Marine Education Research And Rehab
About Marine Education Research And Rehab
When a whale, dolphin, porpoise, seal, or sea turtle turns up stranded in Delaware, Marine Education Research And Rehab is the organization that steps in with emergency response, veterinary care, transportation, and rehabilitation support. But MERR does more than respond in the moment. Its education, research, and volunteer programs keep people connected to the marine life along Delaware’s coast and inland bays, which is part of what makes the work feel so grounded and public-facing.
MERR is Delaware’s official stranding response and rescue organization for marine mammals and sea turtles, so its role is unusually specific and practical. The same group that helps with rescue also runs dolphin counts, seal surveys, and other public research projects, which gives donors a chance to support both immediate care and the slower work of conservation.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Stranding response and rescue
Provides 24/7 emergency response for stranded whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea turtles in Delaware, including veterinary care, transportation, and rehabilitation support.
Education and outreach
Offers education and outreach programs to schools and groups on marine mammals, sea turtles, habitat conservation, and endangered species.
Research
Conducts necropsy efforts and data collection to support conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles.
Annual dolphin count
Coordinates volunteer observations along the Delaware coast and inland bays to gather data on the local Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin population.
Seal surveys
Monitors seal colonies and records data on numbers, pups, behaviors, location, and atmospheric conditions.
Dolphin adoption program
Offers symbolic dolphin adoption and naming options that support the organization’s rescue and response work.
Citizen science and marine debris tracking
Engages the public in tracking marine debris through the Marine Debris Tracker app.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
To provide education, conduct research, and rescue marine mammals and sea turtles.
Who they serve
Marine mammals and sea turtles in Delaware, and schools, groups, volunteers, and community members engaged in education and outreach.
Their impact
- Over 10,000 people have benefited from the education sessions.
- In 2024, MERR responded to 6 dolphins, 3 whales, 44 seals, and 25 sea turtles.
- The annual dolphin count recorded 804 dolphins in 2024.
- A World Ocean Day cleanup collected more than 20 pounds of refuse.
How your donation helps
- Rescue, response, and rehabilitation efforts for marine mammals and sea turtles
- Food and care
- Veterinary treatment
- Transportation
- Supplies
- Education and outreach programs
- Operations supported by symbolic dolphin adoption proceeds
Need help?
How someone in need can access Marine Education Research And Rehab’s services.
For stranded whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, or sea turtles in Delaware, MERR provides 24/7 emergency response. The organization handles assessment, veterinary care, transportation, and rehabilitation support for living and dead strandings.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Education is at the core of MERR’s mission and is the most important step toward ocean conservation.
MERR is on call 24/7 to provide emergency response to stranded whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea turtles.
Events
Sunset Dolphin Fundraiser
annualA boat tour fundraiser on the Delaware Bay that raises proceeds for the organization’s year-round rescue and response efforts.
World Ocean Day Celebration
annualAn ocean conservation event with beach cleanup, education exhibits, crafts, and film discussion.
Annual Dolphin Count
annualVolunteer observers line the coast and inland bays to gather data on the local Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphin population.
Old-Fashioned Lewes Holiday Parade
annualMERR participates with a themed float and community entry.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles Marine Education Research And Rehab has shared.
Current needs
- Items from MERR's Amazon Wish List
Volunteer opportunities
- Assist with data reporting
- Help with educational programs
- Support membership correspondence
- Assist with response and rescue efforts
- Join the annual dolphin count as a watcher
- Apply for an internship
- Help collect and track marine debris through the Marine Debris Tracker app
Recognition & press
Awards & recognition
- Second Place in the Community category at the Lewes Holiday Parade
- First Place Award in the Clowns category at the Lewes Holiday Parade
In the media
- Cape Gazette, coverage of the first recorded sea turtle nesting in Delaware and MERR’s role in caring for the eggs
- WBUR Here & Now, coverage of AI for facial recognition, or fin recognition, for whales and dolphins with MERR participation
- WBOC, coverage of a stranded seal pup rescued at Cape Henlopen State Park
- WBOC, coverage of MERR reporting an unusual uptick in seal rescues
- WBOC, coverage of a young seal rescued from netting entanglement on Cape Henlopen
Press & mentions
Partners & funders
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What animals does MERR respond to in Delaware?
MERR responds to stranded whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, and sea turtles in Delaware, whether they are living or dead.
What do MERR’s education programs cover?
MERR’s education and outreach programs cover marine mammals, sea turtles, habitat conservation, and endangered species for schools and groups.
How can volunteers help?
Volunteers can help with data reporting, educational programs, membership correspondence, response and rescue work, and the annual dolphin count.
How does the annual dolphin count work?
Volunteers stand at pre-designated observation points from Fenwick Island to Woodland Beach and record one-hour counts of local Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins in July.
What is the symbolic dolphin adoption program?
The program lets people symbolically adopt, and sometimes name, a dolphin. The proceeds support MERR’s rescue, response, and rehabilitation work.
Similar nonprofits
Other wildlife preservation & protection nonprofits in DE.