CONSERVATION IN ACTION

Protecting Marine Life. Advancing Ocean Health.
Empowering Communities.

CONSERVATION
IN ACTION

Protecting Marine Life.
Advancing Ocean Health.
Empowering Communities.

CONSERVATION

IN ACTION

Protecting Marine Life.
Advancing Ocean Health.
Empowering Communities.

The Marine Animal Response Society (MARS) is a Canadian conservation organization and registered charity dedicated to protecting marine life, advancing ocean health, and empowering communities to make a difference.

Our small and mighty team is the front line of marine animal response in the Maritime Provinces, answering calls throughout the region via the MARS Hotline 365 days a year. Every call we answer, and every response we deploy, is rooted in conservation, recovery, and stewardship of marine animals and ocean ecosystems.

Your support makes it all possible.

Every day, our expert team and network of volunteers and partners across Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island stand ready to help marine animals in need — from stranded whales to injured seals and entangled sharks. When animals can’t be saved, we learn from them, uncovering vital clues about the health of our ocean and the animals that call it home. Alongside our on-the-ground work, we conduct vital research, join forces with partners near and far, and speak up for conservation — working every day toward a future where marine animals, people, and the ocean can thrive together.

At the heart of our work is a deep commitment to:

  • Science-based conservation and the protection and recovery of Canada’s natural marine heritage
  • The welfare and respectful handling of marine animals
  • Timely, effective and appropriate response that prioritizes the safety of our responders and the public
  • Working together with local communities — including Indigenous and coastal partners — to share knowledge, learn from one another, and strengthen ocean stewardship.

At the heart of our work is a deep commitment to:

  • Science-based conservation and the protection and recovery of Canada’s natural marine heritage
  • The welfare and respectful handling of marine animals
  • Timely, effective and appropriate response that prioritizes the safety of our responders and the public
  • Working together with local communities — including Indigenous and coastal partners — to share knowledge, learn from one another, and strengthen ocean stewardship.

WHAT WE DO

Rapid Response

MARS provides the public with immediate access to experts 365 days a year via the toll-free MARS Emergency Hotline to report all incidents involving marine animals, making the best and most informed decisions for every incident, ensuring safety for the animals and humans involved.

Explore Stranding and Response

Conducting Research

MARS studies reported animals, collecting data and samples that drive scientific research to better understand marine animal health as well as threats like climate change, vessel strikes, entanglements and pollution.

Explore Research and Report

Conservation and Advocacy

MARS actively advocates for species protection, marine conservation and law and policy change by participating in government processes and contributing to Canada’s national and international commitments to safeguarding biodiversity, protecting oceans and ensuring the sustainable use of ocean resources.

The MARS Lab

MARS operates Atlantic Canada’s first and only dedicated marine animal necropsy facility, the MARS Lab, to study the animals and help determine cause of death, collect critical biological data, and support national and international research on marine species and ocean health, all in a safe state-of-the-art facility.

Training – Marine Medic Course

MARS leads training and response capacity-building efforts nationwide, including delivering Canada’s only internationally recognized Marine Animal Medic Course for live response.

Explore Training and Education

Community Engagement and Stewardship

MARS provides meaningful opportunities for local communities and partners — including Indigenous and coastal groups — to engage with us in understanding, protecting, and advocating for marine wildlife and broader ocean conservation, working together as responsible stewards of our shared waters.

Rapid Response

MARS provides the public with immediate access to experts 365 days a year via the toll-free MARS Emergency Hotline to report all incidents involving marine animals, making the best and most informed decisions for every incident, ensuring safety for the animals and humans involved.

Explore Stranding and Response

Conducting Research

MARS studies reported animals, collecting data and samples that drive scientific research to better understand marine animal health as well as threats like climate change, vessel strikes, entanglements and pollution.

Explore Research and Report

Conservation and Advocacy

MARS actively advocates for species protection, marine conservation and law and policy change by participating in government processes and contributing to Canada’s national and international commitments to safeguarding biodiversity, protecting oceans and ensuring the sustainable use of ocean resources.

The MARS Lab

MARS operates Atlantic Canada’s first and only dedicated marine animal necropsy facility, the MARS Lab, to study the animals and help determine cause of death, collect critical biological data, and support national and international research on marine species and ocean health, all in a safe state-of-the-art facility.

Training – Marine Medic Course

MARS leads training and response capacity-building efforts nationwide, including delivering Canada’s only internationally recognized Marine Animal Medic Course for live response.

Explore Training and Education

Community Engagement and Stewardship

MARS provides meaningful opportunities for local communities and partners — including Indigenous and coastal groups — to engage with us in understanding, protecting, and advocating for marine wildlife and broader ocean conservation, working together as responsible stewards of our shared waters.

OUR IMPACT

operator
7000

Hotline calls received since 2001

dolpseal
3400

Animals responded to since 2014

volunteer
1500

People trained throughout the Maritimes

MARS-Calendar-icon
26

Years of impact

VOICE FROM OUR COMMUNITY

“MARS has successfully pulled together various professional resources and their expertise in this region in order to increase awareness of the importance of marine mammals and of the vital role that these animals play as sentinels of the marine environment. Its positive influence has gone much beyond the Maritimes provinces, and it has undoubtedly become a very well recognized and respected organization at the national and international levels.“

Jeremy WhiteFounder & Alesmith Big Spruce Brewing

“For more than 20 years, MARS has provided a reliable source of information and action for citizens who find marine life in trouble. There is no other comparable resource to MARS’ emergency helpline; and when someone comes across a stranded whale, or injured sea turtle, they have nowhere else to call. The reality of the situation is that problems like these are not just public safety issues, but also bring to light the human impact on our marine ecosystems.“

Hope SwinimerFounder, Hope for Wildlife Society

“Over many years, MARS has successfully pulled together various professional resources and their expertise in this region in order to increase awareness of the importance of marine mammals and of the vital role that these animals play as sentinels of the marine environment. Its positive influence has gone much beyond the Maritimes provinces, and it has undoubtedly become a very well recognized and respected organization at the national and international levels.“

Pierre-Yves DaoustProfessor Emeritus of Anatomic Pathology and Wildlife Pathology / Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative

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