Interested in volunteering for Seal Watch and assisting beachgoers by guiding interpretation of the Jenner harbor seal habitat, the largest on the Sonoma Coast? Seal Watch volunteers are located at Goat Rock Beach near the harbor seal rookery (at the mouth of the Russian River) and the Jenner boat launch. Volunteers support safe viewing of the harbor seals during weekends in the spring and summer months through guided interpretation. Park visitors are informed about the harbor seals’ identification, natural history, their protection under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and conservation with the help of a Seal Watch volunteer. Beachgoers from near and far are able to appreciate these magnificent marine mammals from a safe distance with the help of ropes, signs, and binoculars maintained by Seal Watch volunteers.
6/27/23: Seal Watch Training – Online
First Presenter (via prerecorded video): Introduction to the Natural History, Biology and Physiology of Harbor Seals with Dr. Sarah Allen
Dr. Sarah Allen will start the day with an overview of harbor seals, the pinnipeds that are commonly seen hauled out at the rookery located at Goat Rock Beach in Jenner, CA. Learn about their amazing adaptations on land and in the ocean.
Dr. Sarah Allen’s research has brought her as far as Antarctica, but most of her career has been as a science advisor to the National Park Service. She has authored and co-authored many publications, including a UC Press Field Guide on Marine Mammals of the Pacific. Currently, she is the Science Program Lead for the Pacific West Region and Research Coordinator for the Californian Cooperative Ecosystem Studies Unit. Sarah is passionate about using science to inform the public and guide land management decisions. Her impressive work has been instrumental in addressing important resource issues as land and seascape-level concerns about our changing environment continue to emerge.
Second Presenter (via prerecorded video): Rescuing and Rehabilitating Harbor Seals in California with Justin Hodges and Adam Ratner
The Marine Mammal Center is the largest marine mammal hospital in the world. As a critical first responder to threats facing marine mammals, the Center is leading the field in ocean conservation through marine mammal rescue, veterinary science and education. Join experts from the Center as they discuss the threats facing harbor seals in the Jenner region, the process for rescuing sick and injured animals, and how you can help support response efforts in your region.
Justin Hodges is the Northern Range Operations Manager at The Marine Mammal Center. He oversees the Center’s response capabilities from San Mateo County to Mendocino County and east to Yolo County. He is responsible for recruiting and training new response volunteers, and manages the day-to-day response operations in conjunction with the Dispatch office.
Adam Ratner is the Associate Director of Conservation Education at The Marine Mammal Center. He oversees the Center’s education and communication initiatives aimed at addressing global ocean threats, such as climate change, ocean trash and marine mammal harassment. By providing hopeful stories of action and tangible solutions, Adam helps people find inspiration and empowerment to become the heroes of their own environment and community.
Third Presenter: Next Steps to Becoming a Seal Watch Volunteer with Heather Rowe
An overview of the program, onboarding paperwork, and next steps for Seal Watch volunteers: how to sign up for shifts and buddying up with an experienced Seal Watch volunteer to support you on your first shift.
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