WDC celebrated the first year of our Marine Animal Rescue & Response (MARR) program by doubling our response region to over 200 miles of coastline and are now acting as first responders to marine mammals who need help from Plymouth north toward Boston.
A few of WDC's most dedicated donors were inspired by the doubling of our response region and have committed to 'Doubling Your Donation'! They will be matching every dollar that is donated until March 31st, up to $15,000!
Help us reach our goal of raising $30,000 by donating online or text "DOUBLEWHALE" to 44321 to make a donation.
Track our progress! So far, we've raised -
Help us reach our goal of $15,000!
How Your Gift Makes An Impact for Whales and Dolphins
WDC’s Marine Animal Rescue and Response (MARR) team responds to stranded seals, dolphins, and whales along 200 miles of Massachusetts’ coastline, from Weymouth to Plymouth.
What is a stranded marine mammal?
Marine mammals are considered to be stranded when they are in need of medical attention, out of habitat, unable to return to the water without assistance, or are deceased – either floating or on a beach. Data collected from stranding events are used to provide information about the health and biology of marine mammals.
As our program grows, we are furthering our contribution to marine mammal science by performing more necropsies (animal autopsies). Necropsies are invaluable opportunities to collect data that help us learn about the health of marine mammals and is used for research and monitoring whale populations. With your support, we are looking forward to increasing our impact through these exams.
What Your Gift Supports For Marine Animal Rescue & Response
SUPPLIES
The most tangible need for our MARR program is supplies – a response vehicle, personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies, freezers, medical devices, technology, and gear to respond in a variety of conditions and locations – plus so much more!
By being fully supplied and organized, our team is always prepared to pack up and go at a moment’s notice to help seals, whales, dolphins, and porpoises in need.
Your ‘doubled’ donation helps to keep our MARR team stocked and ready to go.
EXPERTISE
It is crucial to have well-trained, experienced, and knowledgeable staff leading the way for rescuing and responding to marine mammals. We are able to make informed decisions to ensure the best outcomes possible for the animals we are helping due to the unique and refined skillset of WDC’s MARR team. We are also dedicated to training the next generation of marine scientists by hosting paid interns who train with our stranding coordinator, Sarah.
When you make your matched gift, you are helping us train the next generation of marine scientists.
COMMUNITY
Our MARR program would not be able to operate without involvement from the communities in our response region.
We can only respond if members of the community call our hotline to report live and deceased stranded marine mammals. Town officials, law enforcement, local media, community leaders act as ambassadors to help spread the word what to do if they find a stranded marine mammal and who to call.
Help us build a community to report marine mammals to our hotline.
See our MARR Team in Action!
@whales_org Our Marine Animal Rescue & Response team now covers 200+ miles of Massachusetts coastline! 💪 #fyp #newbombshell #scituate #Cohasset #hull #southshore #marinemammalrescue #marr ♬ Hot New Bombshell - Dance Moms
@whales_org We finished the first year of our Marine Animal Rescue & Response program and what a year! 🥳 🚨 # of miles in our response area: 107 🐬 # of dolphins reported: 4 🦭 # of seals reported: 27 🐋 # of necropsies: 22 🗣 # of outreach events: 21 ☕️ # of coffees consumed: limit does not exist! Bring on year two 💙 #fyp #whaleconservation #Rescue #southshorema #newengland #oneyear #marinemammalrescue ♬ original sound - Whale and Dolphin Conservation
@whales_org TY to whoever bought something off our Amazon Wishlist for our new Rescue & Response program! We still need more but starting strong #fyp #rescue ♬ original sound - Beabadoobee
@whales_org She started her career in stranding response. Last week, WDC launched an official program. 🐋🐬#RescueResponse #conservationtok #AnimalRescue ♬ The Good Part - AJR
@whales_org What does WDC do in 3 words? Let us tell you & follow for more! 🐋💙 #ifiwastrend #marineconservation #savethewhalessavetheworld #whales #nonprofitsoftiktok ♬ original sound - Abigail
