Mystic Aquarium

Mystic Aquarium’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program supports animals in need, educates the public about the marine environment and its inhabitants, and promotes our mission to inspire people to care about and protect our ocean planet.

Mystic Aquarium is a founding member of the Northeast Region Stranding Network. The network consists of independent organizations dedicated to caring for sick and injured animals and learning more about the reasons they come ashore. Only groups and facilities authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service are permitted to handle these animals, which are protected under federal law.

Call the Aquarium's 24-hour Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at 860.572.5955 ext.107. Leave your name, a phone number where you can be reached and the location of the animal.

• Do not touch the animal. All marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This law makes it illegal to touch, disturb, feed or otherwise harass marine mammals without authorization.
• A beached whale, dolphin or porpoise should be reported immediately and left alone pending further instruction.
• Give the animal plenty of space. Crowding stresses the animal and may cause it to act aggressively.
• Keep pets away from the stranded animal. Not only can they bite and cause injury to the stranded animal, but they may be injured by it. Diseases can also be transmitted between stranded animals and pets.
• Do not pour water on a seal, feed it, cover it or attempt to move it into the water. It is normal for seals to come ashore to rest.
• Be observant. Take note of any obvious signs of injury, the overall body condition of the animal (is it robust or thin?), identification tags, the presence of other animals (especially important with dolphins), the sea state and recognizable landmarks that will make it possible to locate the animal.

Why do marine animals come ashore?