Whales play a vital role in the ocean ecosystem that helps to support all life on Earth. Join Thomas Memorial Library and Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) as we dive deep into the world of whales. We will start with a basic overview of what species have been spotted in the Gulf of Maine (the common and the uncommon). We will also investigate the adaptations that these large mammals have in order to survive in their ocean home. This program will also focus on cetacean stranding response here in Maine, and highlight a few of MMoME’s most fascinating cases. What challenges do these animals face, and what challenges does MMoME encounter when a report of a stranded cetacean comes through their hotline? We don’t need to tell you that it’s going to be a whaley interesting evening. We look forward to seeing you!

 

Please register by filling out the form below
and we’ll send you a link to join us!

With two staff and a dedicated volunteer team, MMoME provides expert stranding response across roughly 2,500 miles of Maine’s coastline (including islands), covering the geographic area of Kittery to Rockland. Annually, MMoME responds to nearly 300 live and dead marine mammals and sea turtles, making it one of the busiest seal stranding areas on the east coast. We operate a 24/7 marine mammal and sea turtle reporting hotline. Through this hotline, anyone can report a stranded seal, whale, dolphin, porpoise or sea turtle to an experienced, dedicated and compassionate team ready to respond.

MMoME’s work also heavily encompasses important research to learn about marine mammals, their habitats, and human impacts on their populations. As charismatic species and sentinels of ocean health, marine mammals represent an effective avenue to garner public attention for conservation, and cultivate environmental stewardship for Maine’s coast.

MMoME’s broad scope of critical work is almost entirely supported by private donations. Animal response, data collection, and education are all funded in large part by donations.