Marine Mammal Stranding Center

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center's mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release marine mammals and sea turtles that wash ashore along the New Jersey coastline and waterways, as well as educate the public about our marine environment. 

Since 1978, MMSC staff and volunteers have responded to over 4,900 strandings of whales, dolphins, seals, sea turtles and other distressed marine species. Many of the cetaceans, and all of the sea turtles that strand in New Jersey are listed as protected or endangered species by the federal government and the state. Our team is proud of the fact that we have one of the highest recovery/return rates on the East Coast – a success rate of nearly 90% in live-seal strandings.

One animal’s care can cost upwards of $2,500, with rehabilitation costs including: food, medicine, transportation and operational expenses. MMSC handles an average of 200 animals a year.