Marine Animal Response Society

About Marine Animal Response Society:

MARS is a charitable organization dedicated to Protecting Marine Life, Advancing Ocean Health, and Empowering Communities through response, research, advocacy and engagement. Our goal is to foster stewardship of the marine environment by promoting a better understanding of the oceans and its inhabitants.

Our Mission:

The Marine Animal Response Society is a conservation organization dedicated to Protecting Marine Life, Advancing Ocean Health, and Empowering Communities. • We respond to incidents of dead or distressed marine animals throughout the Maritime provinces. • We conduct and support research to increase our understanding of the health of marine animals and ocean ecosystems. • We advocate for management and policies that put conservation first and build partnerships that support these goals. • We engage with communities and inspire people to make choices that lead to vibrant oceans.

How You Can Support Us:

Marine animal response incidents can happen anytime, anywhere — often without warning. Members of the public have immediate access to experts 365 days a year via our toll-free MARS Emergency Hotline, 1-866-567-6277, and we ask that they report all incidents involving dead or distressed marine animals as soon as possible. To be ready when they do, we depend on a dedicated network of volunteers. As a volunteer, you might be asked to confirm a report of a dead or distressed marine animal, take photos and measurements, and sometimes collect samples. When MARS Responders are on site, there may also be chances to lend a hand directly under their guidance. Because this work is unpredictable, some volunteers may be called more often than others. But whether you’re called frequently or only occasionally, your willingness to help when needed makes a real difference. Simply knowing you’re there when an incident occurs is an incredible support to MARS and to the animals we serve.

Causes Supported:

Animals Education & Literacy Emergency & Safety Environment Lakes, Rivers & Wetlands Local Community Outdoor Recreation Sports & Recreation Sustainability Animals Education & Literacy Emergency & Safety Environment Lakes, Rivers & Wetlands Local Community Outdoor Recreation Sports & Recreation Sustainability