Greetings MARMAM, 

We are urgently in search of advice on handling a group of ~50 false killer whales (Pseudorca crassidens) in the shallows in Belize in the Caribbean Sea. They were first observed approaching vessels on the 18th and since then have been seen repeatedly on the west side of a large mangrove caye island chain, in waters 4-8 m deep near a larger deeper (20 m +) channel. This is the deepest nearby channel and likely where they entered the coastal lagoon from the deep sea.

A map of the region and the sighting can be found here:

https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1tIQl4x1P_ev-OKGe1igGYSTbl7U&ll=17.44448004886804%2C-88.05996898984375&z=10  

We are unsure of the possibilities of helping these animals at this point, but we are mobilizing various stranding partners to assess the situation and assist in whatever way possible. We are unsure if attempts to herd the animals towards deep water would be successful, but the chances of these animals finding their way back to the deep are their own are slim.

If you can provide any advice or assistance, we would greatly appreciate it. I can be reached at:

eric.angel.ramos@gmail.com

Thank you!

Sincerely,