FLORIDA PANHANDLE
MARINE INSTITUTE
FLORIDA PANHANDLE
MARINE INSTITUTE
It is the mission of Florida Panhandle Marine Institute (FPMI) formerly known as Gulf World Marine Institute (GWMI) to:
1) lead, assist, and manage the recovery and rehabilitation of stranded, sick, or injured marine mammals and sea turtles,
2) serve as an environmental educational tool for the local and national community,
3) help facilitate marine and oceanographic research on a local and national level.
If you see a stranded or deceased dolphin, whale or sea turtle, please immediately report to Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission, 1-888-404-3922.
You will be speaking with a dispatch operator. Please have a description of the animal’s size, condition, location, and other important information ready. Please also report if you see a dolphin, whale or sea turtle acting suspiciously, beaching themselves, or carrying fishing wire entanglements. We very much appreciate your assistance in keeping our animals safe!
marine mammal reports
in 2026
sea turtles
in 2026
(*aiding partner facilities)
TOTAL MARINE MAMMALS
(since 1996)
TOTAL SEA TURTLES
(since 1996)
March has been a bit…’mad’ (crazy) for the team with the Florida Panhandle Marine Institute. Today, FPMI staff, volunteers, and…
PC Mayor Allan Branch speaks at Florida Panhandle Marine Institute press conference BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) – When Gulf World…
Florida Panhandle Marine Institute cold stun update – This weekend’s cold snap brought in over 300 more cold-stunned sea turtles!…
On Friday, December 5, 2025, at 8:30 am central time, the Florida Panhandle Marine Institute (formerly Gulf World Marine Institute)…
A rehabilitated sea turtle was released back into the Gulf this morning as the Florida Panhandle Marine Institute announced its…
We extend our deepest gratitude to Paws In Paradise Animal Hospital at Inlet Beach for recently supporting the rehabilitation efforts…
We are happy to announce the release of an adult female Kemp’s ridley sea turtle Gulf World Marine Institute (GWMI)…
Meet “Betsy!” Affectionately nicknamed “Squeak” for his/her adorably tiny size, Betsy is a juvenile green turtle that was found on…
When Northwest Florida saw snowfall for the first time in decades earlier this year, sea turtles were also impacted! Twelve…
Update: February 2021 Cold-stunned sea turtle strandings in New England have largely stopped for the 2020 season, and Gulf World…
Update: February 2021 Cold-stunned sea turtle strandings in New England have largely stopped for the 2020 season, and Gulf World…
In case you missed it, here are some photos from Chester’s release on Thursday, October 24, 2019.
Gulf World to Release 3 Cold-Stunned Turtles from New England Aquarium at St. George Island State Park Thursday, June 13th…
Gulf World Marine Institute received 54 cold-stunned Kemp’s ridley sea turtles and six green cold stunned sea turtles from the…
“Kermit” was brought to Gulf World Marine Institute on May 9, 2018 from St. Joseph Peninsula State Park. This loggerhead…
Drax, a loggerhead sea turtle was brought to Gulf World Marine Institute on June 6, 2018 by a representative of…
Gulf World Marine Institute is honored that Joyful Fine Art is supporting our efforts. This beautiful painting called “Unaware” is…
Update on “Mantis”: after being brought to GWMI on August 6th, Mantis has continued a steady improvement. Mantis has been…
In honor of International Coastal Clean-up Day, Gulf World Marine Institute teamed up to make a difference. Gulf World Marine…
Paddy, a juvenile green sea turtle was released into the Gulf of Mexico on Tuesday, July 17th 2018 promptly at…
In early January 2018, Gulf World Marine Institute participated in the second-largest sea turtle cold stunning event of the state’s…
Gulf World Marine Institute officially receives National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI Worldwide) Environmental Enrichment Award. Danny Grizzard, long time local…
In April of 2010, the northern Gulf of Mexico was subject to the largest marine oil disaster in United States…
In January of 2010, the state of Florida experienced a cold-stun event significantly larger than any in US history. Multiple species…
Florida Panhandle Marine Institute, Inc (FPMI), a 501c3 non-profit, is accepting applications for new volunteers. Volunteers with FPMI are crucial in the continued success of the program. We invite you to apply with us here. Please note, due to the nature of the ever-changing rescue and rehabilitation work conducted at FPMI, it may take us a bit of time to review your application and get back in touch with you!
