When A Sea Creature Washes Ashore In NJ, These Guys Are Ready.

The Marine Mammal Stranding Center is a nonprofit outfit that is at the ready to recuse, rehabilitate and release stranding mammals that are in trouble along the Jersey Shore.

Located in Brigantine, MMSC has been serving the Jersey coast since 1978 and is the only marine-stranded center in New Jersey.  Similar centers are stationed in New England and Baltimore.

Their mission is to Rescue, Rehabilitate, Release, Preserve.

Over the years they have rescued over 5,000 creatures of the sea including seals, sea turtles, and dolphins.

Thankfully, most if not all are rehabilitated to the point of release back into their habitat.

Listen to Rich DeSisto weekdays from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. on 105.7 The Hawk and download our free 105.7 The Hawk app.

Typically, they are dispatched to assist with 150-180 situations.  This year that number has dropped off significantly.

MMSC Director Bob Schoelkopf, who founded the center with his wife 43 years ago, noted that as of August 15, they were involved in only 115 rescues of mammals in need.

Turtles and dolphins are the norms when it comes to rescues during the summer months.  Dolphins sometimes get in trouble and wash ashore.

Schoelkopf says…

“Or a newborn that can’t keep up with the herd and comes ashore.  Mainly it’s turtle calls that we’re getting.”

Schoelkopf told the Philadelphia Inquirer..

”Could be the weather, Could be food.”

Others point to “Climate change”, as to why the drop.

Whatever the case.  The Marine Mammal Stranding Center’s up and down the eastern seaboard are standing by and ready.

Here are some additional facts you probably didn't know about the ocean..