AUGUSTA – Beachcombers who spot a stranded whale, seal, porpoise or turtle along Maine’s coast can now bring in expert help by reporting the incident on a new 24-hour hot line: (800) 532-9551.

Created in partnership among the Maine Department of Marine Resources, College of the Atlantic, and University of New England, the hot line gives callers a chance to do something for an animal that seems to be suffering when the callers themselves don’t have the knowledge to attempt a rescue.

For example, reports of “abandoned” baby seals are common throughout the summer, as parents will leave a pup alone on a beach – often for hours – while they hunt for food. Biologists observe and don’t intervene until a seal has been stranded for 24 hours.

When an endangered right whale becomes entangled in fishing gear, however, biologists immediately begin the delicate work of freeing the behemoth.

In 2002, the automated hot line initially was created solely for reports of beached, dead or entangled whales, but this summer, the mission has been expanded to all marine animals. Funding for the hot line was provided by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

For more information, contact Laura Ludwig at DMR at 633-9513 or visit www.maine.gov/dmr.