Criteria for Determining an Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Event
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The Working Group on Marine Mammal Unusual Mortality Events (Working Group) has developed a set of criteria to be utilized in determining an unusual mortality event. A single criterion or combination of criteria may indicate the occurrence of an unusual mortality event. The criteria are:
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A marked increase in the magnitude or a marked change in the nature of morbidity, mortality or strandings when compared with prior records.
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A temporal change in morbidity, mortality or strandings is occurring.
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A spatial change in morbidity, mortality or strandings is occurring.
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The species, age, or sex composition of the affected animals is different than that of animals that are normally affected.
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Affected animals exhibit similar or unusual pathologic findings, behavior patterns, clinical signs, or general physical condition (e.g., blubber thickness).
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Potentially significant morbidity, mortality or stranding is observed in species, stocks or populations that are particularly vulnerable (e.g., listed as depleted, threatened or endangered or declining). For example, stranding of three or four right whales may be cause for great concern whereas stranding of a similar number of fin whales may not.
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Morbidity is observed concurrent with or as part of an unexplained continual decline of a marine mammal population, stock, or species.
