This dataset contains information about marine mammal strandings documented in Alabama waters between 1978 and 2025. Data include identity, size, condition, sex, and location where the animal was found.
Abstract
This dataset contains information on cetacean strandings recorded in the state of Alabama and compiled by DISL's Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Records include historical (prior to 2011) cetacean stranding data compiled from NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response program database and newly generated stranding records (2011-2025) compiled by DISL's Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network. Stranding records include all or most of the following information: the response organization, year, date of observation, date of response, state, GPS location, waterbody, common name, genus, species, condition code, sex, straight length, and human interaction status.
Purpose
Cetacean strandings in the Gulf of Mexico are monitored by stranding networks, such as the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network, to investigate causes of death and in turn, determine threats to local cetacean populations. The objective of this project is to document and investigate patterns in cetacean strandings in Alabama by: -Defining spatial, temporal, and demographic trends in strandings, -Investigating cause of death, -Determining and recording human interaction status, -Evaluating population status, and -Recording and sharing data with other researchers, managers, and the public. This dataset is part of a larger study of cetacean strandings and population studies in the southeastern US.
