GOMESA Application Details
- Internal Project Number
- 1328
- 1. Title of Project
- Dolphin and Sea Turtle Hospital and Enhancement of Rehabilitation Facilities at IMMS
- 2. Location of Project
- 10801 Dolphin Lane, Gulfport, MS 39503
- 3. Requesting Organization
- Institute for Marine Mammal Studies, Inc.
- 4a. Name
- Moby Solangi, Ph.D.
- 4b. Position
- 4c. Phone Number
- 228-896-9182
- 4d. Fax Number
- 4e. Address Line 1
- 10801 Dolphin Lane
- 4e. Address Line 2
- 4e. City, State Zip
- Gulfport, MS 39503
- 4f. Email
- moby@imms.org
- 5. FundingRequested
- $2,850,000
- Awarded Amount:
- 6. Other State or Federal Funding Sources
- Yes
- 7a. Amount of Additional Funds
- $4,000,000
- 7b. Source of Additional Funds
- CONGRESSIONAL FUNDS/NOAA and GOMESA
- 8. Total Project Funds Amount
- $6,850,000
- 9. Project Description/Overview
- The north central Gulf of Mexico is home to endangered and protected species such as bottlenose dolphins, West Indian manatees, as well as sea turtles. These species are all at risk to both anthropogenic and natural threats such as pollution, boat strikes, infectious diseases, fisheries interactions, and natural disasters – making necessary the creation of rehabilitation centers to rescue and treat sick and injured marine mammals and sea turtles. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) is a marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation facility, strategically located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. IMMS has been involved in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals and sea turtles since 1984, and IMMS’ staff along with veterinarians from MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine have the necessary experience and capabilities to conduct rescues and rehabilitation activities within this region as well as coordinating with both State and Federal agencies. Following the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Oil Spill in 2010, IMMS built a rehabilitation center to house sick and injured sea turtles and dolphins. This structure was originally intended to be temporary and allow IMMS to respond to the spill alone; however, it has become an important part of our mission due to so much need. We were able to keep the temporary structure functioning for more than its original intent, however, it was severely damaged during Hurricane Zeta in 2020 and is in need of repair. Since 2010, IMMS has responded to several stranded dolphins, whales, and over 1,000 live sea turtle strandings in Mississippi, in addition, we have and continue to the rehabilitate a large number of cold-stunned sea turtles which were flown to Gulfport from the New England Aquarium in Massachusetts. Many of the stranded turtles admitted to the facility require year round care. Therefore, IMMS is in need of a permanent and enhanced dolphin and sea turtle hospital and rehabilitation facility to provide better conditions for sick and injured dolphins and sea turtles that over-winter. With an enhanced hospital and rehabilitation facility, IMMS will be able to provide care and treatment for a larger number of dolphins and sea turtles. Moreover, with an enhanced rehabilitation center, IMMS will be able to provide a large number of sea turtle and dolphins extensive care during environmental disasters (e.g., oil spills, blue-green algal blooms, red tide, river diversions).
- 10. Project Goals/Objectives
- 1. To provide a permanent and enhanced dolphin and sea turtle hospital and rehabilitation facility to provide better conditions for sick and injured dolphins and sea turtles. 2. With an enhanced rehabilitation center, IMMS will be able to provide a large number of sea turtle and dolphins extensive care during environmental disasters (e.g., oil spills, blue-green algal blooms, red tide, river diversions).
- 11. Which of the following authorized uses set forth in the GOMESA Act does this project fall under?
- (A) Projects and activities for the purpose of coastal protection, including conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetlands losses
- (B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.
- Yes: Respond to sick, injured, and dead marine mammals and sea turtles in Mississippi
- (C) Implementation of a federally-approved marine, coastal, or conservation management plan.
- (D) Mitigation of the impact of Outer Continental Shelf activities through funding of onshore infrastructure projects.
- 12. Project Timetable/Milestones
- 2 years. Planning-2 months Architectural and Engineering- 6 months Site work- 2 months Construction-18 months Equipment installation-6 months Operation permitting- 2 months
- 13. Project Timing
- Short-term
- 14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):
- Other Planning Phase Funds Not Budgeted
- 15. In what way does this project meet the goals and objectives of the Department of Marine Resources, which includes enhancing, protecting and conserving the marine interest of Mississippi for present and future generations?
- The north central Gulf of Mexico is home to endangered and protected species such as bottlenose dolphins, West Indian manatees, as well as sea turtles. These species are all at risk to both anthropogenic and natural threats such as pollution, boat strikes, infectious diseases, fisheries interactions, and natural disasters – making necessary the creation of rehabilitation centers to rescue and treat sick and injured marine mammals and sea turtles. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) is a marine mammal and sea turtle rehabilitation facility, strategically located on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. IMMS has been involved in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals and sea turtles since 1984, and IMMS’ staff along with veterinarians from MSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine have the necessary experience and capabilities to conduct rescues and rehabilitation activities within this region as well as coordinating with both State and Federal agencies. Following the Deepwater Horizon (DWH) Oil Spill in 2010, IMMS built a rehabilitation center to house sick and injured sea turtles and dolphins. This structure was originally intended to be temporary and allow IMMS to respond to the spill alone; however, it has become an important part of our mission due to so much need.
- 16. Estimated Years To Completion
- 2
- 17. Estimated Completion Date
- 12/31/2026
- Budget:
- Salaries,Wages, Fringe
- $151,393
- Travel
- $14,250
- Architecture & Engineering
- $143,640
- Legal
- $5,700
- Consulting
- $15,960
- Construction
- $2,052,000
- Site Work
- $113,573
- Equipment
- $270,750
- Indirects
- $82,734
- Other
- Total
- $2,850,000
- Application Submission Date
- 02/07/2025
- Fiscal Year
- 2026
- Project Status
- Application Status
- Submitted
- Meets Criteria
- Internal Notes:
- Attachments:
- Hyperlink:
- Attachments