A large part of what we do is educate the public on the beach about safe behavior around wild animals, and informing them of the protections afforded by the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Our team members are trained to help bystanders understand a situation, what the animal needs, how to stay safe, and what the law does and does not permit. Signage is always posted near resting seals to maintain a safe distance, protect the animal from harassment, and protect the public.

Kids' Seal 101 Workshops
Kids ages 5-11 learn from rescue team members and our veterinarian about:

• seals on the beach
• seal protection laws
• safe distance
• entanglements
• how to identify a healthy animal
• what to do if you find an injured seal

Classes take place 9:30-11:00 at Sconset Beach.

Suitable for kids ages 5-11.

These classes are free!

Watch for summer 2024 dates!

Under agreement and permit with the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries Division, MMAN team members may approach marine mammals and take any necessary action. MMAN maintains a 24 hour hotline to respond to any reports of entangled, injured or deceased marine mammals. Our level A trained team will arrive to educate and protect the public, assess the animal’s condition, approach and disentangle if necessary, monitor animals deemed ill or malnourished and capture for rehab if available. At times we may need to decide to euthanize.

In the case of larger strandings, we call in assistance from NOAA and the International Fund for Animal Welfare located on the Cape. If an animal can be rehabilitated, we transport, via Hy Line Cruises, to National Marine Life Center.

MMAN endeavors to advocate for all marine life by inviting speakers, working with the Nantucket Whaling Museum and other island organizations, to promote respect for ocean wildlife. We maintain relationships with numerous organizations advocating for whales, seals, and the health of our oceans and help promote environmentally sound choices. We regularly attend conferences of the Greater Atlantic Regional Fisheries, gaining insight and knowledge from teams up and down the Atlantic coast.