Continued documentation of infectious diseases, parasites, and determination of probable cause of mortality

The Whale Museum, a non-profit organization in Friday Harbor, WA, received a $115,380 Project Grant award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Marine Mammal Data Program (CFDA 11.439). This 1-year grant supports the museum's efforts to document infectious diseases, parasites, and mortality in marine mammals, as well as enhance the use of unmanned aerial systems to detect and aid in disentanglement of entangled pinnipeds. The funding also enables the museum to reorganize staff and volunteer structures to facilitate increased coverage and improved documentation of reports and strandings. The grant supports dissemination of findings through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations, as well as continued public outreach and education. Additionally, the grant provides opportunities for minority groups underrepresented in STEM through the museum's collaboration with the Doris Duke Conservation Scholars Program at the University of Washington. The museum also plans to restructure its oil spill response procedures with local partners to reinforce preparedness for future hazardous material incidents in the region.

Employ the use of unmanned aerial systems to enhance detection of entangled pinnipeds and aid in disentanglement efforts. Reorganization of staff and volunteer structure to facilitate increased coverage while improving documentation of reports and strandings. Disseminating findings by publishing in peer-reviewed journals and presenting at regional conferences. Continued education of the public through increased outreach efforts. Continued collaboration with the doris duke conservation scholars program through the university of washington to provide opportunities to minority groups that have historically been underrepresented in stem. Restructuring of response procedures with SAN juan county and islands oil spill association to seize on the insight gained from a recent hazardous material spill incident, to reinforce preparedness for any future events in our region.