NC Aquariums team honored by NOAA for protecting endangered right whales
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — The North Carolina Aquariums Marine Mammal Stranding Team has been recognized by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for its work protecting one of the world’s rarest whale species.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded the North Carolina Aquariums Marine Mammal Stranding Team (NCAMMST) its 2025 Partner in the Spotlight Award, recognizing the team’s contributions to the recovery of the critically endangered North Atlantic right whale.
According to NOAA, the award honors organizations that have made exceptional efforts to advance recovery efforts for the species, which has an estimated population of just 384 individuals remaining.
“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 Hap Fatzinger, director of the North Carolina Aquariums. “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 migrate along the North Carolina coast each year between November and April. During the winter months, many travel south to the southeastern United States to give birth before returning to feeding grounds off the northeastern U.S. and Canada in the summer.
The NC Aquariums Marine Mammal Stranding Team responds to stranded whales, dolphins, porpoises, seals and manatees in North Carolina’s northern and central coastal and estuarine waters. The team works alongside several 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.
The team is led by Dr. Victoria Thayer, North Carolina’s marine mammal state stranding coordinator. She works alongside marine mammal stranding biologist Jill Sullivan and Jennette’s Pier marine mammal stranding coordinator Marina Doshkov to respond to stranded marine mammals across the state.
Officials said the three marine mammal stranding positions have historically been funded through the John H. Prescott Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Grant. Beginning in September 2026, those positions will be fully supported by the NC Aquarium Society, the nonprofit partner of the North Carolina Aquariums.
Anyone who spots a stranded dolphin, porpoise, whale, seal or manatee is encouraged to contact the appropriate 24-hour North Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline:
- Northern Coast: 252-455-9654
- Central Coast: 252-252-5119
- Southern Coast: 910-515-7354
