CETACEANS/ DOLPHINS & WHALES
Support of ARION/ Vet Network for Rescue of Cetaceans & Scientific Management of Strandings
Pelargos NATURA periodically supports various efforts of ARION, which aims to protect and maintain the health of cetacean and all marine mammal populations in the Greek seas. In the spring of 2018, with our funding assistance and that of the Ministry of Environment’s Green Fund, ARION organized and conducted a globally pioneering educational conference for veterinarians of ARION’s network, covering the Greek coastline in areas of frequent cetacean strandings. This initiative followed and enriched relevant international standards and protocols by conducting actual complicated post mortem necropsies by world renown scientists. Actual marine mammal post mortems are quite valuable, as they generally provide a useful insight into the health status of our seas, given that cetaceans are at the top of the food chain and thus, ingest the accumulation of everything in the sea. Responsibly conducted necropsies following international protocols will enable our country to hold a significant scientific position at the international level concerning marine environmental issues. This is crucial given Greece’s significant maritime tradition and clout.
