New York Marine Rescue Center

The mission of the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation (RFMRP) is to preserve and protect the marine environment through conservation efforts including education, rehabilitation, and research. We accomplish this through research efforts including the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of seals, sea turtles, whales, dolphins, and porpoises, and education outreach. Some of these species are critically endangered, and may become extinct in our lifetime. All are protected under New York State, Federal, and in some cases, International Law. We are the only organization authorized by New York State to carry on this important work in conserving marine mammals and sea turtles. As the only organization in New York State authorized to work with these animals by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), we are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of these marine mammals and sea turtles. The Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research and Preservation carries out this mission through various research efforts, including the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals and sea turtles, in addition to educational outreach. This is done by: *Establishing and maintaining a comprehensive data archive on marine species, particularly marine mammals and sea turtles, and their habitats in local waters through active field research and the stranding program *Encouraging conservation and stewardship of the marine environment through scientific findings and public education programs *Working with other environmental organizations such as National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Department of Environmental Conservation, the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, and more Founded in 1996, we are a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, and rely on the support of the public to carry out their mission. Support may come in the form of donations, animal adoptions, memberships, and volunteering.