Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network

The Lowcountry Marine Mammal Network (LMMN) is a nonprofit based out of North Charleston that works to protect marine mammals (AKA dolphins, whales, and seals) along the South Carolina coastline. The organization works with South Carolina Marine Mammal Stranding Network (SCMMSN) administered by Coastal Carolina University to educate the public on healthy environments and feeding practices for marine mammals.

A large part of the organization is also dedicated to researching Bottlenose dolphins’ strand feeding habits, a phenomenon that only occurs in a few places around the world, one of which being Captain Sam’s Inlet between Seabrook Island and Kiawah Island. LMMN helps respond to stranded dolphins on the shoreline, rescuing those that are still alive and researching those that do not make it. They investigate the anatomy, physiology, distribution, disease and life history of the deceased mammals to get a clearer picture of what the act of strand feeding means to the dolphin species. They also spread awareness on this feeding practice to prevent humans from interacting with or disturbing the process, and thus allowing the animals to successfully eat and thrive.

As part of our Charity Partnership program, $1 from every order of oysters sold at Bowen’s Island Restaurant between May 19 and June 19 goes to LMMN!