There are three components to this work: enhancing the marine mammal and sea turtle hospital to increase the number of animals that can be rehabilitated and ultimately released; education and…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, Inc. a $3.0 million Project Grant under the Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects program (CFDA 11.469) effective July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2030. The grant funds three primary components: enhancement of the organization's marine mammal and sea turtle hospital facility to increase rehabilitation and release capacity; development and delivery of education and outreach initiatives; and research activities. Deliverables include planning, design, and construction of an enhanced hospital facility with necessary equipment procurement conducted through federal procurement standards; hiring and training of facility operations staff; and creation of educational exhibits, digital media content for social platforms, and presentations for summer camps and outreach programs.

The research and clinical components involve veterinary-led observation and treatment of animal patients during rehabilitation, including necessary diagnostic testing, with publications resulting from observational data acquired during the rehabilitation process. Additionally, the grant supports necropsy services for deceased animals recovered by institute staff to identify health issues and causes of death, with findings potentially contributing to publications on ecosystem health. The project is located in Gulfport, Mississippi.

There are three components to this work: enhancing the marine mammal and sea turtle hospital to increase the number of animals that can be rehabilitated and ultimately released; education and outreach; and research. The imms will use the funds to plan, design/construct, and equip an enhanced marine mammal and sea turtle hospital. They will issue necessary rfqs and rfps to solicit for the architectural services, purchase of equipment, and construction in accordance with federal procurement standards. These rfqs and rfps will allow the architect to provide documentation whereby bids for construction can be put out and the purchase of equipment can begin. The imms will hire facility operations staff at the appropriate time prior to the commencing the operation. Imms staff will develop a new educational exhibit to provide a new and engaging educational experience for guests and staff alike. Photos and videos for social media platforms will be made advertising this new exhibit, as well as sharing information about animals under treatment and their rehabilitation. In addition, new presentations will be created for summer camps and outreach programs to include information gathered from the new facility. Animals are first and foremost patients to be rehabilitated for release, when possible. During the rehabilitation process, animals will be observed throughout their recovery. Veterinarians, assisted by trained imms staff, will oversee care and treatment of patients. Additionally, they will conduct any diagnostic tests necessary for animal treatment. Any publications resulting from the rehabilitation of animals will be utilizing observational information acquired throughout the rehabilitation process. Deceased animals recovered by imms staff will be necropsied to identify any health issues, as well as the cause of death, when possible. Information acquired from necropsies may be used for publications reflecting ecosystem health.