Resource Library
Resources for the people protecting aquatic mammals worldwide.
Aquatic mammal veterinarians and conservation professionals work across an enormous range of conditions, from well-equipped research institutions to remote field stations with no reliable power or internet. This library exists to close some of that gap, so the same protocols, science, and training are accessible to everyone, no matter where they’re working.
Global River Dolphin Veterinary Network
A number of the resources below support the Global River Dolphin Veterinary Network, a growing community of veterinarians, scientists, and responders working across South America and Asia to protect some of the world’s most endangered freshwater dolphins. Look for the River Dolphin Network tag to find resources built specifically for that community. Visit the network’s page to learn how it works, request case consultation, or join.
Explore Resources
Browse by type, from field protocols to publications and training.
Everything here is free and open to use. NMMF adds new protocols, publications, and training as they become available, so this library will keep growing.
Protocols and Field Guidance
Field-ready guidance for handling, health assessment, sample collection, rehabilitation, and care.
Dolphin Ultrasound Evaluation Form
A standardized field data sheet for full-body dolphin ultrasound exams, covering thorax, abdomen, and major organ systems.
Female Dolphin Reproductive Ultrasound Evaluation Form
A standardized field data sheet for female dolphin reproductive ultrasound exams, covering ovarian activity, uterine health, and pregnancy monitoring.
Field Research and Travel Safety Manual
Inclusivity considerations for underserved, marginalized and overburdened identities.
NMMF Fieldwork Risk Assessment Framework for Marginalized and Underrepresented Identities
Practical tool for identifying and mitigating fieldwork risks while promoting safe, inclusive, and equitable experiences for individuals from underserved, marginalized, and overburdened identities.
Portuguese
Protocolo de Conduta Durante Evento de Mortandade Incomum (EMI) de Cetáceos Amazônicos
Response protocol from Mamirauá Institute, WWF-Brazil, R3, and NMMF for unusual mortality events among Amazonian cetaceans. Only available in Portuguese.
Portuguese
Guia para Emergências com Mamíferos Aquáticos Amazônicos em Situações de Seca Extrema
ICMBio’s (Brazilian government) guide for extreme drought emergencies affecting Amazonian aquatic mammals. Only available in Portuguese.
Science and Publications
A sampling of NMMF publications on aquatic mammal health and conservation medicine.
NMMF has published hundreds of papers across aquatic mammal science. Visit the full NMMF Publications Library for the complete collection.
Retrospective pathological survey of pulmonary disease in free-ranging Amazon river dolphin and tucuxi
A retrospective survey of lung disease found in free-ranging Amazon river dolphins and tucuxi, based on necropsy pathology records.
Rodrigues et al., 2018, Diseases of Aquatic Organisms.
Phthalate ester and cholesterol profiles of blubber samples of the free-ranging Amazon River dolphin
Plastic-derived chemicals showed up in every Amazon River dolphin tested, even in one of the most remote corners of the Amazon.
de Lima et al., 2024, Marine Pollution Bulletin
Survey for Leptospira and Brucella in Amazonian manatees, Amazon river dolphins, and a tucuxi
Nearly two-thirds of the manatees tested carried antibodies to Leptospira, a disease that also poses risks to the people living alongside them.
Rodrigues et al., 2022, Diseases of Aquatic Organisms
Training and Workshops
Workshops, recorded talks, and learning opportunities in aquatic mammal medicine, diagnostics, and emergency response.
Emergency Preparedness: Lessons Learned from the 2023 UME of Amazonian River Dolphins in Brazil
Dr. Thaís Rodrigues discusses the importance of emergency preparedness for river dolphins in the face of increasingly frequent and severe extreme climate events.
Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Network of India.
Amazon River Dolphin Climate Crisis and Unusual Mortality Event (UME)
Four experts unpack the 2023 Amazon river dolphin mortality event, from the climate science to the emergency response that followed.
IWC / Global Stranding Network
Recording coming soon →
Global Perspectives on River Dolphin Health Assessments, Disease Surveillance, and Collaborative Conservation
In October 2026, river dolphin professionals worldwide will gather at SMM 2026 to align health protocols and strengthen collaboration.
Become Part of the Professional Network
Request a consultation, join the network, contribute a resource, or explore a partnership.
Consultation
Request emergency support or a case consultation for a stranding, entrapment, mortality event, or urgent health concern. Open to any aquatic mammal professional.
Network
Join a professional network of veterinarians, scientists, and responders working with river dolphins. Currently offered through the Global River Dolphin Veterinary Network.
Share a Resource
Have a protocol, publication, or training material that could help others in this field? Send it our way and we’ll review it for the library.
Become a Partner
Interested in partnering with NMMF on a program, a training, or a field response effort? Tell us about your organization and what you have in mind.
Support this Work
Help fund the training, equipment, and response behind this work.
NMMF’s programs run on donor support, funding the training, equipment, and emergency response this work depends on. Your gift helps keep it going.
