Found a stranded marine animal?
DO NOT call or email NMLC for emergency response.
If you have found a stranded marine animal, contact the correct authorized response organization immediately using the guidance below.
Please remember: Wildlife can be dangerous and carry diseases. Additionally, animals can be very stressed by human presence. Be sure to stay away from the animal and keep other people and animals away.
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Marine Mammals
Seals, dolphins, and whales
Do not touch, pick up, or feed the animal
Do not return the animal to the water. Seals often temporarily “haul out” on land to rest. Seal mothers often briefly leave their pups on shore while they go out to sea to fish. A beached dolphin or whale should be reported immediately.
Keep your distance
Observe the animal from a distance of at least 150ft/46m. If the animal notices you, you’re too close. Keep other people, dogs, and seagulls away from the animal.
Observe from a distance
Note the animal’s physical characteristics such as size and coloration. This helps responders determine the species and what resources may be needed. Take photos if possible, remembering to stay at least 150 feet away.
Note the animals condition
Is it weak or thin? Does it have any open wounds?
Look for identification
Note whether or not the animal has any obvious identification tags or markings.
Determine the location
Responders will need to know the exact location of the animal for accurate directions. Responders can’t rescue an animal if they can’t find it!
Call for help
Call an authorized marine mammal stranding network facility with as much information as you have. If leaving a message, be sure to include very specific directions as well as your name and phone number so they can call you back if they have questions.
Weymouth to Plymouth
Cape Cod & Southeastern MA
Nantucket
All Other Areas of MA
Call the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Northeast Region (NOAA)’s hotline at 866-755-NOAA (6622).
Outside of Massachusetts
Sea Turtles
Cold-stunned in Massachusetts
Don't put the turtle back in the water
Sea turtles that come ashore in Massachusetts need medical attention.
Don't remove the turtle from the beach
Special permits and training are required to work with these endangered animals.
Move the turtle above the high tide line
If you can do so safely.
Cover the turtle with dry seaweed
Dry seaweed can help it from getting even colder.
Mark the turtle’s location
Use a stick, buoy, or other piece of beach debris to clearly mark the location of the turtle so rescue volunteers can find it.
Determine the location
Responders will need to know the exact location of the animal for accurate directions. Responders can’t rescue an animal if they can’t find it!
Call for help
Call an authorized sea turtle stranding network facility with as much information as you have. If leaving a message, be sure to include very specific directions as well as your name and phone number so they can call you back if they have questions.
Plymouth to RI (Inculding Cape Cod)
Call the MassAudubon Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary‘s hotline at (508) 349-2615.
Plymouth to NH
Call the New England Aquarium‘s hotline at (617) 973-5247
Nantucket & Martha's Vineyard
Call the New England Aquarium‘s hotline at (617) 973-5247
Outside of Massachusetts
Visit the NOAA Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network to find your authorized beach response agency, or call your local police department.
Entangled Marine Animals At Sea
Whales and Sea Turtles
Report the entanglement sighting immediately
Don’t wait until you get back to land.
Don't touch the animal or the entangled gear.
It is not safe for the animal or people involved. It’s also illegal to handle the animals without a permit.
Keep your distance
Maintain a safe distance from the animal in trouble
Observe and take notes
- Record the time and coordinates of the animal’s location.
- Note the appearance and size of the animal and the type of entangling gear.
- If at all possible, photograph or video the sighting from a safe distance.
Pay attention
Be alert for trailing lines which may foul props.
Stay where you are
Be prepared to stand by until responders arrive, if possible.
Call for help
Call the the NOAA Marine Animal Entanglement Hotline at 1-800-900-3622 or 866-755-NOAA or hail the U.S. Coast Guard on VHF Channel 16.
Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire
The Provincetown Center for Coastal Studies‘ entanglement response team is on-call and committed to providing safe and effective disentanglement of local marine animals.
Outside of Massachusetts
NOAA or the Coast Guard will direct your report to the authorized agency.
Sea Birds, Land Mammals, Other Reptiles, etc.
Call an authorized wildlife rehabilitator
Only people who are licensed rehabilitators or veterinarians may legally treat wildlife.
Follow instructions from the authorized rehabilitator
Depending on the situation, they may want you to leave the animal where it is, put it back, move it, or bring it in to their center.
“If you care, leave them there!”
Many young animals are not abandoned! Their mothers leave them in hiding for the youngster’s safety. Young animals are often best served by leaving it where you found it. As MassWildlife says, “If you care, leave them there!”
Cape Cod
Call the Cape Wildlife Center in Barnstable at (508) 362-0111 or WildCare Cape Cod in Eastham at (508) 240-2255.
Southcoast
Call the New England Wildlife Center in South Weymouth at (781) 682-4878.
All Other Areas of MA
Visit the MassWildlife webpage for an authorized list of rehabilitators.
Outside of Massachusetts
Contact your state wildlife agency for an authorized list of rehabilitators.
Ocean sunfish (mola molas), torpedo rays, basking sharks, gray triggerfish, thresher sharks, and diamondback terrapins
Southeastern Massachusetts, including Cape Cod, the South Coast, and Buzzards Bay
Contact New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) or at (508) 566-0009.