RESOURCES
Whether you are a coastal resident, a curious volunteer, or a fellow ocean enthusiast, this page provides information for marine animal identification and conservation in the Maritimes. Below, you will find downloadable identification guides, information on how to join our volunteer network, and resources for reporting strandings.
Our goal is to ensure that every encounter with a marine animal is handled safely and effectively. Explore our materials and website to learn more about our work and visit our YouTube channel to see our response teams in action across the Maritime Provinces.
Disclaimer: All training, identification, and educational materials provided by the Marine Animal Response Society (MARS) are for personal and authorized use only. These materials may not be reproduced, distributed, shared, or used for commercial or public purposes without prior written permission from MARS. Access to official training modules and volunteer resources is available through the MARS Volunteer Program—please visit the Volunteer page for more information.
SPECIES IDENTIFICATION MATERIALS
Accurate identification is the first step in any successful response. To support our community and responders, MARS has developed a suite of specialized identification materials tailored to the most commonly observed marine animals in the Maritime provinces.
Cetacean Identification Guide for the Maritime Provinces of Canada
All-in-one identification sheet for the whale, dolphin, and porpoise species most common in Canadian Maritime Province waters. Formatted for legal-size (8.5" x 14") printing, it uses key visual markers and surfacing behaviours to help observers and mariners provide vital data to the MARS response team.
For French version, click HERE.
Pinniped, Sea Turtle and Shark Identification Guide for the Maritime Provinces of Canada
All-in-one identification sheet for the pinniped, sea turtle, and shark species most common in Canadian Maritime Province waters. Formatted for legal-size (8.5" x 14") printing, it uses key visual markers to help observers and mariners provide vital data to the MARS response team.
For French version, click HERE.
Identifying Live, Entangled and Dead North Atlantic Right Whales
All-in-one identification sheet for identifying live, entangled and dead North Atlantic right whales. Formatted for letter-size (8.5" x 11") printing, it uses key visual markers to help observers and mariners provide vital data to the MARS response team.
For French version, click HERE.
Cetacean Identification Guide for the Maritime Provinces of Canada
A comprehensive field guide for identifying the whales, dolphins, and porpoises of the Canadian Maritimes. This detailed book features detailed illustrations of common cetacean species and highlights key identification features, paired with reference images to ensure accurate visual identification in the field.
For French version, click HERE.
RESPONSE AND VOLUNTEER POSTERS
Essential tools for awareness and reporting. MARS offers a collection of specialized posters designed to educate the public, recruit responders, and facilitate rapid reporting of marine animals in distress. These visual resources provide clear instructions to ensure communities are ready to act when every second counts.
Help spread the word in your community! We encouraged the public to download and print these posters to display at local wharves, community centers, or public bulletin boards to help share vital information about volunteering and reporting. Please note that all materials remain the property of the Marine Animal Response Society (MARS); these files are for educational and outreach use only and may not be altered or used for commercial purposes without express permission.
"So You Want To Volunteer?" Poster
About MARS Poster
