The idea of the Petersburg Marine Mammal Center began the summer 1997. The initial suggestion was brought up at a gathering of individuals interested in the economic development of the town of Petersburg, Alaska. A local business owner discussed a conversation they had with the traveling marine researcher Dr. Jim Darling and how he advised that, based on the town’s proximity to prime whale habitat, we should establish Petersburg as a center for marine studies.

Shortly after, several enthusiastic individuals met to consider the feasibility of such a venture. It was quickly determined that the development of the Petersburg Marine Mammal Center was an opportunity worthy of significant effort. The founders were motivated by the philosophy “build it and they will come.” Soon a Board of Directors was developed, the status of a nonprofit organization achieved, a local economic development grant received, enrollment of members began, and thus the Petersburg Marine Mammal Center, or PMMC for short, was formed.

Since its establishment in September 1998, our organization has grown to include a growing membership of both residents and non-residents and several organizations. We have been actively involved in research and education since our inception, and in 2008 we signed on to become an active member of the Alaska Marine Mammal Stranding Network, which means we have a team of volunteers trained to assist distressed large whales and marine mammals.

We currently focus on four core initiatives in the areas of Education, Outreach, Research and Marine Mammal Stranding Response.