A definition and framework for describing, classifying, and reporting mass mortality events

There is currently no standardised definition of a mass mortality event (MME) nor any method to classify these events in a meaningful way for population or species level threat assessments. An easily accessible method for reporting MMEs is also lacking. Together, these gaps hinder progress in understanding the drivers of MMEs, tracking changes in MMEs with global change, clarifying any anthropogenic factors associated with MMEs, and developing any necessary MME management actions. We have produced a manuscript that provides a justified, graded definition of an MME that can be applied to a wide range of organisms. We also provide a framework for reporting and classifying MMEs that could be integrated into an easy-to-use MME database.