Target: Richard Spinrad, NOAA Administrator
Goal: Increase funding opportunities for network devoted to addressing marine mammal strandings.
An estimated 125 dolphins became stranded off the coast of Cape Cod. In one of the largest stranding events in the region’s history, about 10 Atlantic white-sided dolphins tragically died. Thankfully, a coordinated rescue effort between various organizations helped save the rest of the dolphins.
A portion of the region known as the Gut was the location of this event and many other stranding events. Collectively, the 12 miles of Cape Cod’s shoreline invite more dolphin strandings than any other area in the world. Various theories have been proposed to account for such strandings, from the shape of shorelines to underwater sonar activity from military vessels.
While the National Marine Mammal Stranding Response Network has helped fund rescue efforts and research, more investment is desperately needed. Sign the petition below to call on the Network’s parent agency to devote more resources to preventing and mitigating these tragedies.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Dr. Spinrad,
The recent stranding of over 100 dolphins at Cape Cod’s Great Island could have ended much more tragically. The combined rescue efforts of volunteers from several centers and organizations helped prevent a greater loss of life. The Cape Cod area merits more intensive study due to its designation as a dolphin stranding capital of the world. Understanding the factors that compel such events is crucial to curbing their occurrence. Moreover, rescue initiatives like the one mounted in Cape Cod are increasingly vital.
But all of these matters need robust investment. Please make strengthening NOAA’s National Marine Mammal Stranding Response Network an urgent priority.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Ecohotel
