Marine Mammal Rescue Agencies

By Lynsey Atkinson, August 2020

Ahead is a guide on the Marine Mammal Protection Act, which protects all United States marine mammals, and what to do if you see a distressed marine mammal.

Many are attracted to the coast to witness and experience the diverse wildlife that inhabit the ocean. Getting to observe these animals when they come to the surface or to shore can create lifelong memories and a deepened respect and appreciation for the ocean. However, our presence can also have a negative impact on wildlife, especially if you get too close, make excessive noise or leave trash on the beach. Additionally, years of plastic debris reaching our oceans, discarded fishing nets (“ghost gear”), ship strikes and a changing environment due to climate change can severely disrupt wildlife- leading to entanglements, starvation, injury or worse. When at the coast, sadly you may see a distressed animal, such as a beached whale, an entangled turtle, or an ill seal. While this can be upsetting, you can have an important role to play to potentially save its life. With the right information and numbers to call, some of these troubled marine mammals can be helped.

Marine Mammal Protection Act

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) was passed on October 21, 1972 in the hope to protect all marine mammals by prohibiting the “take” (fishing and extraction from sea) and importation of marine mammals and their products into the United States; the MMPA also limits the proximity that people can be to marine mammals to no less than 100 yards. This act’s jurisdiction is shared by US Fish and Wildlife Service, NOAA National Marine Fisheries Service, and the Marine Mammal Commission. While all three of these federal entities share responsibility for implementing the MMPA, they all have unique responsibilities, as well:

• NOAA Fisheries is responsible for the protection of whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea lions;
  
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is responsible for the protection of walrus, manatees, sea otters, and polar bears; and
  
• Marine Mammal Commission provides independent, science-based oversight of domestic and international policies and actions of federal agencies addressing human impacts on marine mammals and their ecosystems.
  

There are several exceptions to the MMPA, and those include:

• Pre-MMPA specimens taken before December 21, 1972
  
• International Agreements entered into by the United States before December 21, 1972 Alaska natives
  
• Scientific research, public display, enhancing the survival or recovery of a species, and incidental take in commercial fisheries
  
• Waivers granted by the U.S. Government
  

While the Marine Mammal Protection Act is meant to protect the marine animals that we are lucky to see on shore by limiting human interaction, there are times in which human intervention is needed. Here is a guide which describes how to differentiate between normal and distressed behaviors of some marine mammals and who to call when intervention is needed.

Don’t forget:

• Do not touch, feed or approach any marine mammals. Keep at least 100 yards away!
  
• If you see a sick, injured, entangled, stranded, or dead animal, report it to your local organization or authority, follow their directions, and remain on site until they tell you otherwise.
  
• If you see someone harassing animals on shore, be proactive! If you feel unsafe or cannot tell them to stop, report them to your local organization or authority.
  
• Learn how to differentiate between different behaviors.

How to Differentiate Between Normal and Distressed Behaviors

Harbor Seals

Harbor seals and their pups can spend hours basking on the beach! Seal pups can spend up to 48 hours at a time basking while waiting for their mothers to return from feeding trips. More often than not, seal pups do not need help so feel free to observe them from 100 yards away!

However, if you notice a pup or a seal has not moved for hours at a time, it may be time to call one of your local organizations which can guide you in determining if the seal is indeed in need of assistance.

Sea Lions

Sea lions take group naps in the water, which is called “rafting”. When they do this, sometimes they stick one flipper out of the water to help thermoregulate their bodies and get rid of excess heat. This can look like they are caught in a net, but really they are just snoozing! However, if this flipper is thrashing around and is the only one you can see, it may be in need of assistance.

Sea Turtles

Sea turtles will come onto land to lay their eggs and then will return to the sea; once the eggs hatch, the baby turtles will make their way into the water. While it is not common for sea turtles to remain on land for long, unless they are acting abnormally or are entangled, they should return to the sea soon and not require assistance.

However, if you do see that the turtle is entangled or seems to be sick or acting strange, observe the turtle from a distance and collect the following information to relay to your local organization:

• Is the animal moving, swimming or diving?
  
• How and where is the turtle entangled: its flippers, head, or shell?
  
• How many times is the line wrapped around the turtle?
  
• Is there a buoy visible? What color is it? Is there an ID number visible?
  
• If you have a camera on board, take photos of the turtle and the entangling gear. Please provide the photos to the responders, if requested.

Remember:

• Do not attempt to disentangle or capture the turtle.
• Do not cut the anchoring line and release the turtle with gear still on it.
  
• Do not get in the water with the turtle.
  
