Marine Mammal And Sea Turtle Stranding Efforts In Maryland     Cindy Driscoll1, Susan Knowles1, Tricia Litwiler1, David Schofield2   1Maryland Department of Natural Resources 904 South Morris Street Oxford, MD; 2National Aquarium In Baltimore 501 Pratt Street Baltimore, MD                                                                                                                           In 1990 the Maryland Department of Natural Resources (MD DNR) and the National Aquarium In Baltimore (NAIB) joined forces to form a marine mammal and sea turtle stranding network under the authorization of the National Marine Fisheries Service.  Stranding responsibilities in Maryland were divided along lines of expertise with live animal rescue conducted by NAIB and recovery of dead stranded animals performed by MD DNR.  Agencies assist each other on an as needed basis.   This cooperative endeavor has been successfully implemented for over ten years and has allowed  for the examination of over 500 animals many of which are threatened and endangered species in MD waters.  A conservation plan has been developed by MD DNR to address threats to marine mammals and sea turtles and to recommend actions for recovery of known species in Maryland waters.  Investigations into the cause(s) of death are conducted through necropsy examinations.  Clinical examination and treatment of rescued animals by NAIB enhance the knowledge of marine mammal and sea turtle medicine through thorough health assessment tools and diagnostics.  Satellite tracking of released animals has documented the successful reintroduction of rescued animals back to the wild.  Efforts of both agencies have led to significant advancements in conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles in the Mid-Atlantic region.