Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration

Why do marine mammals come ashore?

Marine mammals come ashore for many reasons. For some, the behavior is normal. Seals haul out as part of their daily routine to rest, bask in the sun, molt or care for their young. Determining whether an animal is compromised is critical in making a responsible decision about whether or not to intervene. Many times, a marine mammal on shore is a sign that something is wrong with the animal. This is clearly always the case for whales, dolphins and porpoises.

Young seals and porpoises sometimes have difficulty developing effective foraging skills, and once weakened by malnutrition, are susceptible to infections that further challenge their health. Parasites that may normally be tolerated gain an edge and cause significant organ damage. Offshore dolphins and whales unfamiliar with coastlines and tides may become disoriented and trapped, often when sea conditions are rough. The circumstances leading to stranding may be complex and difficult to establish with certainty in any given event.

What is a stranded animal?

A marine animal is considered stranded when it is out of its element and unable to survive without assistance. The cause of an animal stranding typical involves illness or injury, but there are exceptions. Strandings sometimes are simply the result of an animal being in the wrong place at the wrong time. For example, animals can be caught in low waters during an outgoing tide or heavy seas from storms can leave animals exhausted, disoriented or separated from their groups. Human interaction can even be a culprit.

What do I do if I encounter a stranded animal?

Call the aquarium's 24-hour Marine Animal Rescue Hotline at 860.572.5955 ext.107. Leave your name and a phone number where you can be reached.

• Give the animal plenty of space. Crowding stresses the animal and may cause it to act aggressively.
• Keep pets away from the stranded animal. Not only can they bite and cause injury to the animal, but may be injured by the animal. Diseases can also be transmitted between stranded animals and pets.
• Do not pour water on a seal, feed it, cover it or attempt to move it into the water. It is normal for seals to come ashore to rest - they often choose to be dry.
• A beached whale, dolphin or porpoise should be reported immediately and left alone pending further instruction.
• Do not touch the animal. All marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. This law makes it illegal to touch, disturb, feed or otherwise harass marine mammals without authorization.
• Be observant. Take note of any obvious signs of injury, the overall body condition of the animal (is it robust or emaciated?), identification tags, the presence of other animals (especially important with dolphins), the sea state and any recognizable landmarks that will make it possible to locate the animal.

What do I do if I encounter an animal in the water that may be in distress?

• Report the sighting to the local wildlife officials or marine law enforcement office.
• Observe the animal from a distance.
• Avoid excessive noise and splashing that could disturb the animal.
• If you are in a boat, keep the boat idle or at a slow speed.
• Do not feed or touch the animal.

Is the number of stranded animals on the rise in the New England area?

Marine mammal strandings have increased steadily in recent years as populations of some species have grown under the protection of federal laws. In the region monitored by Mystic Aquarium & Institute for Exploration, species of seals that have historically been rare or absent are being seen more often. These "ice seals" - harp and hooded seals - may be changing their distribution in response to environmental factors that are still poorly understood.