Reporting of Sea Turtle Entanglement in Fishing Gear or Marine Debris - initial telephone calls

NOAA Fisheries Service - NE Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding and Disentanglement Program

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Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle
Stranding and Disentanglement Program
• Strandings that occur in the Northeast region are pinnipeds (seals), small cetaceans
(dolphins and porpoises), large cetaceans (whales), and sea turtles.
• Pinnipeds and sea turtles are classified as amphibious, implying that they can exist
in both the marine environment and the terrestrial environment.
• However , if a cetacean strands, it is critical that trained responders arrive on scene
as soon as possible.

What Should You Do If You Encounter A Stranded Animal? 
1. Do not touch the animal!! This includes
any dogs or other pets that you may
have with you. Do not attempt to cover
the animal, push it back to sea or splash
water on it.
2. Observe it from a safe distance of 100
yards (safe for you and the animal)

3. Contact your local stranding network

Stranded harbor seal pup
Photo: College of the Atlantic - Allied Whale

4. If uncertain who to call, please contact the NOAA Fisheries Northeast Regional 24-hour hotline 866755-NOAA (6622)
5. Be prepared to answer questions that the stranding responder will ask:
a. Species (seal, turtle, dolphin or whale)
b. Condition of the animal (live, dead, injured)
c. Have a good idea of your location in order to describe it to the responder
d. If possible, be able to stand by and wait for the responder so that you can direct them to the
animal

Please Remember!!

file:///C|/...0205 BD81 revision/NOAA Fisheries Service - NE Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding and Disentanglement Program.htm[6/12/2014 10:21:46 AM]

NOAA Fisheries Service - NE Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding and Disentanglement Program

For more information on the stranding program, please contact NERStranding.staff@noaa.gov
Last Updated: July 10, 2008

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