• Call for assistance (phone numbers above) and remain on scene until you speak with a responder.

Stranded Marine Life

When you find a stranded marine mammal, make sure to call your local organization and stay on site and follow the agency’s directions. Stranded marine life can take many forms:

• Whales, dolphins, and porpoises are considered stranded when they are found dead on the beach or floating in water or alive on the beach and unable to reach water on their own.
• Seals and sea lions are considered stranded when they are found dead on land or floating in the water or in obvious need of medical attention. Because seals and sea lions spend a lot of time on land basking, always call your local organization for a professional opinion regarding their behavior!
• Sea turtles are considered stranded when they are found on land or in the water and are dead, injured, or exhibit abnormal behavior or ill health.

COVID-19 Updates

“NOAA Fisheries has heard from its marine mammal and sea turtle stranding network partners who are making operational decisions based on COVID-19 that may impact the ability to respond to strandings and entanglement incidents. However, all stranding hotlines should remain staffed, and the public should continue to report all sightings of stranded animals to the appropriate contact number for your location (select your region below). As always, if you see a stranded marine mammal or sea turtle, keep people and pets back a safe distance of 50 yards (150 feet). There is currently no evidence to support claims that whales, sea lions or other marine mammals are infected with COVID-19. More information about pets and other animals is on this https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prepare/animals.html Centers for Disease Control] website.” - NOAA Fisheries

Local Rescue Agencies By Region

When you do need to call a local organization or authority, it will likely depend on your location or on the kind of marine wildlife that you are calling about. Keep your local phone numbers in your phone so you’re ready to call anytime you may come upon a marine animal in need of help!

Alabama

Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline

877-WHALE HELP 877-942-5343

Alabama Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network Hotline

866-SEA TURTLE 877-732-8878

Dauphin Island Sea Lab

251-861-2141

Alaska

NOAA Fisheries Alaska Statewide 24-Hr Stranding Hotline

877-925-7773

Marine Mammals - specifically, whales, seals, sea lions, porpoises, and dolphins

Alaska Sealife Center 240hr Stranding Hotline - Seward, AK

866-774-7325

Marine Mammals - specifically, walruses, sea otters, and polar bears

Marine Mammals Management Office of the US Fish and Wildlife Service - Anchorage

800-362-5148 (business hrs only)

Marine Mammals - specifically, walruses, sea otters, and polar bears

Reporting Commercial death/injury off a marine mammal

907-586-7240

Online Reporting Form

British Columbia

BC Marine Mammal Response Network

1-800-465-4336

DFO Hotline

Canadian Resources

Reporting an Emergency Webpage

California

Live Animals in Distress

North Coast Marine Mammal Center - Del Norte and Humboldt

707-951-4722

Marine Mammal Center - Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Solano, Contra Costa, Alameda, Santa Clara, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo

415-289-7325

Channel Islands Marine and Wildlife Institute - Santa Barbara and Ventura

805-567-1505

California Wildlife Center - Malibu only

310-458-9453

Marine Animal Rescue - LA county, not including Malibu

800-399-4253

Marine Mammal Care Center Los Angeles

310-548-5677

Pacific Marine Mammal Center - Orange

949-494-3050

SeaWorld of California - San Diego

800-541-7325

Deceased Animals

Humboldt State University - Del Norte, Northern Mendocino, Humboldt

707-826-3650

California Academy of Sciences - Southern Mendocino, Sonoma, Napa, Marin, Solano, Contra Costa, Sutter, San Joaquin, Alameda, Santa Clara, San Francisco, and San Mateo

415-379-5381

Long Marine Laboratory - Santa Cruz

831-212-1272

Moss Landing Marine Laboratory - Monterey

831-771-4422

Channel Island Cetacean Research Unit - San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Ventura

805-896-0858

Los Angeles County Museum of Natural History - Los Angeles and Orange

323-585-5105

NOAA Southwest Fisheries Science Center - San Diego

858-546-7162

Connecticut/Rhode Island

Mystic Aquarium

860-572-5955 ext 107

Delaware

MERR Institute, Inc

302-228-5029

Florida

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

888-404-FWCC 888-404-3922

Dolphins Plus Oceanside Marine Mammal Responders

305-453-4321

NOAA Southeast Fisheries Science Center - Miami Lab

305-361-4212

Northwest Florida Aquatic Preserves Office - Florida DEP

850-245-2118

University of Florida Marine Animal Rescue

352-477-0344

Georgia

Georgia Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline

912-269-7587

Georgia Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network

912-280-6892

Guam

NOAA Office of Law Enforcement - Agana, GU

671-472-7200

Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles

Conservation Office Hotline

671-688-3297

Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles

Department of Agriculture and Wildlife Resources Administrative Office - Mangilao, GU

