Maryland beachgoers urged to be aware of, report stranded marine wildlife

ANNAPOLIS, Md. (7News) — With summer officially beginning, the Maryland Department of Natural Resources is reminding people that many marine wildlife animals will be making their return to the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and coastal bays.

Marine animals include dolphins, manatees, sea turtles, whales, and others. Bottlenose dolphins and loggerhead sea turtles are the most common in Maryland, but more than 25 marine species and four kinds of sea turtles have also been found in state waters.

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Sea turtles and whales are protected by the Endangered Species Act making it illegal to harass, touch, feed, or capture these marine animals, alive or dead. In addition, marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act.

For anyone that has seen a marine mammal or sea turtle in Maryland, it is recommended to call the Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response Program at 800-628-9944. Those on boats and beaches should also be on the lookout for any stranded dead, sick, or injured marine wildlife.

In addition to calling the program, anyone who encounters a stranded marine mammal should follow these steps:

1. Do not touch the animal.
2. Record your location using latitude and longitude, street address, and/or description with landmarks.
3. Estimate and record the length, size, color, noticeable body parts, and movements (if alive).
4. Take photos of the animal.
5. If possible, remain by the animal at a safe distance until stranding staff are able to reach you.

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The Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Response program work together with the National Aquarium regarding reports of marine animals in Maryland’s waters and coastlines.