The Marine Mammal Response Team
What is the Marine Mammal Response Team?
The Fisheries and Maritime Museum, in collaboration with various partners, including The Danish Environmental Protection Agency and The Danish Nature Agency, forms The National Contingency Plan concerning strandings of marine mammals in Denmark also called The Marine Mammal Response Team. The team collects information about seals and whales and monitors their health in Denmark. Additionally, the team ensures the swift euthanization of sick and debilitated seals and whales whenever possible. Below, you can read what to do if you come across sick or deceased marine mammals on the beach.
What do I do if...
If you come across a marine mammal on a beach in Denmark, your actions may vary depending on the situation. Here, you can read about what to do if you find yourself in one of the following scenarios.
I find a sick seal?
Leave the animal undisturbed and call the nearest unit of The Danish Nature Agency here.
You can also call the museum at +45 76 12 20 00 and press 3 to be connected to the on-call marine mammal response team.
I come across abandoned seal pups and hear crying on the beach?
In Denmark, grey seals give birth to their pups in June and July. During this period, you may come across seal pups on the beach. The best advice is to leave the pup alone and keep your distance. It's not uncommon for the mother to temporarily leave her pup to search for food. You may hear the seal pups crying. It can sound heart-wrenching, but it doesn't necessarily mean they have been abandoned.
However, if the seal pup remains in the same spot on the beach for more than a day, it could indicate that the mother has become separated from the pup. In such a case, you can call the nearest unit of The Danish Nature Agency here.
You can also call the museum at +45 76 12 20 00 and press 3 to be connected to the on-call marine mammal response team.
I find deceased seals and whales?
We would greatly appreciate hearing from you if you come across a deceased seal or whale on the beach. Please remember to take a photo of the animal and make note of its location.
You can either call or write to the Fisheries and Maritime Museum at +45 76 12 20 00 / fimus@fimus.dk.
You can also contact the nearest local unit of The Danish Nature Agency.
I find a seal on the beach?
If the seal appears to be in good health, please maintain a distance and leave it be.
Seals that are molting, breeding, or have pups need peace and quiet.
If you have general questions about seals or whales, feel free to write to our natural history museuminspector, Charlotte.
