RESCUE

The first thing you can do to help a marine mammal in need of rescue is to call our experts at 1-800-9MAMMAL (1-800-962-6625). DO NOT push the dolphin back into the water.

Click for FIRST AID tips for live stranded dolphins

Dolphins and whales do not usually wash up on our beaches unless they are sick, injured, or orphaned, so it is important NOT to push them back into the water.

The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN) is on-call 24 hours/day for rescue. Operating under a stranding agreement with the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), TMMSN responds to live cetaceans (whales and dolphins) and works closely with the Unites States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) for manatees. Our response area extends from the Texas/Louisiana border to the Texas/Mexico border and we assist outside this area as requested by NMFS.

For live stranded animals, an immediate response is mounted by our Critical Care Team made up of staff and experienced volunteers. For free-swimming marine mammals that are injured, entangled, or out of habitat, TMMSN monitors the animal to determine if intervention is imperative and consults with NMFS to develop a plan for rescue.

Manatee sightings along the Texas coast should also be reported to 1-800-9MAMMAL so that we can coordinate with the USFWS to monitor their movement patterns throughout the year and conduct rescue efforts should they require assistance (e.g., suffering from cold stress).