So many factors play into marine mammals being threatened or injured; Loss of habitat, depleted food sources, disease, ocean acidification, human interaction are only a few. Non-profits that handle sick or injured mammals are licensed by NOAA and the state, but their efforts are heroic and often accomplished with minimal budget and staff. They have a cadre of dedicated volunteers that are indispensable. We applaud these organizations as they give the mammals they treat a better chance at survival.

Example from one of our partners:

We are proud to be partnering with Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) for not only performing rescue and rehabilitation, but also for their efforts in educating the public about what to do when you see a marine mammal on shore. The stories of strandings often end well, but sometimes they break our hearts. In Maine there was a well-meaning person who found a baby seal and took it home with her. In the case of some seal pups they are left by the mother on purpose while they hunt for food. Everything is fine until dogs or people interfere. Rescue personnel are specially trained to ascertain if an animal is in distress, injured, or simply resting. The care that our friends at Marine Mammals of Maine give to their residents is a 24-hour-a-day job and a labor of love.

We recognize that marine education must be front and center if we are to bring about change. Teachers and educators who deal with marine mammals play such an important role with kids of all ages and adults alike. These educators pave the way to opening eyes on the various ways (positive and negative) that humans and marine mammals interact with each other.

Example from one of our partners:

The New England Coastal Wildlife Alliance (NECWA) is incredibly passionate about educating the public - especially young people. The head of NECWA has a storage space (her garage) full of education aids including a life-sized inflatable humpback whale! When NECWA isn’t recusing Ocean Sunfish or sharks, their calendar is full of Marine Education Presentations at schools, town halls, and museums. The intern program with NECWA is second to none in the region. NECWA impact on young interns is immense spanning everything from Biology to how to roll a kayak.

Oceans are over 70% of the earth’s surface. Yet despite the vast area they are under pressure and threat to their health. Some of the biggest challenges oceans face are climate change, plastic and chemical pollution, overfishing, and the lack of adequate protection. Both coasts in the US in serious trouble from algae blooms, acidification and temperature increase.

Example of how one of our partners is helping with this issue:

The Otter Project (TOP) in their partnership with California Coastal Keepers is fighting to help Otters and at the same time tackle the major issues and stressors with our Oceans. We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner with TOP in 2025 as they:

1. Educate California decision makers about coastal wastewater pollution that causes Ocean Acidification and Hot spots (OAH).
2. Wrote a letter calling for the Governor of California and the Legislators to take immediate actions for protection
3. Negotiated directly with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to develop higher water quality standards
4. Continuously work with the CA State Water Board to develop priorities for clean water and clean water run-off into the ocean.

These are just a few of the ways that organizations are making real and important impacts on the environment. We are honored to play a small role in this.