MERI is an active participant in the Northeast Region Stranding Network, a group of scientists and organizations who facilitate effective response to marine mammal strandings under the mandates of the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. Working in conjunction with College of the Atlantic/ Allied Whale since 2000, MERI is a key first-responder to strandings in Downeast and mid-coast Maine. MERI researchers respond to approximately 25 stranded pinnipeds and small cetaceans annually, contributing significantly to the region’s Marine Mammal Stranding Response Program. The stranding specialists at MERI are trained to assist the network in collecting observational data and performing health assessments of stranded animals and can help determine what action, if any, is needed. If the animal needs to be sent to a rehabilitation facility, MERI researchers assist in rescuing the animal and ensuring that it arrives safely. MERI’s assistance provides a critical link in this region’s stranding response. With more than 3,500 marine mammal strandings in the US every year, MERI’s help is crucial.

MERI’s EPA-Approved Laboratory
MERI augments the region’s stranding response program by providing use of its EPA-approved wet laboratory and necropsy/ surgery unit and trained staff for marine mammal necropsies. With its chemical fume hood and sterilized forensics area, this laboratory is an asset to the Northeast region and is used by COA /Allied Whale and other groups for marine mammal necropsy investigations. During necropsies, tissue samples are collected for contaminant analysis as part of MERI’s Seals As Sentinels research program.

Marine Mammal Tissue Bank
The MERI laboratory also houses a Marine Mammal Tissue Bank with -80 C freezers where samples are archived for future analyses. MERI collects tissues for its Seals As Sentinels research from stranded animals throughout the region, in collaboration with other network organizations including COA/Allied Whale, the Maine Department of Marine Resources, University of New England, Marine Animal Lifeline, New England Aquarium, Cape Cod Stranding Network, Riverhead Foundation and National Marine Fisheries Northeast Science Center, Woods Hole. Containing tissues from more than 350 pinnipeds and cetaceans, this is the largest Marine Mammal Tissue Bank in the region.