Emergency Phone Numbers

As you’re out and about, keep an eye out for signs of pollution like oil spills, sewage discharges, and dumping. If you encounter an incident, please report it to the appropriate authority first, then share it with us as well. One of the best ways to do that is through Water Reporter. We can also be reached at 207-799-8574 or keeper [at] cascobay [dot] org. Our office is open Monday – Friday, 8:30 am – 5 pm.

Search and Rescue Emergencies

Contact the US Coast Guard for maritime emergencies on the Bay and search and rescue needs by using VHF-FM Channel 16 (156.8 MHz), dialing 911, or calling (207) 767-0303.

Injured or Dead Animals

If you see injured birds or wildlife, keep your distance and contact the appropriate authority listed below. If the animal reacts to your presence, you are too close. Ask other people in the area to stay away, and keep dogs at a safe distance. Note the animal’s size, markings, body condition, and whether or not there are any wounds. Take a photo if you can. Note the location of the animal and any significant landmarks.

Marine Mammals

If you see a stranded or dead mammal, such as a seal pup or a whale, contact the Marine Mammals of Maine’s hotline. Follow the same instructions as above.

Marine Mammals of Maine: 1-800-532-9551

Birds and Wildlife

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife, Public Information Office: 207-287-8000.

Center for Wildlife: 207-361-1400

Avian Haven: 207-382-6761

Red Tide Hotline

To find out about the latest shellfish closures, contact the Maine Department of Marine Resources: 800-232-4733

Oil Spill Emergencies

If you see an oil spill or a sheen on the water, please call both the US Coast Guard National Response Center and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).

Coast Guard National Response Center: 800-424-8802

DEP’s 24 hour Oil Spill Response Line: 800-482-0777

Then, call us at (207) 799-8574

Sewage Discharges from Boats

Casco Bay is a No Discharge Area. If you see or suspect sewage releases from boats in the Bay, contact the Bureau of Marine Patrol and DEP.

Bureau of Marine Patrol, Department of Marine Resources: 207-633-9595

Fill out the Maine DEP environmental complaint form or call: 207-287-7688

Hypodermic Needles/Syringes

The discovery of a carelessly discarded syringe can occur almost anywhere. Whether it is on a beach or in a city park, discarded syringes pose a threat of infection or disease.

NEVER pick up a syringe, as it can contain pathogens. This is what you should do if you encounter a discarded syringe:

Don’t touch it.
Report it by completing one of the following actions:
- If it is on a beach staffed with a lifeguard or a park with staff, report it to them.
- In Portland, use the City’s reporting tool See Click Fix and select “needle pickup.”
- Call a local enforcement agency (police or town hall) and ask if they can send someone with a biohazard disposal kit.
- Report it to the Department of Environmental Protection at 800-482-0777
If it is necessary to leave the location, mark it somehow for future identification.
If you are pricked by a needle, call Maine Center for Disease Control at 800-821-5821 and ask to speak to an epidemiologist.

Stormwater Pollution

Storm drains empty into Casco Bay. Never dump waste into storm drains. If you see a violation please report it to your city or town public works or water quality department.

Large Debris or Other Non-Emergency Concerns

The local harbormaster should be notified if there is debris that needs to be addressed. Find them here, or by searching on your municipality’s website.

US Coast Guard Sector Northern New England is an important entity to inform if there is debris or other concerns, even when they are not an immediate emergency. The non emergency number to reach the Coast Guard is (207) 767-0302.

Cover photo: Photograph by Kevin Morris