Summary
Volunteers in the UK are being recruited to help rescue more stranded whales, dolphins, and porpoises. The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) is looking for people to provide first aid and refloat these animals, as strandings have increased. Volunteers receive training with special equipment to prepare for these efforts.
Key Facts
- Whale and dolphin strandings in the UK have increased over recent years.
- The British Divers Marine Life Rescue (BDMLR) focuses on rescuing and protecting marine wildlife.
- Volunteer numbers have grown from 2,000 to nearly 3,500 in eight years.
- Volunteers help by learning to refloat stranded animals using special equipment.
- Some UK coastal areas still need more local volunteers.
- In 2018, 22 live strandings were recorded, but by 2025, this had risen to 46.
- Volunteers must pay for a training course to qualify for call-outs.
- Bycatch, or unintended capture in fishing, is a leading cause of death for these animals.
