Much of the work of the PTMSC Stranding Network is carried out by a corps of trained volunteers.
When a stranding is reported, a volunteer responder is often sent out to investigate. Photos, measurements, and other information are gathered to help determine is further action is needed.
When an animal is found dead, sometimes responders or staff collect the specimen so that a necropsy (animal autopsy) can be performed.
Harbor seal pups and occasionally seals or sea lions haul out in public places for extended periods. When contact with humans or pets is likely, volunteers serve as Seal Sitters.
Seal Sitters minimize disturbance to the seal by educating the public on why the animal may be hauled out and by keeping people and dogs a safe distance away.
The PTMSC Marine Mammal Stranding Network receives reports from the area from Brinnon to Diamond Pt. WA. View a map of stranding network regions in Washington State.
The graph below shows a record of total reports received from 2008 to 2014
As this graph indicates, harbor seals, shown in red, are the most commonly reported animal in our area. Not all animals reported were actually stranded.
The following graph shows the number of marine mammals stranded during the same years, this time broken down by species.
In addition to harbor seal strandings, PTMSC staff and volunteers responded to strandings of two sea lion species, two porpoise species and a northern fur seal, an extremely rare species for this area. Other marine mammal species were reported during this time, but were not stranded.
The "Unknown" category refers to marine mammals that were not identified due to lack of information or severe decomposition.
To get involved with the PTMSC Marine Mammal Stranding Network, contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@ptmsc.org.
