Keep up-to-date with seasonal beach rules
By Lauren McDowell, SSC Marine Mammal Rescue Intern
As the summer beach season winds down many dog owners eagerly anticipate the days when they can soon bring their dogs back to the beach for a long walk and swim. Because rules vary by location and season, the Seacoast Science Center (SSC) Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) team created an easy-to-use interactive map of dog-friendly beaches, detailing specific rules for each beach in New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. Built in collaboration with coastal municipalities, this free resource is a comprehensive tool for dog-owners who are planning beach days with their furry friends. The resource also includes tips for responsible recreating by the sea, to help keep beachgoers, pups, wildlife, and vulnerable coastal habitats safe.
Typically, beach rules shift to their summer schedule on Memorial Day weekend and revert to the off-season schedule in September. It is important that beach goers stay in-the-know regarding rule changes. The interactive map not only lists schedule changes, it also provides tips to help protect your pet and minimize your pet’s impact on local wildlife. You can find SSC’s Dog-Friendly Beaches resource here.
Adhering to beach rules not only ensures a pleasant experience for you and your dog, but also protects our coastal ecosystems. The SSC MMR Team advances wildlife conservation through responding to marine mammals (seals, whales, dolphins, and porpoises) that haul-out or strand on the shore of New Hampshire and Northeastern Massachusetts (from Essex to the Maine border). On average, our team responds to 115 marine mammals annually. Beaches serve as haul-out spots for seals to thermoregulate, rest, and escape predators, as well as nesting sites for shorebirds. Seals will also strand on shore when they are separated/abandoned from mom, or are sick or injured.
Seals, whales, dolphins, and porpoises are all protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act enacted in 1972, preventing the harassment or disturbance of these species. Dogs can disturb these wild habitats and diseases could be transmitted between the animals. The MMR Team has documented an average of 3 dog-marine mammal disturbances per year. There are likely more cases that occur that are not observed. By following local laws, we can protect valuable marine ecosystems and responsibly share the shore.
General beach rules for dog owners:
- Respect nature and adhere to local regulations (always keep off the dunes)
- Follow the leash laws
- Stay at least 150 feet away from seals on the beach
- Properly dispose of dog waste
- Leave only footprints, take only photos
Thank you for being a responsible dog owner! You can further help ensure that our beaches are safe and enjoyable for all by bringing a bag to collect debris while you walk. Also, be sure to save Seacoast Science Center’s Marine Mammal Rescue 24/7 hotline, 603-997-9448, in your cell phone. If you spot a seal or any other marine mammal (dead or alive), from Essex, MA to the Maine border, please keep back and report the animal’s location, size, coloring, and behavior.
Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue relies, in part, on donations from community members in order to do its important work. Your support will help us protect and rescue animals in need, and educate our community about wildlife conservation and the importance of a healthy marine ecosystem. To learn more information on the Seacoast Science Center’s Marine Mammal Rescue Program and to donate, click here. To learn about MMR’s latest response cases, follow SSC Marine Mammal Rescue on Facebook.
