By Associated Press - Friday, February 9, 2018

NANTUCKET, Mass. (AP) - Federal authorities say they have enlisted a marine mammal rescue agency to help fill a gap in responding to seal and whale strandings on Nantucket.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says it hasn’t had stranding coverage on Nantucket and the outer islands for four years. But the agency says it has hired Marine Mammal Rescue Nantucket to play that role.

Marine Mammal Rescue Nantucket will respond to live and dead whales, dolphins and seals in its new role. NOAA says the group will also assess and provide transportation for animals that need treatment, and perform necropsies when needed.

NOAA typically works with regional groups to help with marine mammal strandings. Nantucket is a key area for marine mammals because gray seals breed and pup there.

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