterinarian:
Lead Rescue:
Support:
Local Aid:
Common Name: (3) Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
Species: Tursiops truncatus
Tracy Dunne, NMFS
Common Name: (1) Sperm Whale
Species: Physeter macrocephalus
Common Name: (4) Short-Finned Pilot Whales
Species: Globicephala macrorhynchus
Lead Vet: Dr. Ruth Ewing, NMFS
LOA Holder: Florida Marine Conservation Corp
January 1996
Delphinidae
Key West, FL
Dr. Greg Bossart, VMD, UM
Rick Trout, MMC
MMC & WRFK
Robert Lingenfelser - Medical, Feeding, and Rehab Support, MMC Volunteers, WRFK
Volunteers, City Electric, Key West, FL, DRC, Florida Keys Aqueduct Authority
Disposition: MMC in conjunction with WRFK responds to 11 stranded stenella dolphins in Key West, FL.
With NMFS authorization and support from Dr. Ruth Ewing and Blair Mase, MMC coordinates 24 hour care for
6 of the 11 stenellas who are near death and respond only marginally to re-hydration and die within 72 hours of
stranding. MMC also coordinated the supplemental feeding of the 5 healthier members of the pod who remained
in a nearby lagoon. Following the death of the last and possibly oldest member ofthe pod, all efforts were put
toward leading the remaining 5 stenellas to open water and release. With Blair Mase (NMFS) in one kayak and
Denise Jackson (WRFK/MMC) in another all 5 stenellas were led out of the lagoon. Blair returned out of fish and
needing a tow to recover Denise who was last seen heading out to open water with 5 stenellas following her. In a
borrowed inflatable dinghy, Rick Trout helped to recover Denise who reported that all five raced off towards open
water once they came to the last channel marker. Aerial surveys the next day turned up no sign of any re-stranded
dolphins.
Status:
Date:
Family:
Location:
Veterinarian:
Lead Rescue:
Support:
Local Aid:
Released (5)
Died (6)
Common Name: (11) Pantropic Spotted Dolphins
Species: Stene/la attenuata
Lead Vet: Dr. Ruth Ewing, NMFS
LOA Holder: Florida Marine Conservation Corp
Common Name: (2) Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins
Species: Tursiops truncatus
Date: May I996/Jun 1996
Family: Delphinidae
Location: Key West, FL
Veterinarian: Dr W Van Bonn, DVM, USN NMFS: Trevor Spradlin, NMFS
Lead Rescue: Rick Trout, MMC LOA Holder: National Marine Fisheries Service
Support: MMC & WRFK, Dolphin Research Center / U S Navy
Local Aid: Robert Lingenfelser - Capture Support & Coordination, MMC Volunteers, WRFK Volunteers,
Disposition: Recovered in conjunction with the above organizations both illegally released dolphins from the
SugarloafFacility. Buck later dies in June 1999 at DRC. Jake continues to live at the Navy Facility in San
Diego.
Status:
January 1997
Delphinidae
Key West, FL
Dr. Greg Bossart, VMD, UM
Rick Trout, MMC
MMC & WRFK
Robert Lingenfelser - Medical, Feeding, and Rehab Support, MMC Volunteers, WRFK
Volunteers
Disposition: MMC coordinates round the clock care for stranded female rough toothed dolphin who has no
teeth. Initially she is found 5 miles offshore from Key West floundering in shallow waters. She is brought into
near shore waters where WRFK/MMC with NMFS authorization is permitted to care for her in a cove at Sunset
Island. Before too many results can be analyzed she dies on the seventh night. MMC transported her for
necropsy at the NMFS lab on Key Biscayne in Miami, FL.
Status: Died (1)
Date:
Family:
Location:
Veterinarian:
Lead Rescue:
Support:
Local Aid:
Saved (2)
Common Name: (1) Rough-Toothed Dolphin
Species: Steno bredanensis
Lead Vet: Dr. Ruth Ewing, NMFS
LOA Holder: Florida Marine Conservation Corp
February 1997
Kogidae
Marathon, FL
Dr. Greg Bossart, VMD, UM
Rick Trout, MMC
MMC & WRFK
Robert Lingenfelser - Medical, Feeding, and Rehab Support, MMC Volunteers, WRFK
Volunteers, U S Coast Guard - X-Force Marathon
Disposition: MMC coordinates round the clock care for stranded geriatric male pygmy sperm whale who is
near death at Marathon Coast Guard Station MM 49 and responds only marginally to rehydration. He dies on the
second night and MMC transports him to NMFS lab on Key Biscayne for necropsy.
