European Ocean Biodiversity Information System

The network is constituted of around 300 trained volunteers distributed along the whole French coast who collect data according to a standardized observation and dissection protocol. The network was established in the early 1970’s and its organisation and procedures are considered unchanged since the mid 1980’s. Data are centralized into a single database held in La Rochelle. Purpose: With over 23,000 entries, the stranding data base documented since 1970 by the French stranding network provides one of the largest dataset on cetaceans in Europe. Stranding data would rank high in cost-effectiveness compared to most other sources of data on cetaceans because they are do not require to any expensive field work at sea. As a result of their comparatively low cost per unit effort, stranding data can be collected across wide spatial and temporal ranges and at fine resolution. For scientific purposes, the term “stranding” is commonly used for either live or dead specimen. Supplemental information: [2017-01-05] Records in 2015 were appended. Time and group size of the sightings are not available online. They may be released upon request.