| Key Activities | 🛟 Rescue • 🏥 Rehabilitation • 📚 Public Education |
|---|---|
| Location | 20612 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, CA 92651, USA |
| Seal Hotline | +1 949-494-3050 |
| Website | https://www.pacificmmc.org/ |
| Founded | 1971 |
| Species | Northern elephant seal • California sea lion • harbor seal |
| Rehab & Release | ✔ |
| Sanctuary | ✖ |
| Open to Public | ✔ |
| How to Help | Donate • Volunteer |
Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC), located in Laguna Beach, California, is the state’s first marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation facility. Its origins trace back to 1971, when Newport Beach lifeguard Jim Stauffer discovered a sick harbor seal on the beach and nursed it back to health in his home. Soon, more stranded seals and sea lions were being brought to him, and the emerging group became known as “Friends of the Sea Lion,” eventually evolving into the Pacific Marine Mammal Center.
PMMC was founded before the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972, making it a pioneer in marine wildlife care. Today, it specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating elephant seals and California sea lions found along the coast from Seal Beach to San Onofre. These animals often suffer from malnutrition, injuries from fishing gear, shark bites, respiratory infections, and increasingly, the effects of toxic algal blooms like domoic acid poisoning.
PMMC also plays a vital role in public education, offering STEM programs, live presentations, and interactive activities for children and aspiring marine biologists. Even while undergoing renovations, the center continues to engage the community through virtual outreach and educational events.