January 25, 2019 — While many federal agencies that regulate wildlife have had to stop working during the government shutdown, the Marine Mammal Stranding Center continues to rescue and treat animals in waterways across the state.
The nonprofit rescue and rehabilitation center has a permit and authorization from the state and federal governments, but operates with its own paid staff and volunteers to respond to strandings of whales, dolphins, seals and sea turtles.
All funding comes through donations, memberships and its own fundraising efforts.
“I feel for the people that are being furloughed and can’t collect a paycheck, but it doesn’t affect what we’re doing,” founder Bob Schoelkopf said.
The center is currently looking after three seals it rescued during the shutdown from Beach Haven, Long Branch and Harvey Cedars.
Typically, the Stranding Center would also have to submit its final health report to the National Marine Fisheries Service when releasing an animal. Even though the service won’t be around to process the material, the center said it will continue to follow procedure.