What To Do If You See a Stranded Dolphin on the Beach
Just Hyke: For Women Who Are Ready to Hike Their Way to Strength, Confidence, and Adventure · Melanie @ Just Hyke
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Show Notes
In this powerful conservation-focused episode, Melanie speaks with Bridgette San Marcos, the Head of Education & Outreach for the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (TMMSN).
Together they explore how dolphins live, communicate, and thrive along the Texas coastline—and what you should do if you ever come across a stranded dolphin or marine mammal on the beach.
This episode blends science, safety, compassion, and the heart of Just Hyke’s mission: empowering everyday outdoor explorers to protect the wild places and creatures we share the world with.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
What “stranding” actually means
Bridgette explains the different types of strandings and why marine mammals may end up sick, injured, or disoriented along our coasts.
Exactly what to do if you encounter a stranded dolphin
You’ll learn the step-by-step instructions for responding safely and legally—including the one number every Texan should save: 1-800-9-MAMMAL.
(Don’t push it back into the water. Don’t try to feed it. Don’t pour water on the blowhole. Bridgette explains why!)
The biggest mistakes well-meaning beachgoers make
From crowding around the animal to attempting “rescue” on their own, Bridgette breaks down why these actions can actually cause harm.
How dolphins communicate and work together
A look into social behavior, coastal dolphin families, and how human activity affects them.
Why beach ethics connect to trail ethics
The same respect we bring to hiking—Leave No Trace, awareness, responsibility—applies directly to our coastlines. This episode beautifully bridges (no pun intended!) your conservation focus from forest to coast.
How YOU can support marine wildlife conservation
Volunteer opportunities, citizen reporting, educational programs, and small things you can do every time you visit the beach.
📞 Save This Number (Seriously): 1-800-9-MAMMAL
If you ever see a stranded dolphin, whale, or manatee on the Texas coast, call the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network immediately: 1-800-9-MAMMAL (1-800-962-6625)
Your call could save a life.
About the Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network
The TMMSN is a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and researching marine mammals along the Texas coastline.
Learn more: https://www.tmmsn.org
Connect with Today’s Guest
Bridgette San Marcos Head of Education & Outreach Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network
Website: https://www.tmmsn.org Instagram/Facebook: @texasmarinemammalstrandingnetwork Volunteer info: https://www.tmmsn.org/volunteer
Support the Show & the Just Hyke Mission
If you loved this episode, please: • Follow the podcast • Leave a rating or review • Share the episode with a friend or hiking group • Screenshot and tag @JustHyke on Instagram so we can say hi!
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