The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is a private non-profit organization based in Brigantine, New Jersey. Since the Center's founding in 1978, it has responded to over 2000 calls for stranded whales, dolphins, seals, and sea turtles that washed ashore on New Jersey beaches. These animals range from a 5 lb. Whenever possible, the animals are brought back to the Center for rehabilitation and eventual release.
Rehabilitation can last up to several months and cost thousands of dollars for a single animal.
The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is the only organization in the State of New Jersey authorized to rescue and rehabilitate stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. We hold federal and state permits, which are required in order to work with these protected animals. When the Marine Mammal Stranding Center started in 1978, there were 19 strandings in the State of New Jersey. In 1999, we responded to 164 strandings. Each year a steady increase of sightings and strandings of marine mammals and sea turtles are reported to us.