There are many types of incidents that arise with MARS, each with their own set of variables making them different from the rest. The uniqueness of each incident requires everyone to be on the same page for an effective and safe response to take place. This course will cover the basics of working in the field under the supervision of a Marine Response Lead. Â
GOALS OF THE COURSE
This course will provide a foundation on who MARS is and prepare you for the marine animal incident response activities that you may be participating in as a MARS volunteer. Getting to participate in the field is impactful and brings excitement to our volunteers!
Main topics that will be covered in this course include:
- Introduction to MARSÂ
- Who we are and what we do
- Expectations of how MARS volunteers should conduct themselves
- Marine animal response in the Maritimes
- Marine animal incidents
- Why response and trained responders are needed?
- Marine animals in the Maritimes
- Species conservation and recovery
- Marine animal response networks
- How to be safe while volunteering
- Volunteer Activities in the Field
- Initial site visit and assessment
- Description of the Animal(s)
- How to photograph an incident
- Data collection for dead animals
- Introduction to sampling and procedures
- Walkthroughs of how to collect specific samples while on-site
- Necropsies of Dead Animals
-
Live Stranded Animals
Your Course Instructor:
Tonya Wimmer
Executive Director, Marine Animal Response Society
As Founder and Executive Director of MARS, and as a marine mammal biologist with over 20 years experience studying and working with a variety of cetacean species, Tonya is in a unique position to education others on the issues of marine animal response and conservation.
COURSE CURRICULUM
Volunteering with MARS
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Introduction to MARS
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Marine Animal Response in the Maritimes
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Being Prepared
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Volunteering in the Field
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Data and Sample Collection for Dead Animals
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Necropsy of Dead Animals
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Live Stranded Animals
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
QUIZ
Available in
days
days
after you enroll
Next Steps
Available in
days
days
after you enroll