Support PacMam This Giving Season
Harbor porpoises and harbor seals are among the most abundant marine mammals in the Salish Sea, yet we still have so much to learn about their lives in the wild! Pacific Mammal Research (PacMam) has dedicated the last 8 years to studying these species, with the aim of providing crucial data to inform conservation measures, and building a local and global community that is engaged in protecting their marine environment.
What We Do
Based on Fidalgo Island, WA, PacMam conducts non-invasive photo-identification (photo-ID) of both harbor porpoises and harbor seals. For harbor porpoises, we use a range of features such as pigmentation, scars, coloration, and dorsal fin markings to identify individuals over time. Currently we have over 100 animals in our identification catalog, many of which have been seen over weeks, months, and even years!
To-date we have published 7 scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals, and have several more in the works in order to share our findings with the wider scientific community. Through these publications, as well as presenting findings at worldwide conferences and collaborating with other research groups, PacMam aims to increase awareness of the harbor porpoise as a crucial indictor species and garner more support for long-term research to improve our understanding of how they live in the wild. Our research is critical to support appropriate management and protection of the species in Salish Sea waters.
In addition to our scientific research, our land-based study site provides a perfect platform for us provide a wide range of educational opportunities, encouraging community members of all ages to get outdoors and engage in our work! We believe that, through engaging community members, we can build an empowered constituency that can make informed decisions about the marine world we all depend on.
Connecting Our Community
Our current community efforts include:
- Hands-on place-based learning for students
- Community workshops for all ages (pre-K to 90+ years)
- Citizen Science programs
- Volunteer and internship opportunities
- Job shadows
- Continuing education STEM workshops for educators
- Collaborative programs with other organizations in our area
- Producing a globally-available podcast
You Can Help!
Donate today, and help PacMam continue our mission of understanding and protecting harbor porpoises and harbor seals through innovative scientific research, engaging educational outreach, and hands-on learning opportunities! Every donation you make goes straight back into the running of our organization and our ongoing programs. Support our efforts to learn more about this small cetacean and help us ensure that harbor porpoises receive the protection and awareness they need!
You can spread our message by sharing on social media, and encourage your friends and family to do the same!
