This project will support the response to stranded marine mammals in santa cruz and monterey counties

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded the University of California, Santa Cruz $131,694 under the Marine Mammal Data Program (CFDA 11.439) on October 1, 2025, for stranded marine mammal response operations in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties through September 30, 2026. The project supports the collection of high-quality marine mammal stranding data through funding of a part-time stranding coordinator and a graduate student stranding technician. Key deliverables include responding to all fresh dead carcasses in the service area, collecting Level A, B, and C stranding data, conducting necropsies on Code 2 animals, and maintaining longitudinal data collection on domoic acid and leptospira exposure in marine mammal populations.

The award also supports workforce development and training initiatives through UCSC's Survey SLUG Program and paid internship program, which contribute to building a diverse pipeline of stranding and wildlife health professionals. The data collected through this project directly supports conservation of marine mammal populations and enhances understanding of connections between ocean health and human health—core objectives of NOAA's Marine Mammal Data Program, which funds stranding response operations, diagnostic work, and disease surveillance across coastal regions nationwide.

Through funding of a part time stranding coordinator and a graduate student stranding technician, we will be able to respond to all fresh dead carcasses, collect high quality level a, b, and c data, necropsy all code 2 animals, continue collection of longitudinal data for domoic acid and leptospira. We are also contributing to training the next generation of stranding and wildlife health personnel through our survey slug program and paid internship program which support a diverse workforce. This grant will support collection of data that is used to support conservation of marine mammal populations and understand more about the connections between human and ocean health.