Marine Response Unit
The Marine Response Unit is fighting for Victoria's marine animals on the frontline.
The Marine Response Unit is Victoria's first dedicated marine unit, responding to calls for assistance involving seals, turtles, seabirds and other marine wildlife in Victorian waters.
Found a marine animal needing help? Call 1300 245 MRU (1300 245 678)
We rely on the community to act as our eyes and ears. It's important that you call the Marine Response Unit if you see an injured or distressed marine animal on Victoria's coastline.
Launched in October 2013, the Marine Response Unit has undertaken more than 1900 cases and intervened in more than 800 situations where there was a marine animal in distress.
Success for the Marine Response Unit is returning marine animals to the wild, not keeping them in captivity.
While the unit responds to all calls involving wildlife, it predominately deals with cases involving seals.
Seals are a common sight in Victorian waters and on Victorian beaches, however, it is important to remember they are wild animals and can be dangerous if they feel threatened.
If necessary, animals rescued by the Marine Response Unit are brought back to Melbourne Zoo for assessment and treatment by the veterinary team and may undergo a period of rehabilitation at the zoo.
The Marine Response Unit is supported by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) and Parks Victoria.