Welcome to NMLC
Founded in 1995, the National Marine Life Center is an independent, non-profit organization. We rehabilitate and release stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in order to advance science and education in marine wildlife health and conservation.
Marine animals make ideal teaching tools. Dolphins, whales, seals, and sea turtles are charismatic and interesting. The ocean depths in which they live are mysterious and exciting. By using marine animals as subject material, National Marine Life Center instructors address topics from biology to physics, writing composition to art, math to technology.
Our Mission & Vision
The National Marine Life Center rehabilitates and releases stranded marine mammals and sea turtles in order to advance science and education in marine wildlife health and conservation. The vision of the National Marine Life Center is to be a world leader in marine wildlife rehabilitation, conservation science, and STEM education.
What We Do
Rehabilitation and release of seals and sea turtles
Cape Cod is a stranding hotspot. Hundreds of marine animals strand alive and in need of medical care every year. The National Marine Life Center is meeting that need. Our core mission is to rehabilitate and release stranded marine mammals and sea turtles.
Education about marine life health and conservation
Marine animals also make ideal subjects for lessons on conservation and human impacts on our environment. Because children are interested in marine animals, they are inspired to learn and take positive action. You can schedule an education program for your school or community group.
Advancing the science around marine life health and conservation.
The animals undergoing rehabilitation at the National Marine Life Center offer a unique opportunity to learn more about their species, about wildlife health, and ultimately about the health of our oceans. Current research includes investigations of marine animal parasites and case studies of our patients.