Our Approach
The future of the world’s dolphins, porpoises, whales, and other marine mammals depends on bold science and hands-on action. At the National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF), we combine veterinary expertise, innovative research, and global partnerships to address today’s most urgent challenges. From advancing medical care and protecting endangered species to rescuing stranded animals and responding to environmental crises, we’re working every day to safeguard marine mammals and the oceans they call home.
Our Mission and Vision
Our mission—to improve and protect life for marine mammals, humans, and the world’s oceans through science, service, and education—is shared by a team of compassionate, caring, and creative individuals. Through innovative discoveries, our scientists, veterinarians, animal care specialists/trainers, and educators are enriching the lives of marine mammals and inspiring a greater public commitment to ocean conservation.
Today, marine mammals face many challenges in our changing oceans, including pollution, noise, habitat destruction, unsustainable fishing practices, and resurging and emerging diseases. We are committed to initiating cutting edge research that addresses these challenges as well as marine mammal health and aging, a changing environment, negative human interactions, and innovative approaches to conservation.
How we advance our mission
- Conduct innovative research that benefits the conservation and care of marine mammals around the world.
- Collaborate with the world’s top scientists and institutions to translate our research into applicable medicine and species conservation.
- Support the U.S. Navy’s ability to provide exceptional care and training of their marine mammals, and support NOAA’s ability to respond to wild marine mammals in need of rescue and care.
- Develop unique educational opportunities to shape the next generation of marine mammal scientists, trainers, and veterinarians.
- Create inspirational outreach programs to share NMMF research discoveries and marine mammal expertise.
- Foster an environment that creatively, effectively, and positively shapes marine mammal conservation, medicine, and research efforts worldwide.
