The North Carolina Aquariums Marine Mammal Stranding Team has been recognized for its efforts to advance the recovery of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale, of which it is estimated that less than 400 remain.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, or NOAA, awarded the 2025 Partner in the Spotlight to the team often referred to by its acronym of NCAMMST for continued support of the species, the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources, which oversees the N.C. Aquarium system, announced this week.
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“Congratulations to our North Carolina Aquariums Marine Mammal Stranding Team for the award and for their success in contributing to the recovery of the North Atlantic right whale,” aquarium Director Hap Fatzinger said in a release. “We are honored to work with so many passionate and dedicated professionals all making a difference to save this amazing species.”
The mammal stranding team, which responds to whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and manatees in northern and central coastal and estuarine waters, works with partners such as the University of North Carolina Wilmington, N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, N.C. State University, and Bonehenge Whale Center.
Dr. Victoria Thayer, marine mammal state stranding coordinator, leads the team and Jill Sullivan, marine mammal stranding biologist, make up the team that responds to strandings in the central coastal and northern and central inland regions. Jennette’s Pier marine mammal stranding coordinator, Marina Doshkov, responds to stranded marine mammals in the northern part of the state.
These three marine mammal stranding positions were previously funded by federal but beginning in September, will be exclusively supported by the aquarium’s nonprofit partner, North Carolina Aquarium Society.
The southern area is the primary responsibility of UNCW’s Marine Mammal Stranding Program where Dr. Tiffany Keenan is the university’s marine mammal stranding coordinator, according to the aquarium.
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If you spot a stranded dolphin, porpoise, whale, seal, or manatee, call one of the 24-hour North Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Hotlines:
- Northern coast: 252-455-9654
- Central coast: 252-252-5119
- Southern coast: 910-515-7354
