Hi all,

Last week the Rescue Department staff co-hosted the Northeast Region Stranding Network (NERS) conference. NERS members include authorized responders from Maine through Virgina. Members are made up of biologists, veterinarians, veterinary technicians and researchers. Also at this conference were local, state and federal officials and educators. Since all marine mammals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, we work closely with the National Marine Fisheries Services on all marine mammal issues.

Interns from the Whale Center of New England work at the registration table at the NERS conference.

Over a four day period, NERS members shared important information through business meetings, oral lectures and poster presentations. Presentations were included in several categories, including marine mammal health, sea turtle health, case studies, large whale research and other general lectures. We also hosted a one day Special Symposium titled Marine Animal Disease in the 21st Century. The top experts in this field were invited to speak to our group. This day consisted of seven 30-minute lectures and a lengthy discussion period among all the participants and the invited speakers. The 2009 NERS conference was a huge success!