Seal Sitters’ volunteers have been participating in the Seattle Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Mania event the past two weekends. We’ve had the chance to chat with people from all over the country about seals and sea lions’ need to use the shoreline to rest and warm up. And also the important role that the NW Marine Mammal Stranding Network plays in keeping our marine mammals safe and obtaining valuable scientific data for study.

This lively event has educational talks throughout the weekends. WDFW’s Dyanna Lambourn discussed how blood and blubber samples are taken from pinnipeds to monitor the health of the population. Yesterday there was a fun orca “parachute” game, a diver in the main tank talking about various fish species and many other engaging and informational opportunities. The event is also happening this Friday - Sunday (April 22-24) so make sure you check it out. Thanks to our dedicated volunteers (shown here is Julia) for putting in long hours working the table which has a harbor seal pelt, sea lion skull and complete harbor seal skeleton (courtesy of the Aquarium). If you’re a volunteer and have some time available to pitch in this weekend, please email us - we could use some extra help. And many thanks to artist Uko Gorter for the glorious illustration on our new outreach banner!