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What to Do if You Find a Marine Animal in Trouble

Call the emergency number, 112

The Mediterranean Sea is home to many cetaceans, turtles, and sharks of great ecological value, which are responsible for maintaining the balance of the ecosystem. Some of them are seriously threatened, mainly due to the impacts caused by human activities.

Sailing or walking, you may find animals with problems, sick, injured, and even dead, so your collaboration is essential to protect marine fauna.

To do this, it is essential that you call the emergency number, 112, in order to activate the Stranding Network of the Comunitat Valenciana. Be patient before taking any action, as the rescue team of the Oceanogràfic Foundation and the Universitat de València will contact you to indicate the steps to follow.

When you find a marine animal in trouble

  • Do not enter the water

    Do not enter the water to help or remove a drifting net that may have become attached to the animal.

    This puts your life at risk.

  • Safety distance

    Maintain a safe distance.

  • Do not feed or handle

    Do not feed or handle the animal, as this may worsen its situation.

  • Avoid interfering

    In the case of animals entangled in marine debris, do not remove the debris from the affected area.

  • Record information

    Record as much information as possible.

    Take photos, videos, and remember the time, position, and direction of the animal.

  • Observe

    Try to identify the species. Its approximate size and weight, as well as its behavior.

Environmental practices

    • Espacio móvil de protección de cetáceos

      • En el espacio móvil de protección de cetáceos queda prohibido

      • En caso de aproximación a los animales