Description
Summary:Abstract: This dataset contains information about marine mammal strandings documented in Alabama waters between 1978 and 2013. Data include identity, size, condition, sex, and location where the animal was found. Purpose: Collection and dissemination of high quality data from stranding events throughout the range is essential for informing management and conservation of bottlenose dolphin and other marine mammals. The primary goal of the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network, established on May 1 2011, is to enhance reporting and response effort for marine mammal strandings in Alabama waters by reducing response time and improving data quality and consistency. The network provides a unified reporting and data management outlet, and a high level of quality assurance and control for data collection. ALMMSN makes data available to end-users, provides long-term data storage and retrieval capacity, and supports training for local personnel to build an enduring and sustainable network.