Every year, thousands of marine mammals—whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea otters and manatees—strand along U.S. coastlines. These events often spark public concern, but they also provide critical opportunities to learn from these animals, care for animals in need, and better understand the health of our ocean.

Responding to stranded marine mammals is a coordinated effort carried out by a nationwide network of trained organizations operating under federal authorization through NOAA’s Office of Protected Resources. These responders work in challenging conditions to assess both live and deceased animals, providing rehabilitation when possible, alleviating suffering when necessary, and collecting samples and data that helps scientists understand threats such as entanglement, vessel strikes, disease and environmental change. In many cases, stranded animals are found deceased, and these examinations provide essential insights into causes of mortality, emerging health threats, and broader ecosystem change.

While this network is highly dedicated, it is also decentralized. Organizations vary in size, resources and access to veterinary and scientific support. Some are large programs able to respond to diverse situations, while others are smaller or more specialized. Yet all organizations could be called upon to respond to events in their region that go beyond their primary expertise. Organizations often respond to events that require additional resources. Currently, there is no single national organization focused on supporting and strengthening this work.

To address this need, a group of experts has come together to establish a National Marine Mammal Stranding Network Association. The Marine Mammal Center is currently serving as the fiscal sponsor for this initiative.

By bringing together experts from across the country, this collaborative initiative aims to build a national organization that strengthens marine mammal response efforts and advances ocean health. Key goals include:

• Improve animal welfare through shared expertise, training and best practices
• Advance science by supporting consistent data collection and collaboration
• Strengthen the response network through communication and resource sharing
• Support responders with access to veterinary, scientific and operational expertise
• Provide a unified voice to engage with policymakers, partners and the public

Marine mammals stranded ashore have captured human attention for centuries. In recent decades, marine mammal responders have collaborated informally to share knowledge and resources. The need for stronger national coordination has been recognized across the field.

In 2025, a national steering committee was formed with representatives from all U.S. regions and expertise spanning veterinary medicine, rehabilitation, necropsy, field response and research. The concept of a national association has since been discussed at regional and national meetings, receiving strong support from the broader stranding community.

A nationwide survey of responders confirmed broad interest in strengthening collaboration, training and scientific impact through a formal organization.

The project is guided by a national steering committee of experienced responders, veterinarians and scientists. Members represent:

• All U.S. stranding regions
• A full range of response types, including live and deceased animals, mass strandings and unusual mortality events
• Expertise across species, including whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, sea otters and manatees

This group is working collaboratively to define the structure, governance and priorities of the future association.