Rescue Run: Race for Marine Mammals

The Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) is a specialized conservation program based in Rye, New Hampshire. Operating as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, the organization provides 24/7 emergency response for stranded, injured, or deceased marine mammals along the coastline of New Hampshire and Northeastern Massachusetts (specifically from Beverly, MA, to the Maine border).

The geography of the response area encompasses a diverse range of Atlantic habitats, including sandy beaches, rocky outcroppings, and estuarine environments. Marine mammals, particularly harbor seals and gray seals, frequently "haul out" on these shores to rest, regulate their body temperature, or nurse their young. Because these animals are federally protected, the MMR team emphasizes a strict 150-foot safety perimeter for all bystanders. Local climate conditions and rising sea levels in the Gulf of Maine often contribute to increased stranding events, requiring the team to manage both live animal rehabilitations and necropsies (animal autopsies) for deceased specimens to monitor the health of regional populations.

Logistically, the MMR relies heavily on community participation and reporting. When a sighting occurs, the public is instructed to watch quietly from a distance and avoid common misconceptions about seal care, such as pouring water on the animal or covering it with blankets. Proper reporting involves noting the animal's specific location, size, and behavior. Beyond emergency response, the center manages the "Seal of Approval" program to promote wildlife-safe kayaking and provides interactive education through webinars and satellite tracking data (such as Harbor Seal #087). These efforts are funded through donations and partnerships, ensuring that the 24/7 hotline remain a permanent resource for Northern New England's marine life.