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MMSP News & Events

Marine Mammal Stranding Program

News & Events

See below for upcoming volunteer meetings and community events!

Volunteer Meetings

UPDATE: Volunteer meetings are cancelled until further notice. For opportunities to be involved in our program, please reach out to Program Director Dr. Michael Tift at tiftm@uncw.edu.

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In-person & Zoom attendance options are available for MMSP volunteer meetings.  

Join the Volunteer Meeting Zoom here

Community Events

1st Annual Wilmington Science Fest 2026

Event Details Here

 

North Carolina Azalea Festival 2026 - Children's Corner

 

  • When: Saturday 4/11,  10AM-6PM & Sunday 4/12, 10AM-5PM

  • Where: Front Street, Downtown Wilmington, NC

Event Details Here
MMSP in the News

Rarely seen whale species died on Emerald Isle after ingesting Mylar balloon

14 November, 2023 - Our team assisted colleagues at NC State CMAST with the stranding investigation of a Gervais Beaked Whale (Mesoplodon europaeus) calf. Read more about this investigation's tragic, but important findings here. 

Manatees continue to linger off NC coast, raising questions about future management plans

17 November, 2023 - MMSP Director Dr. Michael Tift and Stranding Coordinator Dr. Tiffany Keenan sat down with WHQR's Rachel Keith to chat about recent manatee reports in our area, and how global climate change may affect these animals in the future. Read all about it here. 

Stranding program hands on training on how to safely place a marine mammal in a stretcher

Join Our Team as a Volunteer!

Dive into a world of hands-on learning & marine exploration. Our dynamic team is a mix of volunteers, students, faculty & staff from the Department of Biology & Marine Biology. Fill out our volunteer interest form below & become a valued member of our volunteer community.

Become a Volunteer

Join the Wave of Support!

Our Marine Mammal Stranding Program depends on the support of individuals like you. Every contribution, whether big or small, helps support our mission to understand, preserve & protect our marine mammals.

Donate Today