RALEIGH, N.C. — There are only 384 of them left in the world, making every single North Atlantic right whale incredibly precious. Now, the team that helps protect these giants swimming off North Carolina's coast has been honored for its life-saving work.
The North Carolina Aquariums Marine Mammal Stranding Team recently received NOAA's 2025 Partner in the Spotlight Award, recognizing exceptional efforts to support the recovery of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale. NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is the federal agency that oversees ocean and atmospheric health.
"Congratulations to our North Carolina Aquariums Marine Mammal Stranding Team for the award and for their success in contributing to the recovery of the North Atlantic right whale," said North Carolina Aquariums Director Hap Fatzinger. "We are honored to work with so many passionate and dedicated professionals all making a difference to save this amazing species."
North Atlantic right whales make a remarkable journey each year, migrating along the North Carolina coast between November and April. During winter, many travel south to the southeastern United States to give birth before heading back to feeding grounds in the northeastern U.S. and Canada.
The stranding team responds when whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals, or manatees get into trouble along North Carolina's northern and central coastline. They work alongside partners including the University of North Carolina Wilmington, the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina State University, and the Bonehenge Whale Center.
This work is especially urgent given how few right whales remain. The species has been on the brink of extinction, and scientists consider any help for individual whales meaningful progress.
Starting in September 2026, the team will get a boost: three marine mammal stranding positions will be fully funded by the NC Aquarium Society, after previously being supported through federal grant funding. That means the team can keep responding to strandings without worrying about losing staff.
Anyone who spots a stranded whale, dolphin, porpoise, seal, or manatee is encouraged to contact North Carolina's 24-hour Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline for their region. Quick reports help responders reach animals in time.
For a species with only 384 individuals, every response matters.