Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network

The Coastal Studies Lab is the Port Isabel Regional Headquarters of the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network. The region includes: Cameron County and Willacy County south of Mansfield Pass. The Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN), founded in 1980, is a nonprofit volunteer-based organization dedicated to the understanding and conservation of marine mammals. The Network rescues and rehabilitates marine mammals that strand along the Texas Coast, providing food, medical treatment and 24-hour-a-day observation. Network volunteers in six regions along the coast respond immediately when a stranding is reported.

The South Padre Island Region includes: Cameron County and Willacy County south of Mansfield Pass.

Locally, to report a stranded dolphin, whale, or manatee, call the Coastal Studies Lab (956) 761-2644.

Emergency contacts for local marine mammal strandings:

Shelby Bessette, TMMSN South Padre Island Regional Coordinator shelby.bessette@utrgv.edu

Office (956) 761- 2644 Cell (956) 307-3663

Eberto Presas, TX GLO Beach Watch eberto.presas@utrgv.edu

Office (956) 761-2644 Cell (956) 266-4563

Statewide Marine Mammal Stranding Emergency Telephone Number:

CALL 1-800-9MAMMAL or 1-800-962-6625