We are RALVT

The Lisbon and Tagus Valley Stranding Network (Rede de Arrojamentos de Lisboa e Vale Tejo – RALVT), started operating in 2021 and belongs to the National Stranding Network, acting in the Lisbon and Tagus Valley region, between Lourinhã and Setúbal. This network is the result of a collaboration between MARE-ISPA (Centro de Ciências do Mar e Ambiente – Instituto Universitário de Ciências Psicológicas, Sociais e da Vida), ICNF (Instituto de Conservação da Natureza e Florestas) and Fundo Ambiental (Ministério do Ambiente). Our main goal is to respond to alerts of marine mammals and sea turtles strandings (whether the animal is alive or not) that occur in our region.

Our mission

RALVT's response to marine animal strandings allows us to collect information about these species, allowing us to broaden out understanding and implement conservation strategies for these species. Together with each municipal authority, our team streamlines the transport of the stranded animal. Additionally, through educational activities of the population, we can promote the ocean literacy as well as incentivize the general population to preserve the habitats and promote the conservation of marine species.

Necropsies.: When the animals are stranded dead, it is important to attempt to determine the cause of death, with samples’ collection. The necropsies are also fundamental for studying and helping increase the knowledge about these species.
Assistance to live strandings.: We operate on a 24/7 schedule, which allows RALVT to respond to live strandings. In these cases, our number one priority is to stabilize the animal and make it as comfortable as possible.
Monitoring.: By regularly monitoring the beaches in our region, we can collect systematic information, allowing us to also detect some strandings before they are reported. Besides that, these reconnaissance missions allows us to map the beach morphology in order to plan the best routes, especially in areas of difficult access in order to have a faster response time.
Environmental education.: We want to promote ocean literacy with environmental education, science projects, training sessions and webminars with the general population and by collaborating with local organizations. Additionally, we have volunteer programs and curricular internships that allow us to work with students that are interested in exploring this subject.