Whale and Dolphin Conservancy Extends Response Network from Plymouth to Weymouth

The Whale Dolphin Conservancy is expanding their response network to include 200 miles of coastline – from Weymouth to Plymouth.

Sarah McCormack is the Stranding Coordinator for the program.

“When it comes marine animal rescue and response, the biggest things to know if you’re walking the beach and you come across an animal in need of help, call our hotline – that number is 617-688-6872, or you can go to our website, Whales.org to look up that information,” said McCormack. “Keep your distance from the animal, we recommend 150 feet. That’s to keep both you and the animal safe. If you can note your location, drop a pin, or send us  GPS coordinates, that would be great. Lastly, to get any photos or video from a distance. We can tell a lot of information from a distance. That tells us species, that usually gives us of idea of size, and can tell us what resources we need to respond.”

The WDC was formed in 2021, and originally covered from Marshfield to Plymouth. They responded to 30 calls to their hotline last year.

The response network assesses health, provides rehabilitation, and investigates causes of death.  

Regina Asmutis-Silvia, the Executive Director, says they also have outreach programs for boaters and children.

“We have a growing education program going into school systems. We have a life-size inflatable right whale that we can take into the schools to really have kids appreciate the size,” said Asmutis-Silvia. “She is a little over 40 feet long. We can actually fit a classroom of about 20 to 30 kids inside of her mouth.”

Donations have allowed the WDC to expand their response program, and volunteers continue to help their efforts. 

Listen to the interview with WATD’s Christine James here:

More information can be found at Whales.org.