Reporting sick or injured animals is absolutely vital in aiding in the conservation efforts of all sorts of marine species. There are a number of steps you can take to make a difference.
What to do if you find a stranded animal
Whether it’s a beached dolphin or a sea turtle tangled in fishing line, there are a number of steps you can take to make sure a stranded animal has a strong chance of survival.
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Observe
Before you step in and try to grab an animal, it’s important to be aware of the situation. Is the animal really stranded? Some species of seals and sea lions come on shore to rest, and almost all species of sea turtles lay their nests on beaches. Make sure you aren’t disturbing an animal’s natural behavior.
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Call
If you notice the animal is struggling, there are a number of organizations listed here you can reach out to in order to let the right people know an animal is in danger and needs assistance. Contact CMA’s 24-hr Rescue Hotline at 727 441-1790 x 1 if you find any marine animal in distress in the Tampa Bay Area.
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Inform
While you’re speaking to responders, make sure to describe both your location and the animal very carefully. Being specific about where you are means a response team will be able to step in and help faster, which means the animal is more likely to be saved.