The main objective of the project is to ensure the implementation of the National Strandings Network in the North of Portugal, to gather data on the occurrence and distribution patterns of the main species of marine mammals and reptiles in the region, to evaluate their main mortality causes and to collect biological samples. This will in turn create knowledge about the biology and ecology of the most common species, while increasing the contents archived at the ECOMARE marine animal tissue bank. Ultimately, the project contributes to effective responses in situations of high mortality and to support cetacean, seal and marine turtle live stranding events. The project includes a highly trained team in collaboration with the Sociedade Portuguesa de Vida Selvagem (SPVS). The project will be implemented between Caminha and Peniche. The permanent response teams go to the stranding site and live animals are rescued to the CRAM-ECOMARE rehabilitation center.