WHAT IS MERR?
The Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute, Inc. is a non-profit stranding response and rehabilitation organization dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles. It is MERR's commitment to contribute to the preservation of these species through research and rescue efforts, and to foster greater understanding and appreciation of these species and their habitat through education and enhanced public awareness. MERR Institute, Inc. is authorized by National Marine Fisheries Service and the State of Delaware to be the official stranding respondents for the Marine Mammals and Sea Turtles of Delaware.
ABOUT US
Rescue: MERR is on call 24/7 to provide emergency response to stranded whales, dolphins, porpoises, whales, seals, and sea turtles, both living and dead, wherever they occur in Delaware. MERR’s trained team of responders provides veterinary care for ill and injured marine animals, alleviating suffering and helping them to get the care that they need to heal and recover.
Research: MERR contributes to research through necropsy efforts and data collection, providing invaluable information on these threatened and endangered marine species to regulators and researchers to better assist with their conservation.
Education: Education is at the core of MERR’s mission and is the most important step toward ocean conservation. MERR brings its education and outreach programs to thousands of people each and every year, fostering a sense of awareness and stewardship for these magnificent marine creatures and their ocean habitat.