When marine mammals are stranded in or on the common marine and coastal area, you need to know what happens. A marine mammal has the same meaning as in the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978. The person in charge of managing the stranded marine mammal must think about the animal's welfare and public safety first. The person in charge must also listen to the views of any affected iwi, hapū, or whānau. This person is called a marine mammals officer, and they are appointed under the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978. Other people can also be authorised to manage stranded marine mammals under section 18 of that Act. You can find out more about what a marine mammal is by looking at the Marine Mammals Protection Act 1978. The marine mammals officer has to make sure the stranded marine mammal is safe and that people are safe too. They have to consider the views of iwi, hapū, or whānau when making decisions about the stranded marine mammal.