ANNAPOLIS, Md. – The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging residents and visitors to report sightings of marine mammals and sea turtles along the state’s coastal and tidal waterways through summer and early fall 2025, as strandings have surged this year. By June, 29 strandings were recorded, nearly triple the five-year average of 10 for January through May, prompting increased vigilance Maryland DNR Marine Stranding Reports 2025.
The DNR’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program, active since 1990, has documented over 1,590 strandings. This year’s cases include 13 bottlenose dolphins, five loggerhead sea turtles, five short-beaked common dolphins, two grey seals, one harbor porpoise, one humpback whale, one minke whale, and a rare West Indian manatee, spotted in April on the Pocomoke River in Worcester County—the first such stranding since November 2016.
“Citizen reports allow us to have eyes on Maryland’s 3,190 miles of tidal coastline,” said Amanda Weschler, Stranding Response Program Coordinator. “The data provided about each deceased animal and the select necropsies we perform contribute valuable information to the scientific understanding of the challenges protected species face in our waters.”
Reports can be made via the Maryland Natural Resources Police Hotline at 800-628-9944 or an online form for deceased animals Maryland DNR Stranding Program Overview. Boaters, anglers, and beachgoers should watch for stranded, sick, injured, or entangled animals, maintaining a safe distance and documenting details like photos.
Strandings stem from causes like disease, vessel strikes, entanglement, predation, parasitism, or old age. Necropsies, conducted when feasible, provide data on animal health and environmental conditions, supporting the Marine Mammal Protection Act and Endangered Species Act. When necropsies aren’t possible due to decomposition or site constraints, staff collect morphometric data and photos. Deceased animals may decompose naturally, be buried, or removed, per local regulations NOAA Fisheries Marine Mammal Stranding Network.
The manatee case, likely stranded in late 2024, highlights the rarity of out-of-habitat species in Maryland. The Greater Atlantic Region Stranding Network also reports elevated whale, dolphin, and porpoise strandings, indicating a regional trend. Public reports are critical for monitoring Maryland’s 3,190 miles of coastline, aiding conservation efforts.
DNR’s program supports federal protections by analyzing stranding data to assess population health and environmental threats. Not all animals are necropsied due to logistical challenges, but all reports contribute to research. Disposal options are listed on the DNR website for those needing assistance.
Marine wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and whales, frequent the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and coastal bays seasonally. The surge in strandings underscores the need for public cooperation to protect these species and understand ecosystem challenges. Residents and visitors are encouraged to stay alert and report sightings promptly to support Maryland’s conservation efforts.
