Cetacean research is crucially aided by stranding programs, such as the Scottish Marine Animal Stranding Scheme (SMASS). As part of SMASS's activities, it facilitates necropsies on stranded marine mammals that cannot be returned to the sea. Marine mammals can become stranded for multiple reasons and necropsies provide researchers with valuable information about seasonal distribution, feeding habits, and cause of death. In Scotland, necropsies are typically performed by experienced veterinary pathologists supported by a network of volunteer citizen scientists. To successfully sample visceral organs, volunteers must be properly trained in the anatomy and pathology of cetaceans.
Although there have been numerous examples of 3D models being used to teach human or veterinary anatomy, few interactive and digitally accessible resources exist to support education of cetacean anatomy. Within this project, an intuitive app with a series of 3D models illustrating the anatomies of the thoracic cavity of a harbour porpoise has been developed to provide anatomical data on a digital format accessible on mobile devices in a field situation. Pilot testing was conducted and the results were highly rated in usability and user experience. Minor refinements to the models are recommended to increase accuracy in future product development. This pilot testing confirmed that there is a demand for 3d digital models of cetacean anatomy to support stranding network volunteers.