Status: Died (1)
Common Name: (1) Pygmy Sperm Whale
Species: Kogia simus
Date:
Family:
Location:
Veterinarian:
Lead Rescue:
Support:
Local Aid:
Lead Vet: Dr. Ruth Ewing, NMFS
LOA Holder: Florida Marine Conservation Corp
Date: March 1997
Family: Balaenopteridae
Location: Big Pine Key, FL
Veterinarian: Dr. Ruth Ewing, DVM NMFS Lead Vet: Dr. Ruth Ewing, DVM NMFS
Lead Rescue: Becky Baron, WRFK LOA Holder: Florida Marine Conservation Corp
Support: MMC, FMP
Local Aid: Becky Baron - Attempted Rehab Support, MMC Volunteers, WRFK Volunteers, FMP
Disposition: MMC volunteers respond to 35 foot Minke whale stranded off of Big Pine Key and suffering
from bullet wounds from 3 different caliber bullets. Dr. Ruth Ewing does on site necropsy and NMFS
investigation is still pending.
Status: Died (1)
Common Name: (1) Minke Whale
Species: Balaenoptera acutorostrata
Date: October 1997
Family: Kogidae
Location: Key Largo, FL
Veterinarian: N/A
Lead Rescue: Rick Trout, MMC
Support: MMC & WRFK
Local Aid: Robert Lingenfelser - Transport, MMC Volunteers, U S Coast Guard - Islamorada
Disposition: MMC responds with Florida Marine Patrol to dying pygmy sperm whale in Key Largo, MM 96.
Response takes only 25 minutes from initial call but whale is found dead in shallow water. MMC solicits and gets
assistance to load whale from Dolphins Plus personnel. MMC transports whale to NMFS lab in Key Biscayne for
necropsy.
Status:
Common Name: (1) Pygmy Sperm Whale
Species: Kogia simus
Lead Vet: N/ A
LOA Holder: Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys (WRFK)
Died (1)
Date: January 1998
Family: Delphinidae
Location: Marathon, FL
Veterinarian: N/A Lead Vet: Dr. Ruth Ewing, DVM NMFS
Lead Rescue: Becky Baron, WRFK LOA Holder: Wildlife Rescue ofthe Florida Keys
Support: MMC & WRFK, Florida Marine Patrol
Local Aid: MMC, MMC Volunteers, WRFK Volunteers
Disposition: MMC and WRFK volunteers join Florida Marine Patrol to respond to a distressed dolphin calf
who was entangled in trap buoy line. With one diver in the water restraining the calf and one volunteer holding
the calf and diver alongside the boat, the Marine Patrol Officer and other volunteer cut the line. The calf was
returned to his Mother and required moderate nudging from his Mother to regain his equilibrium.
Status: Saved & Released (1)
Common Name: (1) Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin Calf
Species: Tursiops truncatus
Date: January 1998
Family: Ziphidae
Location: Key West, FL
Veterinarian: N/A
Lead Rescue: Rick Trout, MMC
Support: MMC, Florida Marine Patrol
Local Aid: MMC, MMC Volunteers, WRFK Volunteers
Disposition: October WRFK/MMC coordinates round the clock care for stranded 14 foot beaked whale found
in waters off of SugarloafKey. This female whale is very near death and dies in less than 36 hours after which
she is iced wrapped and covered by tent for on site necropsy per request ofNMFS.
Status: Died (1)
Common Name: (1) Gervais' Beaked Whale
Species: Mesoplodon europaeus
Lead Vet: Dr. Ruth Ewing, DVM NMFS
LOA Holder: Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys
Date: April 1999 Common Name: Nurse Shark
Location: Los Angeles, CA & Key Largo, FL
Veterinarian: Dr. Clifford Glade, D.V.M. Lead Vet: Dr. Clifford Glade, D.V.M.
