Every year, thousands of sea turtles, dolphins, whales, seals, and manatees become sick or injured, often due to human-related reasons. The National Aquarium is part of the Northeast Stranding Network, and is responsible for responding to live sea turtle and marine mammal strandings along the nearly 7,000 miles of coastline in Maryland, including the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coasts.

Since 1991, the National Aquarium’s Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP) has responded to more than 480 animals in distress and has rehabilitated and released nearly 100 marine animals back to their natural environment. Many of these animals are endangered or threatened, so every individual introduced back into the natural environment has the opportunity to add to the genetic diversity of the species.

Research, satellite tracking, and outreach education are also significant components of MARP. Every animal that is rehabilitated and released is an opportunity to raise awareness and get the public involved in helping to conserve and protect our marine resources.

You can help us help animals in need by making a tax-deductible donation securely online, or by mail to:

National Aquarium
Attn: Development/MARP
501 E. Pratt Street
Baltimore, MD 21202

Please make the check payable to the National Aquarium and write “MARP” in the memo space. Thank you for your support and generosity!

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