If it is safe to do so, make pits under the pectoral fins to help relieve pressure. In the great majority of cases, members of the Nova Scotia Stranding Network try to attend as many strandings as possible in order to perform a necropsy and collect detailed measurements and samples. However, as a volunteer organisation with limited funding, there may be occasions when this is not possible, mainly for animals in very remote areas. Always try to get in touch with the Stranding Network first and if they are unable to assist, they may ask that qualified individuals closer to the site collect information. In such cases, if the animal is small, the best scenario is to get it to Halifax.
Specimens are more valuable when they are fresh, but frozen specimens are still useful.
If asked to collect data on the stranding A data sheet is available to record information concerning strandings. It is also valuable to make a note of the state of decomposition and any unusual scars or markings. Photographs should be taken with a ruler in the picture for scale, if possible. This sample should be taken from the back or side of the animal to avoid penetrating the body cavity. If possible, liver, kidney and stomach contents should also be collected and frozen.