New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos last week reminded New Yorkers along coastal shores to always keep a safe distance from marine mammals and resist the urge to intervene when an animal comes ashore. Marine mammals, which include whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seals, are protected by federal and state laws to ensure they are not harmed and to keep people at a safe distance.
“New York’s marine waters provide vital nursery and foraging grounds for whales, dolphins, and seals that migrate across the Atlantic coast,” Seggos said. “Observing these animals in the wild can be an exciting and unforgettable experience. However, DEC urges New Yorkers to keep their distance and refrain from attempting to intervene during stranding events. Stranded animals will need professional medical care and the best way to help is to immediately contact the Stranding Hotline.”
The public can best help injured or distressed marine mammals by reporting sightings immediately to the New York Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Stranding Hotline at 631-369-9829 so that trained responders can properly assess and care for these animals.
New York Marine Rescue Center Program Director Maxine Montello said, “We truly understand that people have the best intentions when trying to help these charismatic marine animals. However, most of these animals are extremely compromised and an inexperience person could cause more damage to the animal. We encourage people to help by immediately calling the New York Stranding Hotline to report all sightings or strandings of marine mammals and sea turtles.”
Staff Writer on Jan 16, 2023