The National Aquarium's Marine Animal Rescue Program (MARP) rescues, rehabilitates, and releases marine animals.
MARP has successfully rescued, treated, and returned seals, dolphins, porpoises, pilot whales, pygmy sperm whales, sea turtles, and a manatee to their natural habitats—led by only a handful of paid staff and a network of well-trained, dedicated volunteers.
The stories of the animals are extraordinary, and the triumph of returning a healthy animal to the wild is the reason that MARP volunteers have dedicated tens of thousands of hours in the years since MARP's inception.
Education & Outreach
While we share in the triumph of returning a healthy animal to the wild, our larger success is determined by our ability to convey each animal's story to the public, to help our communities understand the global implications of their day-to-day actions, and to educate them to take positive actions.
Accordingly, the National Aquarium created the Marine Mammals Ashore: Stranding Field Guide, a comprehensive manual for understanding and dealing with a stranded seal, manatee, dolphin, whale, or sea otter. This book contains information for the interested beach dweller or student and for the scientist or marine resource manager.
Partnerships
The National Aquarium's Marine Animal Rescue Program is a partner in the East Coast Stranding Network, which works together to rescue and rehabilitate stranded marine animals on the East Coast.
MARP staff collect data to share with organizations around the world in an effort to better understand aquatic animals that are still very much a mystery to modern science.
MARP staff and volunteers meticulously record the physical condition of animals when rescued; daily observations, both scientific and subjective, as the animals recover in our facilities; and tracking data, whenever possible, of the animals' paths following their release.
How You Can Help
MARP depends on the generosity of volunteers to operate, but medical equipment, medications, and food for caring for these animals is expensive. Your gift makes it possible to continue this important work. » Donate to MARP
If you come across a stranded marine animal that may be in need of medical attention, please call the National Aquarium's Stranding Hotline at 410-373-0083, or the Natural Resources Police at 1-800-628-9944.
