Why Study Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles?
Marine mammals and sea turtles have stranded on shores worldwide for ages, but the reasons for these events are only now becoming understood. Prior to the 1970’s there were virtually no standards for the examination and collection of samples from marine mammals and sea turtles. The Endangered Species Act of 1973 and the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 paved the way for the creation of formalized stranding networks that now collect standardized data through systematic means. Data are sent to regional offices of the National Marine Fisheries Service. This ensures that potential problems are evaluated for trends not only locally, but also regionally, nationally and globally. All information is compiled and is used to develop conservation strategies to protect these marine animals. When these animals come ashore dead or ill, concern arises from the general public about the health of our oceans, bays and tributaries. Marine mammals and sea turtles serve as indicator species, alerting u
