May 17, 2010 - New Volunteer Responder & refresher training:

This is the last scheduled training before pup season 2010. 

Do you have a love and concern for our local marine mammals?  Would you like to volunteer to make a difference in our community?  Register now to become a member of the WMMSN Stranding Response Team.  



At this training you will learn what is required for responding to a stranding including:

• Species identification of marine mammals common to this area
• How to recognize and document various types of injuries and illnesses
• Determining and establishing a safe perimeter around marine mammals
• 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

Volunteer Responder Training
Registration required:	To register, please call Bob Ryerson, Director of Volunteers at 360-306-1568 or email to:  volunteers@wmmsn.org
Class length:	1 session (approximately 3 hours)
Date:	May 17th
Time:	6:00 - 9:00 pm
Location:	Metcalf Hodges Building Conference Room at  770 East Holly St
Instructor:	Mariann Carrasco of WMMSN
Cost:	$25 for new volunteers.  Current volunteers may refresh training for free
	**WMMSN Tshirts ($20) and responder kits containing necessary response items ($15) will be available for purchase at the training.

Another Training Coming Up

Missed the last training session?  You're in luck!  We'll be having one more training session before the spring seal pupping season begins.  This training is for new volunteers and for existing volunteers who missed the previous refresher training.  Here's the scoop:

Volunteer Responder Training

Registration is required for new volunteers.  To register, please call Bob Ryerson, Director of Volunteers at 360-306-1568 or email to: volunteers@wmmsn.org


Class length: 1 session (approximately 3 hours)


Date: May 17th


Time: 6:00 - 9:00 pm


Location: Metcalf Hodges Building Conference Room at 770 East Holly St


Instructor: Mariann Carrasco of WMMSN


Cost: $25 for new volunteers. Current volunteers may refresh training for free


**WMMSN Tshirts ($20) and responder kits containing necessary response items ($15) will be available for purchase at the training.


Mariann will be instructing the training for new volunteers and has requested that all current volunteers attend in preparation for the upcoming season. It will be a good opportunity to get new information, learn the new protocols and advances in communication. There's no charge for current members of the WMMSN just bring in your binders.

Mark your calendars!

We've got a big day coming up next Saturday, April 17th!

We'll be meeting at the Metcalf Hodges building on Holly St. in Bellingham for training starting at 10 am. 

Mariann will be instructing the training for new volunteers and has requested that all current volunteers attend in preparation for the upcoming season.  It will be a good opportunity to get new information, learn the new protocols and advances in communication. There's no charge for current members of the WMMSN just bring in your binders. New volunteers, please visit WMMSN.org for details on registration and charges.  Basic responder kits are ready and will be available for purchase at this training. This session is scheduled to run until 1 pm.

Immediately following, we will have a potluck luncheon, so bring your favorite dish to share.

Then after lunch we are going to continue and have our April general meeting.  This month Mike Etnier, our Director of Necropsy, will be giving a presentation on aging whale teeth.

Share a love for marine mammals?  Thinking of getting involved?  Now is a great time to volunteer and get in on this upcoming training.  Contact Bob Ryerson, our Volunteer Coordinator at flowol8@aol.com to register or check our volunteer page at WMMSN.org for more information. 

Principal Investigator, Mariann Carrasco, is currently attending the National Marine Mammal Conference.  Join us on the WMMSN Facebook page and get the current updates from her trip.