Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network

Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network is a non-profit org dedicated to marine mammal conservation

08/20/2026

Attention Junior Rescuers! Did you know our Whales on Wheels programs aren't just for the big kids? Our dolphin mascot, Gulfy, does preschool programs as well! Contact us today to learn more about educational programs brought to you.

This morning, TMMSN responded to a live-stranded bottlenose dolphin on the Bolivar Peninsula at Crystal Beach.Fishermen ...
08/14/2026

This morning, TMMSN responded to a live-stranded bottlenose dolphin on the Bolivar Peninsula at Crystal Beach.

Fishermen first reported the dolphin in the surf early this morning (thank you for reporting!), and Galveston County Road & Bridge crews went above and beyond to support the animal on the beach until our team could get across the ferry. We are incredibly grateful for their willingness to always do whatever they can to help.

Sadly, the dolphin died shortly after our team arrived. The animal was in poor body condition with signs of chronic illness and was transported to the TMMSN Research Center in Galveston for further examination.

After a difficult couple of weeks of strandings, our team was really hoping this one might have a different outcome. So was the Road & Bridge crew, who stayed with the dolphin and cared for it while waiting for us.

It’s been a hard stretch, but our team continues to show up for these animals when they need us most. We are thankful for those who keep showing up alongside us.❤️

It's Back-to-School Season 🍎🏫🎒Time to start planning your class field trip to Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network! Vis...
08/03/2026

It's Back-to-School Season 🍎🏫🎒Time to start planning your class field trip to Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network! Visit our website at DolphinRescue.org to learn more!

Over the last two days, our team responded from Galveston to Port Aransas to assist a stranded melon-headed whale (Pepon...
08/03/2026

Over the last two days, our team responded from Galveston to Port Aransas to assist a stranded melon-headed whale (Peponocephala electra), an offshore species rarely encountered close to shore. 🖤

Throughout the response, we received reports that the melon-headed whale had repeatedly stranded and had been returned to the water by well-meaning beachgoers. While the desire to help is understandable, stranded whales and dolphins are on the beach for a reason. Returning them to the water can prolong suffering and delay the professional assessment they need.

Although this response was outside our normal response area, there are currently no dedicated whale and dolphin stranding response organizations based in South Texas, so our team responded from Galveston.

When our crew arrived, beachgoers were providing the animal with shade and giving it space while awaiting our arrival. After assessment and veterinary support, the most humane decision was made to euthanize the animal. As a deep-diving cetacean species, melon-headed whales do not generally tolerate long-term care in a rehab setting.

Today, our team conducted a necropsy to help us better understand why this animal stranded. Additional samples have been collected and will be submitted for further analysis, and we hope they will provide additional insight.

We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who supported this response—from those who reported, to the beachgoers who gave the animal space and assisted our team, responding law enforcement, and especially the veterinarian and veterinary technician who generously gave their time and expertise. The compassion, cooperation, and respect shown throughout the response made a difficult situation a little easier for everyone involved.

If you encounter a stranded dolphin or whale, please do not return it to the water. 📱Instead, report it immediately by calling 1-800-9MAMMAL (in Texas). Giving the animal space and contacting trained responders is the best way to help.

TMMSN is a non-profit 501c3 stretching our resources as far as we can to help marine mammals in need. If you’d like to learn more or support our efforts, visit DolphinRescue.org

08/02/2026

We picked up quite the bounty at this morning’s beach clean up!

At this morning’s beach clean up, volunteers from WhoDah Krewe, TMMSN and others from the community collected almost 170...
08/02/2026

At this morning’s beach clean up, volunteers from WhoDah Krewe, TMMSN and others from the community collected almost 170 pounds of trash even finding nurdles!

Thank you for preventing this debris from making its way to the water where it could harm wildlife.

A huge shout out is in order for the amazing Coastal Zone Management team at the Galveston Park Board who work tirelessly keeping the beaches clean everyday and for hauling off this load.

08/02/2026

With WhoDah Krewe of Galveston conducting a beach cleanup and mock strandings until 11am today. Hope to see you here!

Today was a difficult day.Over the last 24 hrs our team mounted a response from Galveston to Port Aransas to assist a st...
08/02/2026

Today was a difficult day.

Over the last 24 hrs our team mounted a response from Galveston to Port Aransas to assist a stranded Melon-headed Whale. We’re incredibly grateful for the many people who showed up with compassion, support, and a willingness to help throughout today’s response.

We’ll share a more detailed update soon.

*All activities pictured were conducted under a stranding agreement between TMMSN and NMFS under the authority of the MMPA.

This Sunday August 2nd TMMSN will be joining the WhoDah Krewe Pirates for a beach clean up. Come join us and learn how y...
07/31/2026

This Sunday August 2nd TMMSN will be joining the WhoDah Krewe Pirates for a beach clean up. Come join us and learn how you can help protect local dolphins!

Texas is HOT 🥵and manatees are taking advantage of this warm water to expand their summer travels.🏝️ While manatees are...
07/29/2026

Texas is HOT 🥵and manatees are taking advantage of this warm water to expand their summer travels.🏝️ While manatees are typically found in warm Florida waters during the winter, they migrate to other states and as far west as Texas in summer months (lucky us!). We are currently tracking a number of recent manatee sightings along the Texas coast from Galveston to Port Mansfield, TX, many of which have been observed drinking from freshwater outflows and hanging out in busy harbors or marinas, so be on the lookout! 👀

To aid in monitoring their occurrence, movements, and health, TMMSN maintains the Texas manatee sighting database. 📲Help a manatee out and report ALL manatee sightings in TX to us at 1-800-9MAMMAL (1-800-962-6625) or DolphinRescue.org. Images collected from a safe distance to accompany your report are also helpful in identifying known individuals, particularly if they have any unique scars.

You can help keep them safe during their Texas stay by never intentionally providing fresh water for manatees via hoses or other sources; it can make them more susceptible to injury from boats and encourage the manatees to stay in the areas they have migrated to, which can become a serious problem for their health.

Please share with your Texas friends on the coast and thank you for helping us monitor for the health and safety of manatees that visit us in Texas! 🤎

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4700 Avenue U
Galveston, TX
77551

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