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Wednesday 10am - 4pm Thursday 10am - 4pm Friday 10am - 4pm Saturday 10am - 4pm Sunday 10am - 4pm

SSC Marine Mammal Rescue

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Rye, NH
SSC Marine Mammal Rescue

Responding to live and dead marine mammals in NH and northern MA since 2014! Seals will haul out onto shore to sleep, nurse, or to soak up the sun.

All marine mammals are protected by the Marine Mammal Protection Act, enacted by the federal government on October 21, 1972. Fulfilling this requirement, the Center's Marine Mammal Rescue Team staffs a 24/7 hotline (603-997-9448) and deploys first responders. Collaborating with network partners and subcontractors, the Center leads the responses and rescues. Seals in need of rehabilitative care are

transported to partners at National Marine Life Center or Marine Mammals of Maine. Deceased animals that are recently deceased are transported to the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostics Laboratory at University of New Hampshire. What should you do if you spot a seal or other marine mammal on a beach?
• Watch quietly from at least 150 feet away
• Keep dogs away from the animal
• Do not offer the animal food or water
• Do not pour water on the animal
• Do not cover the animal with a towel or blanket
• Do not try to move the animal
• Call 603-997-9448 and report the animal’s location, size, coloring, and behavior

Unlike whales or dolphins, seals are semi-aquatic and are comfortable out of the water. But they will also haul out when sick or injured. Seals are cute, but they are wild animals and should not be disturbed. By getting too close, you disturb the seal and could provoke it to bite. It is illegal to disturb any marine mammal. People who harass or disturb them are subject to civil and criminal penalties. Why is it important to respond to every seal that hauls out onto a beach or stranded whale, dolphin or porpoise?
• To protect the public’s health and safety by properly managing sick or dead animals
• To protect the health of stranded animals by reducing harmful human interactions
• To advance marine mammal biology and ecology research by maintaining continuous data flow into the national database

06/18/2026

*Plum Island Harbor Seal Pup*🦭
This past weekend, our team was called out to a report of a small harbor seal pup floating around in the shallows of Plum Island basin (Newburyport, MA). We found a male harbor seal pup, only a few weeks old, resting on the small private beach, as the tide receded. He was weak, nutritionally thin, and had multiple small puncture wounds on his head (likely from a canine of some sort...this can be coyote, fox, and dog). We worked quickly to collect him for an examination and provided triage care and fluid therapy in our rescue vehicle, affectionately known as 'the beast'!
The prognosis was extremely guarded and we knew the odds were stacked against us. But in consultation with our vet Dr. Stephanie, as well as colleagues at Mystic Aquarium, we transported him down to their clinic. Unfortunately, although the wounds appeared superficial externally, x-rays revealed that the pup had sustained a skull fracture in the area of one of the wounds. For this reason, the tough decision was made to humanely euthanize him.😒
Please know that harbor seal pupping season runs through June and late season pups may still be dependent on their mothers throughout the beginning of July. Please keep a far distance from them (150+ feet) and keep all pets away. Thank you to the homeowners that called this pup into us, so we could get him the help he needed. We truly appreciate the support and hospitality you provided us!🙂

06/12/2026

Some of you may follow us for our marine mammal rescues but we also conduct kayaking programs! Last month, we partnered with two middle schools in New Hampshire to give 7th graders and 8th graders a hands-on outdoor learning experience in the Hampton-Seabrook Estuary. For many students, it was their first time kayaking, and for some, their first time ever visiting the estuary. Both locations were less than a 20 minute walk from their schools, so students could truly experience and connect with their local natural environment.
This opportunity was made possible through the -Hamptons Estuary Alliance (SHEA) Estuary Management Plan (EMP) Small Grants Program, whose support helped create an unforgettable day of practical environmental education and adventure.
Experiences like these inspire the next generation of environmental stewards. We’re excited to continue the momentum this fall with a group of NH high school students! 🛶

If YOU want to join us for a kayaking trip this summer, check out our public tour dates here ➡️ https://www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/programs/wildlife-kayak-tours/

05/15/2026

PSA : It’s Harbor Seal Pupping Season! 🦭

Harbor seals are typically born between April and June and stay with their mothers for about one month before weaning. During this critical time, moms and pups require quiet space and uninterrupted rest so the pups can safely feed and grow.

