This project will maintain and improve washington department of fish and wildlifes marine mammal stranding response capabilities with the goal of helping to better understand causes of stranding…

The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife received a $133,334 Project Grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Marine Mammal Data Program (CFDA 11.439), effective November 1, 2025, through October 31, 2026. This award supports the maintenance and improvement of the Department's marine mammal stranding response capabilities in Washington State. The funded activities enable the Department to respond to stranded marine mammals, conduct diagnostic investigations, and collect data on stranding events to enhance understanding of the causes and underlying health factors contributing to marine mammal morbidity and mortality in state waters.

The Marine Mammal Data Program provides nondiscretionary funding to state and federal agencies for collection and analysis of information on marine mammals occurring in U.S. waters. Under this award, the Department will maintain operational readiness for stranding response operations while advancing the scientific knowledge necessary to inform conservation and management decisions. The one-year project period concludes October 31, 2026, with funding contingent upon the Department's performance against established project objectives and reporting requirements.

This project will maintain and improve washington department of fish and wildlifes marine mammal stranding response capabilities with the goal of helping to better understand causes of stranding events and of morbidity and mortality in marine mammals in washington state.