Trinidad & Tobago Marine Mammal Stranding Network

07/12/2023

31/10/2023

Here is a reminder of the contact numbers to call if one encounters a stranded marine mammal in Trinidad and Tobago. Please allow trained first responders to intervene. Though well-meaning, there are times when our intervention could prove more detrimental to these animals, since ill marine mammals are predisposed to drowning. Remember, they are mammals, not fish. They have lungs and they breathe atmospheric air. Therefore, they must be able to coordinate their body movements in order to surface to breathe before submerging again. Since ill marine mammals are often unable to do so, taking them back out into deep water without having been first examined by trained veterinary medical personnel or persons specifically trained to perform health assessments on these animals, could prove deadly. Further, ill marine mammals may be harbouring infectious organisms that may have the potential to be detrimental to humans and other animals. The public is therefore urged to avoid handling and/or consuming marine mammals that wash ashore, as this may pose a significant public health risk. The public is also reminded that marine mammals are protected locally under the Conservation of Wildlife Act of Trinidad and Tobago. Interacting with or handling these animals without a permit issued by the relevant authorities is an offense punishable by law.

25/08/2023

Good things happening here!

Are dolphins as curious about us as we are about them? Dr Anjani Ganase talks with linguist/bio-acoustician, Syam Nath of the TT Cetacean Sighting Network after a joyful encounter. The … Continue reading Talking with dolphins

15/03/2023

26/08/2022

15/06/2022

Beach Cleanup at Las Cuevas Bay on Saturday, June 18th, 2022, 9am - 2pm! Come join the effort to keep our beaches clean for our nesting sea turtles and all who benefit from the use of our marine coastal ecosystems!

08/06/2022

Happy World Oceans Day!! Let us remember that we tend to dump our garbage in someone else’s home. Reconsider the end point of the things you discard. They don’t belong in the stomach of a whale. CNIRD Regional

24/01/2022

Curious about WHY certain recommendations are made regarding what you should do (and should NOT do) if you encounter a beached whale or dolphin? Here's an article that was originally published in the Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) Inter-Ministerial Committee Newsletter of March 2020. For easier reading, open the full newsletter via the following link and scroll to pages 9 and 10 http://www.iczm.gov.tt/2020/07/21/march-2020-newsletter/

IMPORTANT UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION: The NEW contact numbers for Trinidad's Forestry Division - Wildlife are 225-3835 and 225-3828.

24/01/2022

What should I do if I encounter a stranded marine mammal or sea turtle? Here are some helpful pointers.
IMPORTANT UPDATED CONTACT INFORMATION: The NEW contact numbers for Trinidad's Forestry Division - Wildlife are 225-3835 and 225-3828.

02/04/2021

For our knowledge and action. Please, everyone, take note. Let's dispose of our waste RESPONSIBLY. Irresponsible waste disposal has a tremendously deleterious impact on our aquatic ecosystems! Out of sight may be out of mind, but our actions have far-reaching and LONG-LASTING impacts (Even centuries!)