Seacoast Science Center

The Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) program at Seacoast Science Center is the primary responder for stranded marine mammals (including seals, as well as dolphins, porpoises, and whales) from the New Hampshire-Maine border south to Beverly, Massachusetts. Though the program does not operate a rehabilitation facility, its role is critical: assessing animal health, coordinating transport to partner rehab centers, and collecting scientific data to support national conservation efforts.

Founded in 2014 as part of the Center’s mission to connect people with ocean life, MMR operates a 24/7 hotline and dispatches trained responders to evaluate live or deceased animals. Their team consults with veterinarians to determine whether an animal can withstand transport, and in some cases, they may recommend humane euthanasia to prevent suffering. Data from strandings, including necropsies and tissue samples, is submitted to NOAA’s national database.

MMR also leads extensive public outreach, including guided seal walks, webinars, and wildlife viewing education. Their collaboration with institutions like the Ocean Genome Legacy Center helps advance understanding of marine mammal genetics and the impact of human activity on coastal ecosystems.