Featured Image Credit: Boyd Amanda, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
By Emily Persico
New Jersey is home to many a marine mammal, including four distinct species of seals: Harbor, Harp, Gray, and Hooded. When the waters are at their coldest from November to May, a lot of these sea swimmers hang around New Jersey, where they are increasingly vulnerable to stranding. Unfortunately, there are no government agencies to ensure their safe return to the sea. Instead, Brigantine Marine Mammal Stranding Center, an organization of just six staff members, has stepped up to the plate to protect marine species in all of New Jersey.
After the recent release of a recovered harp seal, the Brigantine Marine Mammal Center has eight seals in its care.
In nearly 40 years of operation, the Center has responded to more than 4,800 strandings. One of the poor pups currently under the Center’s care was just a couple of months old when it was found with shark bites. It has since been stitched up and is recovering under the Center’s tireless care.
A necessary component of this work is education. Along with caring for its eight seals and responding to countless other standings, the Center is also planning a “Seal Day” on April 15th to educate the public on and celebrate New Jersey’s seals.
Of course, none of this work would be possible without the help of volunteers and donors. In most locations across the U.S., wildlife rescue and rehabilitation receives little to no government funding. These organizations, whether they be an aquarium or nonprofit, rely on your stewardship.
Educate yourself about marine species, donate to help the cause, or volunteer to a local organization.