Do you want to make a difference? If you share a love and concern for our local marine mammals, why not become a member of the WMMSN team of volunteers? Use this page to find one of the many ways you can help.
For more information about the Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding network & to register for our next training, give Cindi Nutter, our volunteer coordinator, a call at (360) 738-9655 or send an email to:
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We currently have openings for volunteer positions including:
STRANDING RESPONSE TEAM MEMBER
When a call comes in that a marine mammal is stranded, it is the Stranding Response Team that goes out to investigate. Their job is to:
Find the mammal in distress.
Establish a perimeter to prevent others from coming too close (to protect the animal and the people)
Collect data.
Consult with senior members of the organization.
Take action as instructed.
Fill out the appropriate paperwork.
To become a member of this team, you must have internet access and a phone number where you can be reached 24/7 & you must complete Stranding Response Volunteer Responder training to learn:
How to determine if an animal is in distress and what to do
Species identification of marine mammals common to this area
How to recognize and document various types of injuries and illnesses
What to do when inappropriate human interaction has occurred.
How to safely work in bio-hazardous conditions.
Determining and establishing a safe perimeter around marine mammals
Data and sample collection
Laws, regulations, and procedures to be followed when working with stranded or deceased marine mammals
What paperwork is required and how to fill it out.
Educating the public on marine mammal issues and safety
Transport and care of injured or distressed marine mammal
The training costs $35 and volunteers who complete this training will receive:
A certificate of completion
A binder with all necessary materials
A name tag identifying you as an "official responder"
NECROPSY TECHNICIAN
If you have an interest in biology, this position might be of interest to you. In order to better understand and improve our local marine environment, we often examine dead marine mammals that are found on our beaches. Especially when the cause appears to be something other than old age.
The goals of a necropsy are to:
Determine the cause of the animals death
Determine if human actions (possibly illegal actions) contributed to the animals death
Determine if there are biological concerns, resulting in the death of the animal an/or a possible threat to other animals and even to humans
To work as a Necropsy Technician you must first complete the Volunteer Responder Training and an additional training on Necropsy to be provided by the WMMSN.
EDUCATION AND OUTREACH VOLUNTEER
Education is a big part of what we do, both for ourselves and the public in general. We need volunteers who will:
Research and understand marine mammals.
Design and develop educational materials.
Contact schools and other groups and encourage them to let us provide educational opportunities.
Be a presenter, going into the schools and other venues.
Conduct educational events, such as tide walks and other field activities.
Put up signs, post notices, distribute press releases, hand out pamphlets.
No single person has the skills to do all this, but as a team we will be able to accomplish everything listed. We CAN make a difference and help people better understand the needs and concerns of our local marine mammals.
The Stranding Response Team training is not required for the Education and Outreach volunteers, but it would help.
GENERAL SUPPORT
There are many other ways you can help. Here are a few:
Help organize events
Assist with filing and general bookkeeping
Fundraising
Grant writing
Financial contributions
And we are open to hearing your ideas on how we can better serve both the community and our local marine environment.