Lead Rescue: Rick Trout, Marine Mammal Conservancy
Support: MMC, Atlantis Dive Center; Captain Spenser Slate; Education and Action for Animals
Local Aid: MMC, MMC Volunteers, Wildlife Rescue of Dade County
Disposition: A nurse shark had outgrown its aquarium in the Los Angeles area. The shark, named Allison,
was flown by United Airlines to Miami and transferred to a holding pen for re-adaptation in Key Largo. The
shark was released in 45 feet of water off of Key Largo within 36 hours. Follow up and several reports confirm
that this animal is doing very well.
Status: Released (1) Shark
Date: 11 May 1999
Family: Sirenian
Location: Key Largo, FL
Veterinarian: N/A Lead Vet: Dr. Maya Hernandez, DVM Miami Seaquarium
Lead Rescue: Mandy Rodriguez, DRC LOA Holder: Dolphin Research Center
Support: MMC, Dolphin's Plus, Dolphin's Cove
Local Aid: MMC, MMC Volunteers, Howard Johnson's Resort
Disposition: A manatee was found on the beach at Howard Johnson's Resort in Key Largo with a severe
tension pneumothorax. Despite calls on this manatee starting at 10:30am, no response began until MMC was
called at 3:30pm. MMC coordinated and got the proper agency's to respond to this severely injured manatee.
MMC participated in the capture and handling of this marine mammal for transport to the Miami Seaquarium,
where again there were not enough personnel to move this animal into it's holding tanle Despite offers from
MMC to go with the transport, this manatee was dragged across the concrete and rolled over the lip of the holding
pool into the water. Guliver is still recovering at Miami Seaquarium as of 1/10/2000.
Status: Saved (1)
Common Name: Manatee
Species: Trichechus
Date:
Family:
Location:
Veterinarian:
Lead Rescue:
22 May 1999
Sirenian
Key Largo, FL
N/A Lead Vet: Dr. Maya Hernandez, DVM Miami Seaquarium
Tom Pitchford, Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP)
Mandy Rodriguez, DRC LOA Holder: Dolphin Research Center
Support: MMC, Dolphin's Plus, Dolphin's Cove, Miami Seaquarium
Local Aid: MMC, MMC Volunteers
Disposition: In a preplanned capture, a manatee that had been monitored for over two years by MMC, DRC,
and FDEP was finally net captured by personnel from DRC and FDEP. MMC and other volunteers assisted in the
loading for transport to the Miami Seaquarium. Dually as he became known was released by personnel from
Miami Seaquarium and DRC in October of 1999 in Islamorada, FL.
Status: Saved (1)
Common Name: Manatee
Species: Trichechus
Date: June 1999 Common Name: (2) Nurse Sharks
Location: Chicago, IL & Key Largo, FL
Veterinarian: Dr. Clifford Glade, D.V.M. Lead Vet: Dr. Clifford Glade, D.V.M.
Lead Rescue: Rick Trout, Marine Mammal Conservancy
Support: MMC, Atlantis Dive Center, Captain Spenser Slate, Education and Action for Animals
Local Aid: MMC, MMC Volunteers, Wildlife Rescue of Dade County
Disposition: Two nurse sharks had outgrown their pool aquarium in the Chicago, IL area. The sharks were
flown by American Airlines to Miami and transferred to a holding pen for re-adaptation in Key Largo. The
sharks were tagged and released in 45 feet of water off of Key Largo within 36 hours. Follow up and several
reports confirm that these animals are doing very well.
Status: Released (2)
16 October 1999
Delphinidae
Plantation Key, FL
Dr. Clifford Glade, DVM Lead Vet:
Dr. Ruth Ewing, DVM, NMFS
Lead Rescue: Laura Urian, MARS LOA Holder: Marine Animal Rescue Society (MARS)
Support: MMC, Dolphin's Plus
Local Aid: Local Residents, MMC Volunteers
Disposition: This dolphin named Rocky by local residents and renamed Napoleon by MARS personnel
stranded on a coral rock beach in Plantation Key. Local residents called several facilities for help. It was decided
by NMFS personnel that this animal would be taken to the MARS facility at the Florida International University
(North Campus) for care and rehabilitation. MARS and MMC personnel along with volunteers from both groups
provided around the clock care for this dolphin. Dolphin was transferred to Clearwater Marine Aquarium where
it died on Christmas Day from an opportunistic infection probably obtained during the 7 hour transport. This
transport was vehemently objected to by MMC because an excellent natural seawater pen was available for this
animal.
