Cape Cod National Seashore to Host Evening Program on Marine Mammal Rescue and Research

Date: July 14, 2009
Contact: Sue Haley, District Interpreter, 508-255-3421 ext. 15

Dolphins, seals, and whales are often found on the shores of New England unable to return to the sea on their own. As a hotspot for marine mammal strandings, over two hundred a year are reported on Cape Cod shores. Join Misty Niemeyer and Pete Holster from the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) for a free, one-hour presentation on Marine Mammal Rescue and Research at 7 PM on Tuesday, July 28, at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham. Learn about rescue procedures, research, and conservation practices for marine mammals that strand on Cape Cod.

Covering 700 miles of coastline, IFAW relies on volunteers for all aspects of their rescue program.  Peter Holster coordinates the volunteers who assist with education and outreach programs in local communities. Misty Niemeyer works as the Necropsy and Education Coordinator for the IFAW Marine Mammal Rescue and Research Program.  Through investigation into the deaths of  marine mammals, staff hope to determine the cause, and learn more about these fascinating animals.

This upcoming program is part of the annual “Tuesday Evening Series” at Salt Pond Visitor Center in Eastham.  Held weekly at 7 PM in July and August in the air-cooled comfort of the visitor center auditorium, programs cover the diverse natural and cultural resources on the Outer Cape and are suitable for all ages, free of charge and accessible.  The series is sponsored by Friends of the Cape Cod National Seashore.

IF YOU GO:  Salt Pond Visitor Center is located at Route 6 and Nauset Road in Eastham, and can be contacted by calling 508-255-3421.  The center is open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM and staff is available to assist with activity planning.  Stop by and visit the museum, view a park film, enjoy panoramic views of Salt Pond and Nauset Marsh, and shop in the gift store featuring interpretive items such as books, maps, puzzles, and games.  For more information about the seashore’s programs, visit the park website at www.nps.gov/caco.

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