The New York Marine Rescue Center
In Their Own Words
The New York Marine Rescue Center is a rescue and rehabilitation organization that promotes marine conservation. Our mission is to preserve and protect the marine environment through conservation efforts, including rescue, rehabilitation, education, and research. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, we are the primary responders for sick or injured seals, sea turtles, dolphins, porpoises, and small toothed whales, and maintain the only marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation center in New York State.
As the primary organization in New York State authorized to work with these animals by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), we are dedicated to the conservation of these marine mammals and sea turtles.
Our Mission is to
Provide a sustainable response effort for marine mammals and sea turtles stranding throughout New York.
Operate the only facility in New York permitted to rehabilitate marine mammals and sea turtles;
Collect sound science to help identify stranding trends, highlight viruses, and continue to protect endangered and threatened species; and
Encourage conservation and stewardship of the marine environment through scientific research and public educational programs.
The Work
Rescue:
The New York Marine Rescue Center has rescued more than 3,900 animals since inception in 1996… Since 1996, we have rehabilitated and released over 119 sea turtles, 762 seals, and 7 cetaceans.
Research:
Under research efforts, rehabilitated animal release and tracking is one of our primary goals. Tracking information through satellite tags, radio tags, and flipper tags provides valuable information on the various species as they re-enter the wild.
Preserve and Protect the Marine Environment
The data obtained assists in furthering our mission of preserving and protecting the marine environment through conservation efforts, including education, rehabilitation, and research.
They Need the Public’s Help
The New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC) responds to sea turtles, seals, and small cetaceans (dolphins and porpoises) in New York State. Many reports of sighted or stranded marine life come through the NY State 24-hour hotline number at (631) 369-9829. The public is encouraged to contact us with information, including location, photos, and as many details as possible. It is important to remember that all of these animals are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) and the Endangered Species Act (ESA), and you must maintain a distance of at least 50 meters (150 feet) away at all times. Interfering falls under harassment and may cause undue stress to these animals, as well as jeopardize your safety.
Note from Destination: Wildlife
Rescuing and protecting marine life is a difficult task for land mammals (humans!) In most cases, the distressed animal is found only after it has left its natural environment, boosting its already high stress level, creating additional dangers for it, and shortening the time the animal has if it is to be helped at all. The rescuers must be fast, knowledgeable, and well-prepared both physically and emotionally to save a sea turtle, seal, or other marine life in trouble. The New York Marine Rescue Center has all those qualifications and more. The dedication and passion of everyone involved, from the Executive Director, Maxine, to staff and volunteers, is palpable! The first time I stepped into their facility at the Aquarium at Riverhead, Long Island, New York, the energy and passion each person has for the work and animals was like encountering a tidal wave. And the enthusiasm does not end with rescuing an individual. Their work carries into the marine environment with regular beach cleaning events, education about plastics and water conservation, and more. In many respects, the New York Marine Rescue Center is a mechanism for helping to create healthier oceans worldwide.
