The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation operates the New York State Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program, and is the only authorized organization of its kind in the state of New York. Since the programs inception in 1996, over 4,000 marine mammals and sea turtles have been rescued off the beaches and shores of New York State. Many of these species are severely depleted, and some are endangered,which makes every stranding an important opportunity to collect valuable biological information for studies of both human and animal health problems. Every attempt is made to rehabilitate and release live stranded animals back to the wild. Trained volunteers and staff of the Foundation, through its NY State Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Program, provide assistance and care to over 150 animals a year, many of which are successfully returned to their ocean home. Efforts include:
1996 - began successfully rehabilitating seals, including Harbor, Harp, Hooded and Gray Seals
The sea release of a stranded and rehabilitated Pilot Whale in 1994
Pioneering methods of animal care and medical treatment for marine species since 1980
Worldwide Data and Tissue Bank for stranded marine mammals and sea turtles
One of the most active marine mammal and sea turtle stranding areas on the East Coast
Successfully escorted a disoriented dolphin into open waters from N.Y. Harbor in March 1997
Rehabilitated and released the first Risso's dolphin in the nation
Annual stranding reports (click on the year to view, you will need Adobe PDF viewer)
