From beach users to first responders: The role of civil society in response actions to marine mammal stranding events

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Beach users play a fundamental role in responses to marine mammal strandings (RMMS), as they are usually the first to detect and report strandings. Informed beach users facilitate effective responses, increasing the odds of rescuing live animals and obtaining data on the stranding events. This information allows for the causes of stranding events to be related with climatic, anthropogenic, or oceanographic phenomena. The main objective of this study was to evaluate whether beach users in Bahía Todos Santos are currently capable of acting as first responders and to propose strategies for the dissemination of information regarding RMMS. The results of our surveys highlighted the importance of informing beach users about marine mammals, the actions to take during a stranding event, and the health risks of zoonotic diseases. The actions of a first responder include detecting the stranding, reporting the stranding to authorities and competent actors, and providing key information to the recipients of the report. These actions will help authorities activate the local RMMS network to ensure timely responses. We propose the use of signage on beaches and social media campaigns to disseminate information aimed at informing first responders. Finally, we consider it is important to involve the public in these activities to raise awareness regarding the conservation of marine mammals and their environment.