Causes: Animals, Protection of Endangered Species, Wildlife Preservation & Protection

Mission: The marine mammal stranding center (mmsc) was formed in 1978 for the purpose of rescue, rehabilitation and release of stranded, sick or injured marine mammals and sea turtles. Mmsc is the only state and federally authorized facility in the state of new jersey to do this work.

Programs: Animal stranding and care:mmsc responds to the strandings of whales, dolphins, seals, and sea turtles in new jersey and occasionally assists with strandings in other states. Since inception mmsc has responded to over 4700 strandings. This program includes: response to the stranding location by staff or trained volunteers, assessment of the animal's condition, transportation of the animal to mmsc for additional assessment by veterinarian, care and treatment for injuries or illness, and eventual release back to the ocean. In some instances the animal will require humane euthanasia by the vererinarian. The center has responded to over 4,700 animals since 1978.

sea life education center and museum:mmsc staff, trained volunteers and interns explain the mission of the center and conduct tours of this 1940's era 12-sided building that houses many displays about the animals and the beach environment. Visitors learn about the types of problems the animals encounter due to illness, injury, and pollution. The building is open to the public year round, with extended hours during summer months. School children visit the center throughout the year and summer programs are available to visitors. Programs include visiting the back bays and beaches to learn ecology, and dolphin and turtle stranding classes. Since 1983 there have been over 700,000 visitors to the museum.

educational services:mmsc staff and trained volunteers conduct outreach programs to schools, adult groups and at outdoor festivals. Programs are presented using powerpoint, photo displays, and artifacts to give the audience a hands-on experience. Presenters also answer questions from their audience. We estimate that more than 600,000 individuals have received these programs over the past 38 years.