ABOUT MARS
Driven by a small team of deeply committed staff and hundreds of passionate volunteers, MARS strives to make positive conservation impacts and inspire people to become stewards of our oceans.
OUR JOURNEY: MARS OVER THE YEARS
MARS has been at the forefront of marine animal response in Canada for over 25 years, during which time we have been regarded as an instrumental leader within the marine conservation community, both locally and nationally, as well as a key player at the international level.
"As a proud Nova Scotian and Canadian, I believe marine species are an important part of our natural legacy - animals, which, for no reason other than for themselves, should be able to live their lives, happy and free of harm from human activities. MARS was established to help these animals - both physically, where needed, and to advocate for them and the world in which they live."
- Tonya Wimmer, 2025
MARS MISSION STATEMENT
The Marine Animal Response Society is a conservation organization dedicated to Protecting Marine Life, Advancing Ocean Health, and Empowering Communities.
- • We respond to incidents of dead or distressed marine animals throughout the Maritime provinces.
- • We conduct and support research to increase our understanding of the health of marine animals and ocean ecosystems.
- • We advocate for management and policies that put conservation first and build partnerships that support these goals.
- • We engage with communities and inspire people to make choices that lead to vibrant oceans.
MARS CORE VALUES
At MARS, our core values permeate through all of the work that we do and all of the relationships we have. They represent our highest priorities and guide both our organizational culture and our workplans.
- Conservation: At our core, we strive to have a meaningful impact on the conservation of marine animals.
- Collaboration: We believe in the value and strength of collaboration.
- Community: We believe informed and engaged communities can make a difference.
- Integrity: We are committed to maintaining a safe and supportive work environment where staff and volunteers feel respected and valued.
- Diversity: We believe in equity, inclusion and dignity for all – our differences make us stronger.
- Respect: We respect the animals, the people and the places where we work.