World Vets

Marine Mammal Rescue and Response

 

In the State of Washington, World Vets provides rescue and response for stranded, injured and sick marine mammals.  Working under an official federal permit, World Vets provides emergency veterinary response, beach response and rescue, disease investigation, triage and short-term in clinic care for stranded marine mammals throughout Washington, with particular focus on the South Sound.  Our base of operations and clinic are located in Gig Harbor, Washington in Pierce county where much of our work takes place.

Our work involves a wide variety of marine mammals including  Harbor seals, Harbor Porpoise, Guadalupe fur seals, Elephant seals, Northern fur seals, Gray Whales, Orcas, Humpback Whales, Striped Dolphin, Sea Turtle, Dall’s Porpoise, Steller sea lions and California sea lions.  Below are a few photos of recent cases.

Report an injured marine mammal- If you are in the state of Washington and see a marine mammal that is injured or in distress, please call the official West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network Hotline at 1-866-767-6114.

To report an entangled whale call 1-877-SOS-WHALe (1-877-767-9425)

We work in collaboration with NOAA Fisheries and stranding networks throughout the state of Washington, especially Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and Cascadia Research Collective.  Cases are referred to us through the appropriate channels.

Marine Animal Health and Ecosystem Research

World Vets is also involved in research and disease and health investigations involving marine life and habitat.  Many of these programs are rooted in the One Health Concept which addresses the connections between human health, animal health and the environment using a multidisciplinary approach drawing on the expertise of professionals from fields including veterinary medicine, human medicine, environmental science, ecology, marine sciences and many others.  By gaining a better understanding of the current state of marine animal health and the factors that influence it, we will be better equipped to protect marine animals and the fragile ecosystems that support them.