As the summer sun shines on Maryland’s picturesque coastlines, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging both locals and tourists to stay vigilant for marine wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and sea turtles. These animals frequently visit areas like the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean shores, and surrounding tidal waters during the warmer months.
Marine life sightings in Maryland are more than just a thrill for wildlife enthusiasts—they’re crucial for conservation efforts. The DNR has established a hotline (800-628-9944) and an online form for the public to report any sightings or strandings of marine animals. This call to action is particularly directed at anglers, boaters, and beachgoers, who are likely to encounter these creatures up close.
Since its inception in 1990, the Maryland Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program has diligently recorded over 1,400 strandings across Maryland’s vast 3,190-mile coastline. Amanda Weschler, the program’s coordinator, emphasizes the importance of these reports. “Our responsibility is to respond to calls regarding deceased marine mammals and sea turtles,” Weschler stated. “Each report provides critical data that enhances our understanding of these species and their ecological challenges.”
In 2024 alone, the response team has already dealt with 42 stranded animals, ranging from bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles to various species of seals and whales. These interactions have given the team valuable insights into the health and hazards affecting these marine populations.
The Stranding Response Program plays a vital role in enforcing federal protections under laws like the Marine Mammal Protection Act and the Endangered Species Act. By performing necropsies—similar to autopsies on humans—on deceased animals, researchers can gather essential information on the causes of death and the overall health of the marine environment. These examinations can reveal whether an animal died from natural causes, injury, or human interference, such as ship strikes or fishing gear entanglement.
However, not every stranded animal is suitable for a necropsy due to decomposition or logistical challenges related to the stranding location. In such cases, the program’s staff documents the details for scientific records, and the remains are often left to decompose naturally, which can benefit the ecosystem. Alternatives, such as burial or removal to designated facilities, are considered based on specific circumstances and local regulations.
The DNR stresses the importance of keeping a respectful distance from stranded animals and recording any observations, including photographs, which can be invaluable for their reporting process.
As Maryland continues to be a seasonal home for these majestic creatures, the collective efforts of residents and visitors in reporting these sightings are more crucial than ever in preserving the state’s vibrant marine ecosystem.
