Are you looking for an opportunity to visit the Sonoma Coast on a regular basis and do rewarding work at the same time? Join us as a Pinniped Monitor!
Pinniped Monitoring Program volunteers collect data to ensure the protection of harbor seals during Russian River estuary activities as they pertain to mandated work required by the Sonoma Water for the Biological Opinion and to be in compliance with a Marine Mammal Protection Act Incidental Harassment permit. Data provides valuable information on the status and health of the harbor seals who use Goat Rock State Beach as a resting and pupping area.
Volunteer shift times: Monitoring occurs in four hour shifts during weekdays every two weeks, and the day before and after breaching activities at the Russian River mouth, dates vary based on river conditions. Volunteers sign up for shifts according to their availability. Our separate but complementary Seal Watch Program welcomes weekend volunteers and is also hosting an upcoming training.
This is a free two-part training, and you can attend one or both trainings. The zoom will be recorded for later viewing, and training will be ongoing through the spring if you’re not available on February 10th or 18th. Register for the training by scrolling down to the form below if you can attend either date, or if you’re interested in volunteering and can’t attend either training.
Tuesday February 10th from 10am – noon, Zoom orientation:
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84200145931
Meeting ID: 842 0014 5931
Wednesday February 18th 10am – noon, field training: meeting at the Jenner Visitor Center then going to Jenner overlook
You can watch a recording of the online 2025 training here: 2025 Pinniped Monitoring training
If you have any questions, telephone 707-869-9177 ex 1 or email [email protected]
*Photo by Dianne Monroe of a seal pup sleeping at Goat Rock.
Sorry, but this event is sold out.