Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network Volunteer Addendum

Note: Please send Orca Network the complete Volunteer form and this addendum if you’re interested in volunteering with the Marine Mammal Stranding Network.

(Must reside in our response area (Whidbey and Camano Islands (Island County), 12/29/20 Skagit, and North Snohomish Counties)

Volunteers for the Central Puget Sound Marine Mammal Stranding Network (CPSMMSN) are trained to respond to reports from the public about stranded or dead marine mammals on the shorelines of Island, Skagit and North Snohomish Counties. We investigate the animals in order to determine cause of death or injury and educate the public on the beach and at special events about the animals to reduce negative interaction between the marine mammals and the public and to raise awareness and appreciation of local marine life.

Responses range from “seal sitting” of newborn pups to necropsies on large whales. The class is based on the workbook from the National Marine Fisheries Service/NOAA, Protected Resources Division, with addenda from our own experience, with lots of photos so you can identify species, determine age and gender and describe type of wounds, stage of decomposition, extent of scavenging and to properly fill out the Level A report.

What is your interest in joining the CPSMMSN? Such as: seal pup monitoring, educating the public on the beach (hands clean), examining and/or collecting dead animals (dirty and smelly work), requiring thorough examination including photos and notes, assisting with necropsies - for those CSI fans (smelly and gory work at times) and possible reconstruction of skeletons.

Orca Network’s Marine Mammal Stranding Network staff will follow up and provide you with information
on upcoming training sessions and questions you may have.