Marine Animal Response Society

06/17/2026

🌊🐢 Today is World Sea Turtle Day!

Sea turtles have traveled our oceans for more than 100 million years, yet today they face growing challenges from threats including marine debris, habitat loss, and climate change.

At Marine Animal Response Society, every response, every rescue, and every conversation with the public helps build a safer future for marine wildlife - including sea turtles that visit Atlantic Canadian waters.

This important work is only possible because of caring supporters like you. Your generosity helps us respond to animals in distress, educate coastal communities, and contribute to the protection of marine ecosystems for generations to come.

On World Sea Turtle Day, we celebrate these remarkable ocean travellers and thank you for helping us protect the waters they call home.

💙 Learn more about our work and how you can support marine animal conservation: https://marineanimals.ca/donate/

Photo Credit: Brier Island Whale and Seabird Cruises

06/09/2026

This entangled whale was reported to our MARS Hotline and we are hopeful our partners will relocate this animal quickly and conduct a successful disentanglement.

📞 MARS Hotline 1-866-567-6277

We are aware of an entangled North Atlantic right whale observed in the Gulf of St. Lawrence near Shippagan, New Brunswick. The whale was spotted on June 8, 2026, by aerial surveillance.

We are working with our Marine Mammal Response partners to relocate the whale. If it is located again, and weather and sea conditions allow, efforts will be made to remove any gear from the animal.

06/08/2026

🌊 Happy World Oceans Day! 🌊

What an incredible Ocean Week it has been.

Over the past few days, we've had the opportunity to connect with hundreds of ocean lovers, curious minds, families, and future conservationists at events across Nova Scotia. From learning about marine animals and sharing stories from the field to answering questions and inspiring action, every conversation reminded us how deeply people care about our oceans.

Protecting marine wildlife isn't something any one organization can do alone. It takes communities coming together - reporting animals in distress, reducing threats, volunteering their time, supporting conservation efforts, and helping spread awareness.

Today, we're celebrating all of you. Thank you for stopping by, sharing your enthusiasm, asking thoughtful questions, and showing your support for marine life and healthy oceans.

Together, we're creating a future where whales, dolphins, seals, sea turtles, sharks, and all marine life can thrive.

💙 Here's to our oceans, the wildlife that calls them home, and the communities working every day to protect them.

06/05/2026

Come find us today at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic in celebration of Ocean's Day!

https://www.facebook.com/share/18vjaeyrYg/

06/02/2026

🌊 Ocean Week is here, and we're making waves across Nova Scotia!

From whales that migrate along our coast to seals, dolphins, sea turtles, and sharks that share our waters, Ocean Week is a chance to celebrate the incredible marine life that makes the Maritimes so special.

This week, you'll find the MARS team out in communities across the province, connecting with ocean enthusiasts of all ages and sharing stories from the field.

📍 Catch us at:
June 5th: Oceans & You Day presented by the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (Halifax, NS)
June 6th: World Ocean's Day presented by StFX Biology Department (Antigonish, NS)
June 6th: Ocean Week Fair at Central Library (Halifax, NS)
June 7th, Ocean Celebration presented by Ocean Week Halifax (Halifax Waterfront)

Whether you're curious about marine animal response, interested in learning more about MARS, looking for ways to support marine conservation, or thinking about volunteering with us, we'd love to chat.

Every animal reported, every volunteer contribution, and every conversation about protecting wildlife helps make a difference.

Stop by, say hello, and join us in celebrating the ocean and the animals that depend on it.

💙 Which event are you most excited about? Let us know below!

05/22/2026

Today, on the International Day for Biological Diversity 🌊🐋, we celebrate the incredible diversity of life in our oceans and the importance of protecting it for future generations.

At MARS, we are privileged to work on the frontlines responding to marine animals while continuously learning from the species and ecosystems we strive to protect. Every response, rescue, and research opportunity helps strengthen our understanding of marine life and supports advocacy for healthier, more biodiverse oceans.

Protecting biodiversity is essential to the health of our oceans and all the life that depends on it — including us.

If you would like to support this important work, please consider making a one-time donation, becoming a monthly donor, or leaving a legacy pledge. Your support helps ensure a safer, healthier ocean for generations to come.

💙 Stand up for marine life.
👉 Donate today at https://marineanimals.ca/donate/

05/18/2026

Protecting marine mammals is a global responsibility. 🌎

By training together and working with international colleagues on live animal incidents, we strengthen our skills, share knowledge and and give stranded or injured animals the best chance of survival.

We’re grateful to be part of such a dedicated and supportive international community.

British Divers Marine Life Rescue
Project Jonah New Zealand

05/15/2026

🌊 Today is Endangered Species Day - a chance to recognize the incredible marine life that calls the Maritimes home, as well as the responsibility we share to protect it.

From endangered North Atlantic right whales and blue whales to white sharks and leatherback sea turtles, many species in Atlantic Canada are facing ongoing threats from human impacts.

At MARS, we believe healthy oceans matter - for marine life, coastal communities, and future generations. Every response, every conversation, every action, and effort toward conservation helps make a difference. 💙🐋

05/14/2026

What an inspiring week for our MARS team at the European Cetacean Society Conference 2026 in Dundee, Scotland!

In April, MARS team members, Tonya Wimmer and Danielle Pinder joined over 800 scientists and conservation leaders from across the globe to exchange ideas, share research, and explore the future of marine mammal science and ocean conservation. It’s inspiring to see research arising from marine animal response efforts highlighted in many talks and all three keynote talks throughout the conference.

Conferences like these are an important reminder of the value of collaboration in protecting marine ecosystems and the species that depend on them. We’re proud to represent MARS and our work in these important international conversations.

05/12/2026

Though this young Minke whale could not be saved, every response helps us better understand and protect marine life in our waters. 🐋

On May 4, MARS responded to a report of a dead young female minke whale in Cape John, Nova Scotia. In collaboration with Dr. Laura Bourque with the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative at the Atlantic Veterinary College - AVC, we conducted a necropsy on site to help determine the cause of death and gather information that will contribute to ongoing marine mammal research and conservation efforts.

Initial findings showed no obvious signs of injury or illness, though further laboratory testing will be completed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the animal’s condition.

Every response helps us learn more about the health of marine animals and the challenges they face in our waters. We’d like to thank everyone who reported the incident and assisted our team during the response, particularly the Municipality of Pictou County and Department of Natural Resources.

📞 If you encounter a stranded, injured, entangled, or deceased marine animal in the Maritimes, please report it immediately to the Marine Animal Response Society hotline at 1-866-567-6277. Quick reporting helps ensure trained responders can assess the situation safely and collect valuable information that supports marine conservation efforts.