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 almost 10 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 is one of the only organizations world-wide to conduct long-term non-invasive photo-identification (photo-ID) of both harbor porpoises and harbor seals. To identify harbor porpoises, we use a range of features such as pigmentation, scars, coloration, and dorsal fin markings. Currently we have over 100 animals in our identification catalog, many of which have been seen over weeks, months, and even years!
We have published multiple 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, presenting our 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 long-term 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)
- Community Science programs
- Volunteer and Research 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!
Like many small non-profits, PacMam depends on the support of our community! 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!
Your generous donations directly help us to:
- Provide stipends to support young scientists gain hands-on experience in marine mammal science...
- Get our new boat ship-shape so we can expand our research efforts...
- Support PacMam team members so that we can keep this work going...
- Purchase new and essential equipment...
And so much more! Plus every donation made 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 (and harbor seals!) receive the protection and awareness they need!
Spread our message by sharing on social media, and encourage your friends and family to do the same!
