FKMMRT is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer based organization that responds to stranded whales and dolphins in the Florida Keys from Key West to Grassy Key.  Founded in 2001, key designees and volunteers have been with the NMFS Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program for over 10 years.  

FKMMRT is committed to excellence in animal care through rehabilitation and return to the wild, alleviating pain and suffering, and expanding our knowledge of treatment and care.  The organization strives to increase the success rate of rehabilitated and released cetaceans in the Florida Keys, to continually improve techniques and training, and build teamwork within the organization as well as with other organizations in our area.

Stranding Program History

The Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972 began the history of stranding networks. Authority over marine mammals was given to the U.S. government whereby the taking of parts from carcasses was only by authorized individuals and the animals were protected from being captured or harassed. In 1977, the Marine Mammal Commission met to discuss the business of marine mammal strandings and recommended a National Stranding Alert Network. National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) soon established the first nationwide team of stranding networks broken down into six regions. In the late 1980's, NMFS established the Marine Mammal Health and Stranding Response Program (MMHSRP) in response to concerns about marine mammals washing ashore. In 1992, amendments to the MMPA were made and NMFS was designated as the lead agency for the MMHSRP.

Through a Letter of Authorization (LOA) from NMFS, FKMMRT has the authority to respond to marine mammal strandings in Monroe County, Florida, which is mainly made up of a chain of islands known as the Florida Keys. FKMMRT's main response area stretches 60 miles along US Highway 1 from Key West to Grassy Key and also includes the islands making up the Dry Tortugas west of Key West. The islands of the Florida Keys are mostly bordered by mangrove trees and coral rock, so very few beaches exist along these islands. The majority of strandings occur off the main chain of islands in shallow waters or mud/grass flats.