NC Aquariums team honored by NOAA for protecting endangered right whalesA right whale breaches. 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. 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.