671-735-0281 or 671-735-0294 (Business Hours)

Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles

Hawaii

Hawai’i Statewide Marine Animal Stranding, Entanglement, and Reporting Hotline

888-256-9840

Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles - specifically, sea turtles, monk seals, dolphins, whales

Hawai’i DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement (DOCARE) Hotline

808-643-3567

DLNR App

Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles - specifically, sea turtles, monk seals, dolphins, whales

NOAA Office of Law Enforcement

800-853-1964

respectwildlife@noaa.gov

Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles - specifically, sea turtles, monk seals, dolphins, whales

For non-emergencies involving monk seals

pifsc.monksealsighting@noaa.gov

Louisiana

Louisiana Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline

504-235-3005

Louisiana Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network

844-SEA-TRTL (844-732-8785)

For Sea turtles

NOAA Southeast Region Marine Mammal Stranding Network

877-942-5343

For marine mammal strandings

Maine

Maine Marine Animal Reporting Hotline

800-532-9551

Maryland

Maryland Marine Animal Reporting Hotline

800-628-9944

Massachusetts

NOAA Hotline

866-755-NOAA (6622)

Seacoast Science Center

603-997-9448

Province Center for Coastal Studies

1-800-900-3622

Sea Turtles

Mississippi

Mississippi Marine Mammal and Sea Turtles Stranding Hotline

888-767-3657 or 228-369-4796

Mississippi Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network

228-369-4796

Institute for Marine Mammal Studies

888-767-3657

New Hampshire

NOAA Hotline

866-755-NOAA

New Jersey

Marine Mammal Stranding Center

609-266-0538

New York

New York Stranding Hotline

631-369-9829

Northeast Region

Northeast Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding and Entanglement Hotline

866-755-NOAA (6622)

North Carolina

North Carolina Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network Hotline

252-241-7367

North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries

252-241-5519

University of North Carolina - Wilmington Marine Mammal Stranding Program

910-254-5713

Oregon

Portland State University/Seaside Aquarium - All counties north of Tillamook

503-738-6211

Oregon State University Marine Mammal Institute - All counties south of Tillamook

541-270-6830

Pacific Islands General

NOAA Fisheries Pacific Islands Regional Office

808-725-5000

RespectWildlife@noaa.gov or pirohonolulu@noaa.gov

Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline

787-538-4684

787-645-5595

Puerto Rico Department of National Resources

787-400-2785

787-400-2786

Manatees and Sirenians

US Fish and Wildlife Services

787-851-7297 ext 220

Manatees and Sirenians

Puerto Rico Manatee Conservation Center

787-400-2782

Manatees, dolphins, porpoises, and whales

Puerto Rico Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline

787-538-4684

787-645-5595

Dolphins, porpoises, whales, walruses, and seals

South Carolina

South Carolina Stranding Hotline

800-922-5431

Southeast Region

NOAA Fisheries Southeast Marine Mammal Stranding

877-WHALE HELP 877-942-5343

Texas

Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network Hotline

800-9MAMMAL (800-962-6625)

Texas Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network

361-949-8173 ext 226

Aransas National Wildlife Refuge

361-349-1138

US Virgin Islands

US Virgin Islands Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline - Virgin Islands Division of Fish and Wildlife

340-713-2422

Virginia

Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center

757-385-7575

Washington State

West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network

1-866-767-6114

Washington Sea Otter Standing Hotline

1-97-SEAOTTER (1-877-326-8837)

Sea otters on the beach

Puget Sound

Whatcom County Marine Mammal Stranding Network

360-966-8845

San Juan County Marine Mammal Stranding Network

800-562-8832

Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network

866-ORCANET

Sno-King Marine Mammal Response

206-695-2277

Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network

206-905-7325

MaST Center Stranding Team

206-724-2687

Vashon Hydrophone Project

206-463-9041

Washington Department of Fisheries and Wildlife

253-589-7235

Cascadia Research Collective

360-791-9555

Port Townsend Marine Science Center

360-385-5582 ext. 103

Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge

360-457-8451

Feiro Marine Life Center

360-417-6254

Makah Tribe

360-640-0569

Olympic National Park

360-565-3115

NOAA Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary

360-457-6622==West Coast Region==

West Coast Region Stranding Hotline

866-767-6114

For marine mammals and sea turtles

NOAA Fisheries Entanglement Reporting Hotline

1-877-SOS-WHALE (1-877-767-9425)

Entangled whale

NOAA Fisheries Enforcement Hotline

1-800-853-1964

Human harassing/harming of marine mammals