What We Do

Rescue

Assessment and Rescue Overview:

Trained and experienced volunteers respond to reports of marine mammals in distress. CIMWI Volunteers evaluate the animals and communicate with CIMWI’s Chief Veterinarian to determine the best course of action for each situation. Often times, the animal is just resting onshore and does not need any assistance. There are also times when interfering with nature could make the situation worse for an animal. 

CIMWI may deem it is best to put an animal under observation. In these cases, CIMWI Volunteers put up educational signs and section off the area with flagging tape tied to wooden stakes. Volunteers educate beachgoers in the area and periodically check back on the animal. There are times an animal may be under observation for multiple days.

Many things can cause a marine mammal to strand and be in need of immediate assistance. Examples include malnourishment, illness, disease, injury, separation, entanglement and human interaction (i.e. boat strikes, fishing net/line entanglement, illegal pick-ups/rescues and gun shots). Once CIMWI has determined it is appropriate to rescue an animal, CIMWI’s goal is to do it safely and as quickly as possible. Animals that are rescued are transported to CIMWI’s rehabilitation facility.