MARS Response Volunteer

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Purpose / objective: To support the Marine Animal Response Society (MARS) in their investigation of reports of dead and distressed marine animals in order to ensure their long term protection and conservation in the Maritime Provinces.

*Please note that you must apply online through our website at https://marineanimals.ca/support/volunteer/

Key Responsibilities: As a MARS volunteer you may be asked to support MARS’ marine animal response operations under the direction of a MARS Primary or Senior Responder in response to incidents in the Maritime Provinces. Since the work that MARS does can vary, volunteers may be asked to assist response to incidents involving dead or distressed cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises), seals, sharks and other large marine wildlife. This may include:

·Checking a site to see if the reported animal is still there.

·Taking photos to fully document the animal(s).

·Taking measurements of dead animals.

·Assisting MARS Responders in moving fresh carcasses from the incident location (e.g., beach) or to another location (e.g., MARS freezer).

·Monitoring the condition of live animals and their current situation (e.g., are they being harassed, are they moving to a hazardous location etc.) and providing updates to MARS Responders.

·Securing a carcass in its location until it can be picked up.

·Establishing security perimeters for active incidents and assisting with crowd control if necessary.

·Taking samples from carcasses (only when trained and instructed to do so).

·Assisting with data collection, taking photographs, sampling, refloatation, or other roles during large-whale necropsies or live stranding incidents.

Occasionally, there are also opportunities to help in other ways, such as with public outreach.These opportunities will be communicated in advance.

Due to the sometimes urgent nature of this role, it is important that you can respond in a timely manner - even if you are unable to respond to the incident. That said, there is no expectation of a volunteer’s availability and there is no penalty if one is not available to assist.

Location: Throughout the Maritime Provinces