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Non-Releasable Marine Mammals

Describes what a non-releasable marine mammal is and how they are placed in permanent care.

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Two humpback whales swimming underwater. The water is very blue, and the surface is visible just above their heads. Humpback whales swimming underwater. Credit: Kogia.org
A stranding responder measures a stranded loggerhead sea turtle on a Florida beach. A stranding responder measures a stranded loggerhead sea turtle on a Florida beach. Photo credit: Florida Sea Turtle Stranding and Salvage Network
A Gulf of Mexico Bryde’s whale just under the surface of the water. Photo: NOAA Fisheries NMFS ESA/MMPA Permit No. 21938. A Rice’s whale just under the surface of the water in the Gulf of Mexico. This endangered whale was recognized as a separate species from the Bryde’s whale in 2021. Credit: NOAA Fisheries under NOAA Permit No. 21938.
Pair of bottlenose dolphins Pair of bottlenose dolphins. Credit: NOAA Pacific Islands Fisheries Science Center/Lisa Morse.