The Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme
The Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS), is the dedicated research and reporting scheme for stranded cetaceans, pinnipeds, marine turtles, and large sharks in Scotland. SMASS has been in operation since 1992, collating a long-term dataset on stranding events with additional post-mortem examinations providing unique insight into wider health metrics.
Disease Prediction
This research provides essential baseline data, which is used to help detect any future outbreaks of disease, unusual mortality events, anthropogenic stressors, and other health issues for marine mammals. It also enables assessment of pressures and threats, possible population dynamics, and responses to environmental stressors.
Global Collaboration
The data collected by SMASS is available to collaborators globally, especially here in Glasgow. Our archive contains a unique collection of samples and information from over two decades of continuous research. If you would like more details or are interested in collaborating, please get in touch via reports@strandings.org.
SMASS Team: Dr. Andrew Brownlow (Director), Mariel ten Doeschate (Data manager), Nick Davison (Strandings coordinator), Claire Bowie (Administrative assistant)
SMASS PhD researchers: Mariel ten Doeschate, Rachel Lennon, Ellie MacLennan, Anna Kebke