ALONE A DROP...

TOGETHER AN OCEAN

WHAT DOES MERR DO?

MERR is on call 24/7 to provide rescue and care for marine mammals and sea turtles that might be ill, injured, entangled or otherwise in need. In addition, we conduct research on those animals that have died so that we can glean information on the animal, the cause of death, more about the species, and ocean health. We contribute this information to Federal, state and local entities, as well as researchers and others in the marine conservation field. MERR conducts education and outreach programs throughout the state on the topic of marine mammal and sea turtle ecology and conservation. We believe that education is the most important key to conservation.

Protect yourself & Protect Marine Mammals AND TURTLES

Print Coast2Coast in Lewes, Delaware, has designed a custom​ face-covering exclusively for MERR Institute. The washable masks are 100 % cotton with ties for the most secure fit.

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Designed by a local artist, adorned with a variety of colorful hand-drawn images of dolphins, whales, and turtles, the mask also proudly displays the MERR Institute logo. 

The masks are $15, with $5 of each mask purchased donated back to MERR from PrintCoast2Coast.

The masks are available to purchase at Print Coast 2 Coast at 1636 Savannah Rd STE D, Lewes, DE 19958, by calling 302-644-9570, or via email at: .

Thanks, Print Coast2Coast for providing such stylish masks that thinks of others, not just on land, but also in the sea. 

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PLEASE BE AWARE, we ARE IN PEAK  'SEAL SEASON'

• Seals are commonly found on Delaware beaches from November-April

• Seals are mammals like we are and breathe air.  They need to get out of the water to rest to avoid drowning.  A seal on the beach may be perfectly healthy.

• If you see a seal, please call MERR immediately at 302-228-5029

• MERR will send trained experts to assess the seal’s condition and will provide rescue if the seal is deemed in need of veterinary intervention.  If the seal appears healthy, MERR will station volunteers at the scene to monitor the seal and provide members of the public with helpful information

• Keep a distance of 150’ from the seal (10 bus lengths)

• Keep dogs on a leash and at a distance of 150’

• Take photos from 150’

• Seals are not cold in our climate, even when we are

• Seals do not need to be fed while they are resting

• Do not try to return a seal to the water-it may injure them, and cause them to drown if they are in a weakened condition

• Do not touch a seal-it will frighten the seal, and put people and their pets at risk for disease transmission.  Seals can carry bacteria and viruses that are transmissible to us

• Seals are protected by Federal law under the Marine Mammal Protection Act.  This act states that it is illegal to harass seals or harm them. Violation of these laws can be punishable with fines and imprisonment.  

• Seals are a wonderful and natural part of the marine ecosystem.  Thank you for helping to protect them by engaging in responsible wildlife viewing and by calling MERR to report seal sightings.