The IWC Strandings Initiative has expanded its capacity-building training into India with a two-day workshop in the northern city of Dehradun.

The Strandings Initiative was established in 2016 to share international expertise, establish best practice guidelines, and provide emergency response training. The ultimate goal of the programme is to build global capability in strandings response, research and data collection. Since 2016, the international network of trained responders has grown steadily.

The two-day workshops move from classroom to laboratory, using a syllabus which was developed in conjunction with the Strandings Initiative’s internationally recognised Expert Panel, and is tailored to the species and circumstances found in each training location. In Dehradun, classroom sessions began with the biology and physiology of marine mammals, including freshwater dolphins, important in a region that incorporates crucial habitat for the endangered Ganges River Dolphin. An overview of major threats such as fishing bycatch and vessel strikes was followed by an introduction to strandings networks and then a series of practical sessions. These included safe handling of live strandings, necropsy protocols, equipment and PPE requirements, identification of trauma and disease, and sample collection. The correct collection and storage of samples is another important component of the training because standardised, global data is vital to improving understanding of the causes of cetacean stranding and more accurate targeting of conservation efforts.

The training in Dehradun concluded with consideration of one final but important capacity building issue: strategies enabling participants to conduct their own local training and obtain further, advanced skills.

This workshop was hosted by the Wildlife Institute of India, and held at the request of the Government of India. Strandings training is available to all members of the IWC and anyone wishing to learn more should contact secretariat@iwc.int. Enquiries from non-IWC member governments are also welcome.