Unfortunately, as many
as half of these animal strandings are
caused by human interaction. Often the
injuries are related to recreational
and commercial watercraft, and many
more are the result of gunshot wounds.
Rescuing and studying animals that strand
provides vital information as to the
status of the ocean and coastal environment,
as well as the biology and health of
these animals that live in the wild.
This information improves the ability
of the Aquarium and the National Stranding
Network to care for these animals and
to make recommendations for management
of wild populations.
The LA MM&STRP is a volunteer
organization operating under the
auspices of the United States Marine
Mammal Stranding Network; the Marine
Mammal Protection Act of 1972; the Endangered
Species Act, and the Animal Welfare
Act. The entire network is comprised
mainly of volunteers.
A green sea turtle found with shell
crushed due to boat strike
A baby hawksbill sea turtle with
flipper injuries found in surf in
western LA
A 130 pound loggerhead found cold
and starving in Lake Pontchatrain,
Febuary 2003
Two usually off-shore clymene dolphins
found in a boat marina in Port Sulfur,
LA
A bottlenose dolphin with a catfish
spine piercing through its esophagus
An 8 month old bottlenose dolphin
calf separated from her mother during
the construction of a levee.
Funding for the network
comes entirely from private and corporate
donations as well as the support of
the Audubon Nature Institute, universities,
and private citizens through the volunteer
responder program.
Please
enter amount you would like to donate
to the $
