Pacific Marine Mammal Center

Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) is a nonprofit marine mammal teaching hospital based in Laguna Beach, California. The organization rescues, rehabilitates, and releases marine mammals — primarily pinnipeds common to southern California — while also conducting scientific research and providing educational programs to students and the broader community.

PMMC's research initiatives cover topics including fisheries interactions, single-use plastics and microplastics, whale and dolphin health assessments, sea lion cancer and DDT off southern California, climate change impacts on marine ecosystems, and the effects of domoic acid on marine mammals. In 2024, the center rescued 290 patients, educated over 30,000 students, and logged more than 38,000 volunteer hours.