How To Report a Stranding in Whatcom Co. Volunteer Opportunities Other Pacific Coast Stranding Networks How to Make a Donation to WMMSN What are the laws, and why are they in place? What sorts of data do we record? About WMMSN Mission Statement Marine Mammal Species in Whatcom Co. Our Sponsors WMMSN Home

Are you interested in volunteering for the Whatcom Marine Mammal Stranding Network?  We have several types of volunteer opportunities that are fun and interesting, and would also help the WMMSN achieve its mission!  Please read the options listed below.  If you would like to sign up as a volunteer, or have any questions, contact Bob Ryerson via e-mail or by phone at 360-758-4124.   Stranding Response Team:  Become part of the trained team of volunteers who respond to reports of stranded marine mammals.  Requires completion of an 8-hour training course.  Training Courses are offered quarterly, and offer instruction on how to: 1.  Identify marine mammals common in the region, 2.  Recognize and document various types of human interaction,  and 3. Fill out and file "Level A" incident response forms.   Necropsy Technician:  Assist in lab-based or field-based necropsies of dead stranded marine mammals.  Requires completion of "Stranding Response Team" training course AND 4-hour necropsy training session (offered as the need arises).  We routinely conduct necropsies (i.e., dissections) on fresh-dead and even not-so-fresh-dead marine mammals in an effort to determine the cause of death.  While it is certainly true that there is a back-ground level of normal, natural mortality, we frequently find animals that have been killed accidentally (hit and killed by boat propellers) or intentionally (shot).  In addition, there are occasionally outbreaks of diseases that kill marine mammals.  These cases are of particular importance because of the possibility of the disease "jumping" from the marine mammal hosts to people, domestic pets, or livestock (see references under "How to Report a Stranding in Whatcom Co.").    Education and Outreach:  Do you like working with the public?  Teaching in local science classrooms?  Then help us develop and implement our Education and Outreach program!  Although we recommend that you first take the "Stranding Response Team" training course, it is NOT a requirement.