What to do for a Stranded Marine Mammal in Canada, US
How to Report Beached, Sick, Injured, or Dead Marine Mammals
Both the United States and Canada have a Marine Mammal Stranding Network that covers all the coastal states and provinces. Anyone finding a stranded marine mammal, living or dead, should report it through the Stranding Network.
Not all Marine Mammals on the Beach are Stranded
Pinnipeds (seals and sea lions) come ashore to mate, give birth, and molt. They also haul out to warm themselves, and may leave their pups unattended on the beach for as long as 24 to 48 hours. These are normal behaviors that can be disrupted by human activity. Stay well away from haul out areas; do not approach on foot or by boat. Within a few hours the seals or sea lions will likely leave the beach, and adults will likely return for their pups.
When to Report a Beached Seal or Sea Lion
If the seal or sea lion appears emaciated, sick or injured, report the animal to the Stranding Network. Also, if the animal is in an area with a lot of human activity, it should be reported. For example, an elephant seal hauled out and stayed around the busy San Juan County Park in Washington State for several weeks. Though the animal was active and apparently healthy, the Stranding Network provided volunteers to help keep the large number of on-lookers away from the seal.
Whale, Dolphin and Porpoise Strandings
Whales, dolphins and porpoises are only found on the beach when something has gone terribly wrong. Any time one of these animals is spotted on the beach, they should be reported to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
What to do if You Find a Stranded Marine Mammal
For the safety of all, anyone finding a marine mammal on the beach should stay well back. Jot down the following information and report it to a regional Stranding Network hotline listed below:
- The exact location of the animal, as well as the time and date of the observation
- Amount of human activity in the area
- The approximate size of the animal (infant, juvenile or adult)
- Visual assessment of the animal – fat or thin? Evidence of trauma, such as blood or open wounds?
Report Dead Sea Mammals
It may seem pointless to report dead marine mammals, but researchers can often piece together patterns of disease, parasites, exposure to toxins, or human interference through studies on the bodies of the dead animals.
Where to Report Stranded Sea Mammals in Canada:
- Marine Mammal Research Group Stranding Hotline 800-665-5939
- Canadian Stranding Hotline 800-465-4336
Where to Report Stranded Sea Mammals in the United States and its Territories
- Pacific Island Region including Guam, N. Mariana Islands American Samoa and Hawaii 888-256-9840
- Pacific North West, including Alaska 800-583-1964
- California, National Marine Fisheries SW Regional Office, 562-980-4017
- Southeast Region from Texas to North Carolina, and including Puerto Rico, US Virgin Islands. 877-433-8299
- Northeast Region from Virginia north to Maine 978-281-9351
Marine Mammal Stranding Network is not a 9-1-1 number
The Stranding Network doesn’t work like an ambulance service. Many stranded animals are near death. Often all the Stranding Network can do is allow nature to take its course. Nevertheless, reports of stranded animals are important in helping scientist monitor the range, ages, and overall health of various regional populations.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Network depends on the public to report marine mammals in trouble.
Injured Harbor Seal Pup in Animal Rehab Center
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