ethods of
taking them have been standardized, although there is still some
disagreement about which of the measurements are most important. The
data form located at the end of this guide, usable on both baleen and
toothed whales, includes all the measurements routinely taken by
cetologists plus a few new ones the authors consider important. The form
and the directions for taking measurements are synthesized from those
currently in use by the Naval Undersea Center, San Diego; the Fisheries
Research Board of Canada; the University of Rhode Island; the University
of Florida; the U.S. National Museum, Washington, D.C.; and the National
Marine Fisheries Service, La Jolla, Calif.

Data on stranded cetaceans should be collected by someone experienced in
handling and measuring cetaceans. The legal problems associated with
collection of a specimen are discussed in Appendix C. In addition to
having a permit or knowing how to obtain permission to collect the
specimen, persons active in cetacean research will usually have access
to laboratory facilities where in-depth studies, including postmortem
examinations and collection of tissues for specialized laboratory
examinations, can be conducted. Furthermore, specialized equipment, and
the number of steps required to do a complete job with the specimen,
make the procedure prohibitive for most noncetologists. Diligent
attempts should be made to contact one of the institutions listed in
Appendix E. If no one is available and no permit or approval is
obtainable, you are limited to photographing, sketching, and measuring
the specimen without removing the carcass or any part of the carcass
from the beach.

Any person taking data on stranded cetaceans should follow the
instructions itemized below, being careful to take measurements in the
manner prescribed and to record data in as much detail as possible.

1. Specimens should be preserved in 10% neutral Formalin, except for the
stomach contents, which should be kept in 70% ethyl or 40% isopropyl
alcohol, or be frozen. Commercial rubbing alcohol will suffice. As a
minimum, the head, flippers, and reproductive tract should be preserved.
If no other method of handling the specimen is available, and only as a
last resort, it may be buried in the sand well above the high tide line
and carefully marked so it can later be recovered. Burying usually
results in the loss of some vital parts.

2. The carcass should be examined for external paras