It is completely normal to see a seal pup alone on the beach as mothers often leave their pups temporarily while they forage for food. However, as warmer weather brings more people and boats around the beaches, human disturbances can unfortunately separate mothers and pups for longer than anticipated if the mother senses danger. By giving harbor seals the space they need, we can help ensure these seals stay safe and healthy this pupping season.

If you see a seal on the beach, we strongly encourage everyone to:
- Keep at least 150 feet (half of a football field) away from seals on shore and in the water
- Keep dogs leashed and away from seals
- Avoid pouring water on the animal
- Avoid offering food or water to the animal
- Avoid covering the animal with a towel or blanket
- Avoid moving the animal
- Call our hotline at 603-997-9448 and report the animal’s location, size, coloring, and behavior
- Share the shoreline responsibly so these animals can thrive

05/08/2026

Despite the rain, there were still lots of smiles along our shore at last weekend's 17th Annual Rescue Run held at Odiorne Point State Park. We are incredibly grateful for our amazing SSC community, who helped make this race day truly memorable! 😁

On Saturday, May 2nd, 565 runners and walkers participated in our 5k along the Park’s trails, raising awareness and funds for SSC Marine Mammal Rescue. 🦭 This included 487 in the 5K and 78 in the Kids Fun Run. We capped off the day handing out raffle prizes to runners and attendees, thanks to the generosity of many local businesses and organizations! Plus, we were joined by Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation for a beach cleanup. Read more about the 5k, including this year’s results, here https://www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/2026/05/02/seacoast-science-centers-rescue-run-race-for-marine-mammals-annual-5k-results

Congratulations to the runners and walkers! Thomas Jarvela, 41, and Katie Edwards, 35, were the overall male and female winners, finishing in 19:13 and 20:47, respectively. 🏃🏃‍♀️

Special thanks to presenting sponsor Meredith Village Savings Bank for their support, for running with us, and helping congratulate our winners; as well as supporting sponsors New Hampshire State Parks, Portsmouth Scuba, and in-kind supporters Atlantic Grill, Blue Dolphin Screenprint and Embroidery, Centrus Digital, and Stonyfield. Plus, our incredible staff and volunteers who helped prepare and on race day, and the many local businesses and organizations that generously supported our run with food and raffle prize donations. 🫶

A special shout out to Ron Watson Photography, Volunteer and UNH Marine Docent Tom Greene, and Katrina Brothers Photography for helping us capture the day. 📸

04/27/2026

Happy Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) Day!

Today we’re recognizing and celebrating the people behind our MMR Program! The work of our staff, volunteers, veterinarians, and local partners goes beyond response alone; they are committed to protecting these animals and safeguarding our coastal communities for the future. We’re grateful for their dedication today and everyday!

Want to show your support for the team? Sign up now for our Rescue Run: Race for Marine Mammals on Saturday, May 2nd at 9am! Choose from a 5K trail run or walk, kids’ fun runs, or join us for a beach cleanup with our partners from Blue Ocean Society for Marine Conservation. All proceeds from the event support the SSC Marine Mammal Rescue Program.

Click the link below or visit our website to register today!

https://www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/events-overview/rescue-run-race-for-marine-mammals/

04/10/2026

WELCOME AMELIA TO THE SSC MARINE MAMMAL RESCUE TEAM! 🎉

We’re excited to officially introduce our new Stranding Response Technician, Amelia Taggart! After joining us as a Marine Mammal Rescue intern this past summer, Amelia came on board full-time in February, and we couldn’t be happier to have her on the team.

We’re looking forward to all the incredible work she’ll contribute to future rescue responses and our upcoming summer programs. Welcome, Amelia we’re so glad you’re here! 🦭💙

04/07/2026

Really exciting news in Cape Cod Bay! During aerial surveys, Center for Coastal Studies has spotted North Atlantic Right Whale mother-calf pairs! This year 23 new calves have been documented, the highest total recorded in over a decade. 🐋

Address

570 Ocean Boulevard
Rye, NH
03870

Opening Hours

Wednesday	10am - 4pm
Thursday	10am - 4pm
Friday	10am - 4pm
Saturday	10am - 4pm
Sunday	10am - 4pm

Telephone

+16034368043

Website

http://www.seacoastsciencecenter.org/

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