Workshop on Cetacean Necropsy

Presentation

A hands-on training workshop on Cetacean Necropsy, taking place at Escola Universitária Vasco da Gama, in Coimbra, in cooperation with ECOMARE and SPVS. This event is designed for veterinarians, biologists, and students with an interest in marine mammal health and conservation. The workshop will be led by Dr. Manuel Hartmann, a veterinarian with recognized expertise in cetacean pathology and stranding response.

This workshop offers a unique opportunity to gain practical experience in cetacean postmortem examination and to better understand the health challenges facing these marine species. The training follows internationally recognized guidelines and emphasizes the importance of accurate data collection for conservation and research purposes.

Whether you are beginning your journey in marine mammal science or seeking to deepen your expertise, this workshop provides essential knowledge and hands-on experience to support your professional development.

Develop practical skills in conducting necropsies on stranded cetaceans and in the proper collection of biological samples.
Understand the most common causes of death and pathological conditions affecting cetaceans, with a focus on infectious and environmental factors.
Strengthen participants’ ability to contribute to stranding response networks and scientific investigations.
Foster consistency in data collection and reporting to support broader conservation and epidemiological analyses.

Day	Time	Theme	Speaker
Friday	13:30 – 14:30	Cetacean stranding events and stranding response	Manuel Garcia Hartmann
	14:30 – 15:30	Infectious diseases of cetaceans	Manuel Garcia Hartmann
	15:30 – 16:00	Coffee Break
	16:00 – 17:30	Cetacean pathology	Manuel Garcia Hartmann
	17:30 – 19:00	Sampling technique and post mortem examinations	Manuel Garcia Hartmann
Saturday	09:00 – 13:00	Necropsy technique	Manuel Garcia Hartmann, Marisa Ferreira, Carolina Bento
	13:00 – 15:00	Lunch Break
	15:00 – 19:00	Necropsy technique	Manuel Garcia Hartmann, Marisa Ferreira, Carolina Bento