VOLUNTEER
Seal Sitters MMSN welcomes dedicated, reliable people of all ages to become volunteers and protect marine mammals along the shoreline of West Seattle and the Duwamish River. All potential volunteers must attend training sessions to learn basic information on seal biology and behavior, the Marine Mammal Protection Act, as well as skills and protocol for interacting with and educating the public. Unlike most marine mammal stranding networks, we encourage children to participate in Seal Sitters - supervised at all times, of course, by a parent or guardian.

Volunteers fill many important roles for the network. Even for those with physical limitations, there are numerous ways to get involved and help protect marine life. We are so proud of our amazing and dedicated volunteers - we hope you will join us!

Read in more detail about our volunteer work - and seal pups and other marine mammals - on Seal Sitters' Blubberblog.
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VOLUNTEER TRAINING
Join Seal Sitters Marine Mammal Stranding Network! Volunteers are not just vital for the protection of seal pups and other marine mammals. For over a decade, Seal Sitters volunteers have performed a public service by providing education about marine life and our fragile marine ecosystem to local residents and visitors from around the world.

TRAINING SESSIONS
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR UPDATES ON NEW VOLUNTEER TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES
Seal Sitters MMSN holds several special trainings for those wanting to protect marine mammals along the shoreline of West Seattle and the Duwamish River.

For additional questions and info or to be placed on a contact list for future training opportunities, please
email us.

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SEAL SITTER RESPONSIBILITIES AND AGE REQUIREMENTS
• Establish and maintain safe boundaries to protect marine mammals and the general public. Keep dogs away at all times.
• If volunteer, marine mammal or public is in immediate danger, call 911, then Seal Sitters' hotline.
• Acquire knowledge of marine mammals and educate the public.
• Distribute informational handouts.
• Engage with the public in a professional, respectful manner.
• Abide by Seal Sitters, NOAA and Seattle Parks and Recreation guidelines.




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All volunteers must sign liability waivers.
Volunteers under age 18, must be accompanied by parent or guardian at initial training and on their shift. Seal Sitters encourages children to participate; it is very empowering for a child to learn about our fragile ecosystem and how to protect marine life.

Seal Sitters' goal is to provide a quiet environment to ensure that seal pups or other pinnipeds are safe and able to rest undisturbed on shore. Young children must be able to observe quietly.
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