Dear RFMRP Supporters:

As a loyal RFMRP supporter, we are writing to inform you of some very exciting new developments at the Riverhead Foundation for Marine Research & Preservation (RFMRP).  As you may know, we are the sole facility in New York State authorized by the state and federal government to rehabilitate seals and sea turtles rescued from our local waters.  Over the last 23 years, RFMRP has responded to more than 5,000 stranded seals, sea turtles and cetaceans and has successfully rehabilitated and released more than 1,000 marine animals.

In recent years, we have seen a dramatic increase in the seal population in the northeast Atlantic. Seals currently have a very healthy and strong population, in part due to the ongoing conservation efforts of the RFMRP.  However, the sea turtles we rescue are all listed as threatened or endangered.  This is due to entanglement, coastal development, plastic and other marine debris, global warming, ocean pollution, human consumption and illegal trade.  Therefore, as a result of the increasing demands these population dynamics have placed on the RFMRP, as well as in response to ongoing challenges with increasing operating expenses and limited financial resources, we will be redirecting our efforts with an emphasis on conservation of our threatened and endangered sea turtle populations. 

There are seven different species of sea turtles in the world, all of which are endangered or threatened. Of those seven species, four species are known to inhabit New York’s waters: the Kemp’s ridley; loggerhead; leatherback; Atlantic green sea turtle.  Each year, RFMRP rehabilitates many sea turtles that are suffering from a condition called cold stunning. This hypothermic-like state occurs because sea turtles cannot regulate their internal temperature as they are cold-blooded.  Sea turtles that are not able to migrate to warmer waters in the winter become extremely sluggish and are pushed to the shoreline by strong winds.  Often these turtles appear deceased but are actually still alive and in desperate need of medical care.  We are dedicated to focusing our rescue efforts on increasing the survival rate and populations of these important species.  

With this new direction, we are rebranding our organization with a new name and logo to better reflect the work we do throughout all of New York State.  We will now be known as the New York Marine Rescue Center (NYMRC).   We are also planning to revitalize our rescue center tanks and equipment and to make renovations that will allow greater public viewing of the rescue center activities.  We do intend to continue responding to stranded seals as feasible and necessary and provide to emergency care to those in need.   All of these changes will allow us to have the strongest, most effective impact on these important marine conservation initiatives.

As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that relies solely on charitable support, sponsorships and grants, we wouldn’t be able to do the work we have done over the last 23 years without all you – so thank you so much for your continued support.  

Best regards,

Charles Bowman
President