To provide critical resources for marine mammal stranding response in downeast maine through continued employment of key response personnel, travel support and purchase of supplies, thus enabling an…

The College of the Atlantic received $126,554 in federal funding from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Marine Mammal Data Program (CFDA 11.439) for the period September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. This Project Grant supports critical marine mammal stranding response operations in Downeast Maine through continued employment of specialized response personnel, travel support, and procurement of necessary supplies and equipment. The award enables the college to maintain an effective, science-based stranding response program that includes resource development, personnel training, systematic data collection, and educational outreach initiatives.

The funded activities align with NOAA's Marine Mammal Data Program objectives to support regional stranding networks that respond to marine mammal strandings, conduct diagnostic work, and advance marine mammal conservation and health. As a nonprofit academic institution with established expertise in marine science and conservation, the College of the Atlantic leverages this funding to sustain operational capacity for stranding response while generating data and knowledge that inform marine mammal protection efforts and support NOAA's broader marine resource management responsibilities in coastal Maine waters.

To provide critical resources for marine mammal stranding response in downeast maine through continued employment of key response personnel, travel support and purchase of supplies, thus enabling an effective and humane science-based program that includes resource development, training, data collection and educational outreach.