engleski

First Aid Protocols for Dolphins and Sea Turtles in the Adriatic Sea Designed within the Blue Project

The Adriatic Sea is an important habitat for dolphins and sea turtles. In this region interaction with humans occurs frequently and it can be lethal for these animals. Most of the dolphin injuries and deaths are caused by entanglement in fishing nets and other fishing gear. Sea turtles are affected by the same previously mentioned dangers to which we need to add hypothermia and motorboat collision. The help given by a finder can often save the injured and/or sick animal. In order to educate and inform the general public we have designed first aid protocols for dolphins and sea turtles. These protocols were developed within the project dedicated to the development of community engaged learning at our faculty (short title The Blue Project). They show step-by-step procedures of how to help an injured or sick animal. In case of an injured, sick or dead dolphin or sea turtle the finder should call the emergency number 112 and the proper veterinarian care will be organized. During very cold winters the sea turtles found on the sea surface should be taken out of the water and warmed up. In the summer they need to be placed in shade. Fishing gear or plastic objects should be carefully removed from entangled dolphins. Stranded dolphins should be covered with wet cloth avoiding to cover the nostrils. The finder should be aware of protective measures to minimize the risk of acquiring the zoonotic diseases. As well as of a possibility of being injured by the animal. The protocols are available at the Blue Project web page (https://www.argonauta.hr/plavi- projekt/) and will be distributed to tourist agencies, police offices, coastal guards and veterinary stations along the Croatian coast and islands in order to raise public awareness.

first aid, dolphins, sea turtles, Blue Project

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