By Michelle Dillon, Senior Manager Marketing and Communications
Seacoast Science Center’s commitment to conservation and education is exemplified by the work of our Marine Mammal Rescue (MMR) team. This dedicated group of professionals and volunteers tirelessly ensures the safety and well-being of marine mammals, often responding to reports of stranded or injured seals, dolphins, porpoises, and occasionally whales.
Our Marine Mammal Rescue team is the only federally authorized group responding to strandings along our stretch of the New England coastline. In 2025, they renewed their federal permit and expanded their coverage area, nearly doubling it to include Cape Ann, Massachusetts, thanks to some support through a John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant. The MMR team now covers from the New Hampshire-Maine border to Beverly, MA, including the Great Bay and Little Bay estuaries, Hampton-Seabrook Harbor, the Merrimack River in, the Annisquam River, and three of the New Hampshire Isles of Shoals.
Over the past decade, MMR has addressed over 1,500 cases involving seals, dolphins, porpoises, and occasionally whales. The team includes three employees and 31 volunteers who perform initial assessments and collect data. Additionally, a veterinarian supports the team, donating her time and consulting on animal welfare decisions and triage plans for live animals.
Beyond rescue operations, the team engages in research and public outreach to foster a deeper understanding of marine ecosystems and wildlife, and the threats they face. Their efforts are essential—not only for protecting marine wildlife and educating the public but also for ensuring public safety and promoting healthy recreation along our coast by collaborating with local towns and stranding network partners.
Meet the Team
Ashley Stokes, Seacoast Science Center’s Senior Director of Science and Administration, plays a key leadership role for both the Center and the Marine Mammal Rescue team. In 2025, Ashley celebrated her 20th year with the Center and 11th as part of the MMR team that she founded. Her experience and expertise are invaluable as she supports the team, advising on and participating in responses and rescues.
In late 2025, Lauren McDowell took on the role of Manager of Marine Mammal Rescue. Lauren started with the team as an intern in the summer of 2024, quickly using all she learned to support the team as the fulltime Community Outreach Manager in November of the same year. Lauren works tirelessly for marine wildlife, facilitating and participating in responses and rescues, and educating the public during the team’s many outreach opportunities.
Joining this February is Amelia Taggart as the Stranding Response Technician. Amelia is a great fit for the team, having experience as an intern in the summer of 2025. Her hands-on experience with stranded marine mammals and educational roles during the team’s programs and community outreaches will help the team further its efforts to inspire and educate.
If you’d like to learn more about the Marine Mammal Rescue program, including their conservation work and trends they are observing, check out this recent presentation given by Lauren for our partners at the Great Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Her talk was part of the organization’s Bayview Lecture Series and focused on “What’s Happening with our Marine Mammals?”
Ways to Support
After learning about the team, if you feel inspired to help protect our marine mammals or wish to engage and learn more, there are many ways to lend a hand. Whether through a donation, participating in an event or program, or simply helping to spread the word, your support is invaluable.
- Spread the word: The more people know what to do when they spot a seal or other marine mammal on the beach, the better. Below you’ll see guidelines to follow and the team’s hotline number (603-997-9448).
- Adventure with the team: The SSC Marine Mammal Rescue team offers several programs that allow our community to learn about local wildlife and ecosystems while enjoying a unique experience. From Seal Walks to Wildlife Kayak Tours and Isles of Shoals trips, there are many opportunities to connect with the team, learn about their work, and the wildlife that frequent our waters.
- Lace up for marine mammals: Annually, Seacoast Science Center hosts its Rescue Run: Race for Marine Mammals! This 5k trail race takes place in Odiorne Point State Park on Saturday, May 2nd, and is the largest fundraiser for the Marine Mammal Rescue program. Whether you run, walk, or have a little one interested in the kids’ fun run, it’s a great way to gather, learn, and take action!
- Follow and share: The team has their own dedicated Facebook page. Follow them to learn about recent responses, and other updates from the team, at @SSCMarineMammalRescue.
- Give for marine wildlife: Where you make a donation, find a way to give your time, or are interested in a sponsorship, there are many opportunities to help our team continue their important work for wildlife and community.
If you’ve engaged with SSC’s Marine Mammal Rescue team, you understand their commitment to the marine mammals they assist and the local community. We hope you learned something new about all they do, and we hope you can join them in support along our coast.