Status:
Common Name: Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin
Species: Tursiops truncatus
Date:
Family:
Location:
Veterinarian:
Dr. Greg Bossart, DVM, UM
Died (I)
Date: 31 October 1999
Family: Delphinidae
Location: Sunshine Key, FL
Veterinarian: Dr. Clifford Glade, DVM
Lead Rescue: Denise Jackson, WRFK
Support: MMC
Local Aid: WRFK Volunteers, MMC Volunteers, Florida State Park Employees
Disposition: This very old Risso's dolphin stranded on Sunshine Key. She was discovered by campground
personnel and WRFK responded immediately. This animal had two severe large shark bites in the lower caudical
area. Blood was taken the next morning and transported to the UM Pathology Lab, but before it could be
analyzed at the lab, the animal died. The dolphin was transported by NMFS personnel to the NMFS Virginia Key
Labs for necropsy. Results pending.
Status: Died (1)
Common Name: Risso's Dolphin
Species: Grampus griseus
Lead Vet: Dr. Ruth Ewing, DVM, NMFS
LOA Holder: Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys
Date: February 2000 Common Name: (3) Nurse Sharks
Location: San Francisco/ Bay Area & Key Largo, FL
Veterinarian: Dr. Clifford Glade, D.V.M. Lead Vet: Dr. Clifford Glade, D.V.M.
Lead Rescue: Rick Trout, Marine Mammal Conservancy
Support: MMC, Atlantis Dive Center, Captain Spenser Slate, Education and Action for Animals
Local Aid: MMC, MMC Volunteers, Wildlife Rescue of Dade County
Disposition: Three nurse sharks had outgrown their aquariums in the Pizza Parlor chain stores in the San
Francisco/ Bay Area. The sharks were flown by United Airlines to Miami and transferred to a holding pen for re-
adaptation in Key Largo. The sharks were tagged and released in 45 feet of water off of Key Largo within 36
hours. Follow up and several reports confirm that these animals are doing very well.
Status: Released (3)
Date: June 10,2001
Family: Delphinidae
Location: Plantation Key, FL
Veterinarian: Dr. Laura L'Heureux-Kupkee, DVM Lead Vet: Dr. Ruth Ewing, D.V.M.
Lead Rescue: Rick Trout, Marine Mammal Conservancy & Art Cooper, Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation
LOA Holder: Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation, Key Largo
Support: MMC, MMRF, U.S. Coast Guard, Village ofIslamorada
Local Aid: MMC, MMC Volunteers
Disposition: Called by Art Cooper at approximately 11 :00 am to start a response to a dolphin swimming in
circles in what is known as the cow pens on the Bay side near Tavernier, Florida. The U.S. Coast Guard
responded and provided transportation for MMC & MMRF personnel to the site where the dolphin was observed
to be in distress. The animal was transported very slowly to Plantation Key Yacht Harbor and died in route. The
body was taken by MMC & MMRF personnel to Virginia Key for Necropsy.
Status: Died (1)
Common Name: Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin
Species: Tursiops truncatus
Record of Save/Release:
20 of 38
(Does not include manatee's or sharks, or the successful
transfer of Bogie & Bacall from the SugarloafDolphin
Sanctuary)
Overall Record:
28 of 46
(Includes all species and successful assists with manatees)
NOTE:
Does not include the eight marine mammals already deceased, where necropsies were performed
and samples or bodies were taken to the NMFS Virginia Key Lab in Miami, Florida.
Abbreviations:
Personal:
DVM: Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
VMD:
Veterinary Medical Doctor
Organizations:
MMC: Marine Mammal Conservancy DRC:
MARS: Marine Animal Rescue Society WRFK:
MMRF: Marine Mammal Rescue Foundation of the Upper Keys
FMP: Florida Marine Patrol NMFS:
FDEP: Florida Department of Environmental Protection
UM: University of Miami Pathology Lab located at the Jackson Memorial Hospital Complex
Dolphin Research Center
Wildlife Rescue of the Florida Keys
National Marine Fisheries Service
General:
LOA:
MM:
Letter of Authorization issued to organizations by NOAA Fisheries
Mile Marker; The easiest most effective way to identify locations in the Florida Keys. The mile
markers are referenced along the Overseas Highway.