It’s a moment that stops you in your tracks. Walking along the shoreline, you notice something unusual—a sea turtle resting on the sand, a dolphin at the water’s edge, or, in very rare cases, a whale washed ashore.
Sometimes the animal is clearly deceased. Other times, it may still be alive, exhausted, or in distress.
Along the Southern California coast, these events are uncommon but not unusual. Knowing what to do—and who to call—can make a real difference.
Long Beach’s Local Residents: The Green Sea Turtles
Many people are surprised to learn that Long Beach is home to a resident population of Pacific Green Sea Turtles.
These turtles live year-round in the warm-water outflow near the San Gabriel River, often visible from the bike path and nearby bridges. This is considered the northernmost resident population of Green Sea Turtles in the eastern Pacific.
Because they are year-round locals, seeing one stranded on the beach is especially difficult for the Long Beach community.
These turtles are protected under federal law, and every reported stranding helps rescue teams respond quickly and improve their chances of survival.
First: Keep Your Distance
If you encounter stranded marine life, the most important thing you can do is give the animal space.
Stay at least 50–100 yards away and keep pets and onlookers back. Marine mammals and sea turtles can experience extreme stress when approached, even if they appear calm.
It is also illegal to touch, move, or interfere with protected marine species, including whales, dolphins, seals, sea lions, and sea turtles.
Your role is to observe from a distance and report.
Who to Call in Long Beach and Southern California
If the animal is alive or in distress:
NOAA West Coast Marine Mammal Stranding Hotline
1-866-767-6114
For sea turtles, seals, sea lions, whales, or dolphins, this hotline connects you directly to trained rescue responders.
In early 2026, the Aquarium of the Pacific opened a brand-new Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Center right here in Long Beach. While the NOAA hotline should always be your first call, injured turtles can now receive advanced care locally—something that wasn’t possible until recently.
If the animal is deceased:
OARRA (Ocean Animal Response and Research Alliance)
949-276-2237
OARRA responds to deceased marine animals throughout Orange and Los Angeles County. Their work helps scientists track mortality trends, disease, and ocean health.
Do NOT Push the Animal Back Into the Water
Even if the animal appears alive, never attempt to return it to the ocean.
Stranded animals are often sick, injured, or severely exhausted. Forcing them back into the water can worsen their condition or prevent rescue teams from providing care.
Trained responders evaluate each situation carefully to determine the best outcome.
Why Marine Animals Wash Ashore
Strandings occur for many natural and environmental reasons.
Common causes include:
- Illness or toxin exposure: Harmful algal blooms can produce toxins that affect marine animals’ nervous systems, causing disorientation.
- Injury: Ship strikes, fishing gear entanglement, or predator interactions can weaken animals.
- Natural aging: Older animals may become too weak to remain offshore.
- Storms and ocean conditions: Strong currents and rough seas can push animals toward shore.
- Separation from their pod or mother: Young animals are especially vulnerable.
In many cases, strandings are part of natural ocean processes—but reporting them helps scientists understand broader environmental trends.
Marine Life Commonly Seen Stranded in Southern California
Southern California’s waters support an extraordinary range of marine life. Species occasionally found stranded include:
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Sea lions
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Harbor seals
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Dolphins
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Humpback whales
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Green sea turtles
Each stranding provides valuable insight into ocean health and marine ecosystems.
Marine mammals are considered sentinel species, meaning their health reflects the health of the ocean itself.
Sometimes, the Animal Is Simply Resting
Not every marine animal on the beach needs rescue.
Seals and sea lions frequently haul out to rest, regulate body temperature, or recover after feeding.
This is normal behavior.
If you’re unsure, the best course of action is always to report the sighting and let trained professionals assess the situation.
Why This Matters to Us at Harbor Breeze
On our cruises, we regularly see these animals at their peak health—feeding, traveling, and thriving in their natural environment.
Seeing one stranded is a powerful reminder of how important ocean conservation is.
It’s also why we follow strict wildlife viewing guidelines on every trip, maintaining safe distances and prioritizing the wellbeing of the animals above all else.
Every report, every rescue, and every responsible interaction helps protect the marine life that makes Southern California so special.
Quick Summary: What To Do
If you see stranded marine life in Long Beach or Southern California:
• Stay at least 50–100 yards away
• Keep pets and crowds back
• Do NOT touch, move, or feed the animal
• Call NOAA Stranding Hotline: 1-866-767-6114
• For deceased animals, call OARRA: 949-276-2237
• Provide location and condition if possible
Your call can help save an animal—or provide critical data that protects future marine life.
Experience Marine Life the Right Way
The best way to see whales, dolphins, and sea turtles is in their natural environment, where they belong.
Check our Latest Sightings Report or Book Your Trip to experience Southern California’s marine life responsibly and respectfully.