Causes: Animals, Wildlife Sanctuaries

Mission: The mission of the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation is to preserve and protect our marine environment through education, rehabilitation, and research. The Riverhead Foundation operates the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program in New York State and is the only organization authorized to do so. The Riverhead Foundation is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of seals, sea turtles, whales, dolphins and porpoises. The Riverhead Foundation’s Rescue Hotline, 631-369-9829, is a 24-hour phone line the public may call when they discover an animal in need of care. The Riverhead Foundation’s educational efforts are dedicated to informing the public about our marine environment and its preservation. The Riverhead Foundation also engages in research and is conducting an extensive marine mammal and sea turtle abundance study throughout New York State. The Riverhead Foundation relies on public support in the form of donations to carry out our mission. The Riverhead Foundation also relies on the public for its dedicated force of volunteers.

Results: We have been able to rescue and rehabilitate hundreds of marine mammals and sea turtles! We also deployed a team of biologists in the past year in response to the Deepwater Horizion oil spill and were able to save hundreds of oiled sea turtles.

Target demographics: Marine Mammals (Seals, Otters, Dolphins, Porpoises, Whales) and Sea Turtles

Geographic areas served: New York State, USA

Programs: Maintaining programs for research, caring & release of stranded mammals & education programs re freshwater & marine ecosystems