Before attempting to help a marine mammal who appears to be in need of assistance, consider that marine mammals (such as seals, otters, sea lions, dolphins, manatees, and whales) are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. It is against the law to approach, touch, feed, or otherwise harass marine mammals. If you see a marine mammal who appears to be in distress, you must contact the appropriate authorities.

How can you tell if a marine mammal needs help? While seals and sea lions normally spend time on land, dolphins, manatees, and whales do not. A whale or dolphin on the beach needs assistance, and you should contact your local marine mammal stranding network. There is a marine mammal stranding network covering each part of the United States coastline. These networks are authorized by the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) to respond to marine mammal strandings, entanglements, and other problems. To find the number for the network covering your area, follow the link to the NMFS website below.

On Cape Cod, report issues of marine mammal health, strandings, and entanglements to the Cape Cod Stranding Network, found at the link below.