New marine mammal rehab center gets 'seal' of approval

—

A short-term holding facility is giving seals a second chance.
A photo of a harbor seal pup sleeping on a beach.

New facility provides space to care for stranded harbor seal pups like this one, rehabilitated by the Marine Mammals of Maine. (Image credit: Marine Mammals of Maine)

Download Image

NOAA Fisheries and the Marine Mammals of Maine announced the facility’s opening today—a first-of-its-kind center on the East Coast that fills a critical gap in NOAA’s marine mammal stranding network.  

Marine Mammals of Maine disentangled this seal in Southport last month and provided care at the new facility, prior to transporting the animal to a long-term care center.
Marine Mammals of Maine disentangled this seal in Southport last month and provided care at the new facility, prior to transporting the animal to a long-term care center. (Photo: Marine Mammals of Maine)
Download Image

Increasing seal populations in Maine have placed additional demands on stranding responders, especially in the spring pupping season. Approved and permitted by NOAA, Marine Mammals of Maine has stepped in to help nurse the animals back to health.

The new permit allows the facility experts to stabilize and care for seals for up to 96 hours before moving the animals to another location for longer-term care. Learn more about this new center.

Related Features //