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Research Document 2018/030

Criteria for release of rehabilitated marine mammals

By Daoust, P-Y

Abstract

Guidelines on best practice with respect to release of rehabilitated marine mammals into Canadian waters are provided in this document. Guidelines or procedures at other marine mammal holding facilities, in other jurisdictions, or as recommended by international organizations were examined in order to formulate release criteria in light of the Canadian situation. Recommendations on release of rehabilitated marine mammals are developed with the objectives of optimising the welfare and survival of released individual, protecting wild populations, including those used by Indigenous peoples, ensuring public safety, and preventing attempts at wild animal rehabilitation and release by untrained individuals. Release of marine mammals born in captivity and of captive marine mammals held for public display for extended periods of time is not recommended. Strict quarantine measures must be in place within the institution to minimize the chances of pathogen transmission among animals and between animals and humans. Rehabilitation programs should include a post-release identification and monitoring plan to determine as best as possible the outcomes of rehabilitation efforts.

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