Marine Mammals & Sea Turtles

Maryland’s Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding 24-Hour Hotline: 800-628-9944

• In Maryland call 800-628-9944 to report all (live or dead) stranded sea turtles or marine mammals (including manatees, dolphins, whales, porpoise and seals).
• If calling from outside Maryland, please use:
• Live animals: 410-373-0083 (National Aquarium Animal Program)
• Dead animals: Call or text location and description to 443-758-6607
  (Department of Natural Resources Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Program)
• Do not touch, harass, feed or handle live or dead marine animals. Marine mammals and sea turtles are protected by federal and state laws that specify fines of up to $50,000, imprisonment, and/or vessel confiscation.
• Record your location using latitude/longitude, and a detailed description of your location including landmarks.
• Estimate and note the length, size, color, noticeable body parts, and any movement of the animal.
• Take photos of the animal.
• For more information, visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/pages/oxford/
  stranding.aspx