Report of a workshop on large whale medical intervention : indications and technology development

Abstract

This one day interdisciplinary workshop, attended by 12 veterinarians 11 whale biologists, an engineer and the NMFS Regional Stranding Coordinator, was convened by Michael Moore, with financial support from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution Cecil and Ida Green Technology Innovation Fund. The goal was to examine ways in which veterinary medical techniques could assist in efforts to mitigate right whale mortality. In particular the indications and technology for the use of sedation during disentanglement efforts and antibiotic therapy for wounds after disentanglement were considered.