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Maryland › Fishing › Marine Mammals & Sea Turtles

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.

Department biologists conduct necropsy examinations when feasible to determine cause of death, and notification of fresh carcasses is important.

Sea turtles and marine mammals: manatees, seals, dolphins and whales are included in our stranding response protocols.

For more information, visit the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Stranding Program page.

Department biologists collecting carcass of sperm whale in Ocean City, MD.
Department biologists retrieving the carcass of a sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) from the beach in Ocean City, Maryland. This effort supports marine wildlife research, conservation, and ecosystem protection along Maryland’s coastline.
Stranded Sea Turtle Being Rescued. Sea turtles in Maryland include: Kemp’s Ridley, Loggerhead, Leatherback and Green.
Maryland wildlife officials recovering a deceased leatherback sea turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) from the beach. Maryland is home to several sea turtle species, including Kemp’s ridley, loggerhead, leatherback, and green turtles. Conservation efforts help protect these endangered marine species along the Atlantic coast.
Information for Boaters on How to Prevent Boat Collisions with Whales, Sea Turtles, Seals and Sturgeon.
Maryland boater safety guide for protecting marine wildlife, including whales, sea turtles, seals, and sturgeon, from preventable boat collisions. Key guidelines include giving space, reducing speed, reporting entanglements, and cleaning up trash to prevent harm to aquatic species.
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