It’s important to remember that we share our beaches and natural spaces with many wildlife, including the occasional marine mammal found on our shores. In the event you find a marine mammal either stranded or occupying the beach, remember these steps:

Keep your distance!
Stay at least 100 feet away from the animal, and make sure others do the same.

Keep noise to a minimum!
Loud sounds can stress the animal or jeopardize its health. For the safety of the animal as well as your own, refrain from making too much noise.

Call the Police Department’s non-emergency line at 831-624-6403 or the respective wildlife organizations listed below:

• ​​Marine Mammal Center
  Monterey Bay Office: 831-633-6298
  (for pinnipeds such as seals and sea lions)
• Monterey Bay Aquarium
  Security Office: 831-648-4840
  (for sea otters)
• Marine Mammal Stranding Network
  Office: 562-980-3230 | Cell: 562-506-4315
  (for cetaceans such as whales and dolphins)

Read through and save this document for more details on what to do if you find a stranded marine mammal: Steps to Report a Stranded Marine Mammal

For more information, visit the West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Network page on NOAA’s website.