NMFS National Stranding Agreement Template and the Minimum Qualifications for Issuing and Renewing a NMFS Stranding Agreement
Date: November 8, 2004
Memo To: The National Marine Mammal Stranding Network
From: The National Marine Fisheries Service Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program
Subject: Call for Comments on the Draft NMFS National Stranding Agreement Template and the Minimum Qualifications for Issuing and Renewing a NMFS Stranding Agreement
Comment Period: Closed
The comment period closed on December 17, 2004. The Publications page links to the latest versions of the documents (NMFS National Stranding Agreement and Minimum Standard Qualifications for a Marine Mammal Stranding Agreement).
In 2002, NMFS received initial comments from the Stranding Network on the draft template of the NMFS National Stranding Letter of Agreement. All comments were considered and a final draft template was made available for review: NMFS National Stranding Agreement [pdf] [149 KB]
We worked with the NMFS Regional Administrators and the Department of Commerce to finalize this document. NMFS is required to implement the final approved template for all new issuances and renewals of Stranding Agreements between NMFS and Stranding Network Organizations and Participants. This Agreement will supersede pre-existing Agreements between NMFS and Stranding Network Organizations and Participants and your NMFS Regional Stranding Coordinator will work with you to transition to the new Agreement.
NMFS has also drafted guidelines for Minimum Standard Qualifications for a Marine Mammal Stranding Agreements [pdf] [108 KB] and has sought input from the Stranding Network regarding these standards. It is the intent for the NMFS Regions to use these guidelines when issuing and renewing NMFS Regional Stranding Agreements. We also have sought input to define minimum qualifications of key personnel carrying out the activities of the NMFS Stranding Agreements specifically under Articles III, IV, and V (see below).
Define Required Experience
Please provide comments to the questions below under sections A, B, and C. Refer answers by A1, A2, A3, B1, B2, B3, C1, and C2
A. Qualifications for Response to Dead Stranded Marine Mammals - First Response (Stranding Article III Authorization
"The director or primary representative of the prospective Stranding Network Participant
should have apprenticed under the direct supervision of an existing Stranding Network
Participant or NMFS [for at least three years] or have comparable experience in marine
mammal stranding response. The prospective Stranding Network Participant may
apprentice under a "designee" status to obtain this experience."
1. Under this requirement, what constitutes three years of comparable marine mammal
stranding response experience?
"The prospective Stranding Network Participant must have and maintain at least two employees or volunteers each with a minimum of one year of continuous hands-on experience in marine mammal stranding response or comparable training, one of whom will be on-site or supervising when animals are being examined"
2. Under this requirement, what constitutes one-year of hands-on experience?
3. Under this requirement, what constitutes comparable training?
B. Qualifications for Response, Triage and Transport of Live Stranded Marine Mammals (Article IV Authorization):
"The director or primary representative of the prospective Stranding Network Participant should have apprenticed under the direct supervision of an existing Stranding Network Participant or NMFS [for at least three years] or have comparable experience in marine mammal stranding response. The prospective Stranding Network Participant may apprentice under a "designee" status to obtain this experience."
1. Under this requirement, what constitutes three years of comparable marine mammal
stranding response experience?
"The prospective Stranding Network Participant must have and maintain at least two employees or volunteers each with a minimum of one year of continuous hands-on experience in marine mammal stranding response, triage, transport, and/or euthanasia, or comparable training, one of whom will be on-site or supervising when animals are being examined."
2. Under this requirement, what constitutes one-year of hands-on experience?
3. Under this requirement, what constitutes comparable training?
C. Qualifications for Rehabilitation and Release of Live Stranded Marine Mammals (Article V Authorization):
"The prospective Stranding Network Participant must have at least two staff members each with a minimum of three years of continuous hands-on experience in marine mammal care and rehabilitation (i.e., by apprenticing with or working in an experienced institution for three years) and are familiar with any applicable NMFS rehabilitation facility and release guidelines and regulations."
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Under this requirement, what constitutes three-years of hands-on experience?
"The prospective Stranding Network Participant must have and maintain an attending veterinarian experienced in marine mammal care who is willing to assume responsibility for diagnosis, treatment, and medical clearance for release."
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Review the suggested definition regarding minimum and recommended requirements for the role of the "Attending Veterinarian" and provide comment.
ATTENDING VETERINARIAN REQUIREMENTS
MINIMUM
The attending veterinarian shall:
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Be available to examine animals on a regular schedule and emergency basis
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Be available to answer veterinary questions on a 24 hour basis
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Have marine mammal experience or be in regular consultation with a veterinarian who has marine mammal experience
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Be licensed in state of practice
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Have access to a list of expert veterinarians to contact for assistance
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Be able to draw blood and give injections to marine mammals
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Have a contingency plan for veterinary backup when the attending veterinarian is not available
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Have a drug license and the ability to obtain necessary medications for the animals housed at that rehabilitation facility
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Be able to conduct a full post-mortem exam on all species of marine mammals (pinnipeds or cetaceans) treated at the facility
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Shall cooperate with other members of the NMFS [Region] Stranding Network and the National Marine Mammal Stranding Program as well as Federal, state, and local officials and employees in matters relating to stranded marine mammals or their disposition and comply with NMFS laws, regulations, policies and/or guidelines applicable to or promulgated by NMFS that apply to activities under this Agreement;
RECOMMENDED
All of the above, plus:
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Membership in the International Association for Aquatic Animal Medicine
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Complete a course which offers basic medical training with marine mammals such as Seavet, Aquavet or MarVet
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Have at least one year of clinical experience outside of veterinary school
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Have access to the 2nd Edition CRC "Handbook of Marine Mammal Medicine"
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Have basic hands-on veterinary experience with the marine mammal species most frequently rehabilitated at the facility
