All marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act. Some are also protected under the Endangered Species Act and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The Marine Mammal Protection Act was enacted by the federal government on October 21, 1972 and fulfilling this requirement, the Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue staffs and responds to all reports of marine mammals that haul out or strand on the shore in New Hampshire and northern Massachusetts (from Essex, MA to the Maine border). Join us to hear about marine mammal rescues and learn about the different types of threats that seal pups face on our crowded coastline and what you can do to help protect them!
About the presenter: An Atkinson resident, Watson is an outdoors-man who has spent his life exploring the natural world. As a longtime photographer most of his work over 60 years has revolved around the ocean both on and below. His work has appeared in scientific journals, on PBS’s NOVA and on Amateur Naturalist programs. Ron has worked as a scientific diver for the New England Aquarium and as the Chief Scientific Diver for the Charlotte Marine Research Team. He has worked with various marine mammal rescue organizations around the country and is currently on staff at the Seacoast Science Center Marine Mammal Rescue.