DAUPHIN ISLAND, Ala. — Work has begun on a new research center for the Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL).  Expected to open in mid-2015, the ALMMSN is breaking ground not just on a state-of-the-art research building, but also in data collection and research for Alabama’s marine mammals, including manatees, dolphins and whales.

Established in 2011, the ALMMSN has responded to 126 marine mammal strandings in Alabama, gathering data on the stresses and perturbations that can cause these mortalities. There are at least 29 marine mammal species in the Gulf of Mexico, including at least six endangered species. As Alabama’s marine mammal stranding response and research outlet, ALMMSN’s primary goal is to collect high-quality, scientifically rigorous data and conduct a wide range of analyses for primary research to inform science, conservation and management applications.

“With this new research center, the ALMMSN will be able to function more efficiently and effectively,” said ALMMSN Director and DISL Senior Marine Scientist Dr. Ruth Carmichael. “Alabama has historically had limited stranding response and data collection due to lack of funding, so this facility will enable the Network to more effectively monitor marine mammal occurrence, habitat use, and strandings, including causes of mortality.  Additional resources will get us up to speed and enable us to better address questions about cause of death as well as train future generations of researchers and responders.”

The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network is a cooperative regional stranding network partner, which works with NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service to respond to dolphin and whale strandings in Alabama and with the US Fish & Wildlife Service to respond to manatee strandings in Alabama, Mississippi, and to provide mutual aid to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission in the Florida panhandle when needed.

To report dolphin and whale strandings (live or carcasses), call 1-877-WHALE-HELP. To report manatee strandings, call 1-866-493-5803.