RAPID RESPONSE

Every Response Matters.

RAPID
RESPONSE

Every Response Matters.

RAPID

RESPONSE

Every Response Matters.

MARS provides the public with immediate access to experts 365 days a year via the toll-free MARS Emergency Hotline to report all incidents involving marine animals, making the best and most informed decisions for every incident, ensuring safety for the animals and humans involved.

Each year, MARS receives 400–600 reports from across the Maritimes, ranging from carcasses found afloat or ashore to live animals stranded, entangled, entrapped, or injured. Calls involve a wide variety of species, including whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, sharks, sea turtles, and even the occasional sunfish.

Often the first experts on scene, MARS is authorized by the Government of Canada to assist live animals in distress, recover carcasses for investigation, and collect valuable data that helps improve marine conservation efforts across the region.

Every response is unique. Our team carefully considers each situation to ensure the best outcome possible, always putting human safety and animal welfare first.

When to Call — and When to Simply Watch

While MARS is always ready to respond, not every marine animal you see is in distress. It’s completely normal for healthy seals to “haul out” on beaches or rocks to rest or breed — they’re just taking a break and should be left alone. You might also spot whales, dolphins, or porpoises gliding through harbours and bays as they follow schools of fish. These are all natural behaviours and part of everyday life along our coast.

If you see a marine animal that looks injured, entangled, stranded, or behaving unusually, give us a call on the MARS Emergency Hotline. Our trained responders can assess the situation and guide you on what to do next. A quick call helps ensure the safest and most compassionate response possible.

When to Call — and When to Simply Watch

While MARS is always ready to respond, not every marine animal you see is in distress. It’s completely normal for healthy seals to “haul out” on beaches or rocks to rest or breed — they’re just taking a break and should be left alone. You might also spot whales, dolphins, or porpoises gliding through harbours and bays as they follow schools of fish. These are all natural behaviours and part of everyday life along our coast.

If you see a marine animal that is dead or looks injured, entangled, stranded, or behaving unusually, give us a call on the MARS Emergency Hotline. Our trained responders can assess the situation and guide you on what to do next. A quick call helps ensure the safest and most compassionate response possible.

TYPES OF RESPONSE

Live Response

MARS provides the public with immediate access to experts 365 days a year via the toll-free MARS Emergency Hotline to report all incidents involving marine animals, making the best and most informed decisions for every incident, ensuring safety for the animals and humans involved.

Explore Live Marine Animal Response

Dead Response

MARS studies reported animals, collecting data and samples that drive scientific research to better understand marine animal health as well as threats like climate change, vessel strikes, entanglements and pollution.

Explore Dead Marine Animal Response