MARS Response Volunteer

Since incidents are sporadic and unpredictable in nature we can never guarantee when or where incident response will be required, which means that we also cannot require you to be available on certain days or at specific times. Volunteering with MARS is based on your availability and capacity within the moment – anytime a volunteer is available to help is greatly appreciated. If not, that’s fine too. There’s no “penalty” for not being able to help when called upon. Ideally, we do look for volunteers that can commit to us for a longer time period – however we understand that life happens and we do not require a certain number of years’ commitment at this time either. We do not have consistently recurring opportunities for volunteers, and therefore do not have regularly scheduled shifts. When opportunities come up you will be contacted. Typically, responses have relatively little notice; however, certain volunteer opportunities may be planned in advance – for example participating in an outreach event.

Anyone 18+ can volunteer with MARS – no experience or prior training is required. Some characteristics or assets that may make your volunteer experience more impactful include: Having an interest in marine animals and conservation, as well as enjoying the outdoors and spending time around the water. Being motivated, available to respond, and living near the ocean in one of the Maritime Provinces. Having a digital camera or smart phone (for taking pictures), internet access, and a mobile phone for communication in the field and rapid transfer of visual documentation. Although not always required, having a vehicle is an asset for many incident support requests.

As a volunteer, you might be asked to confirm a report of a dead or distressed marine animal, take photos and measurements, and sometimes collect samples. When MARS Responders are on site, there may also be chances to lend a hand directly under their guidance. The reality of our work is that situations and incidents can be wildly different, which means that the requests we make of volunteers are not always the same. However, typically volunteers may be asked to: Check a reported incident site to see if the reported animal is still there. Take photos to fully document the animal(s). Take measurements of dead animals. Assist MARS Responders in moving fresh carcasses from the incident location (e.g., beach) or to another location (e.g., MARS freezer). Monitor the condition of live animals and their current situation (e.g., are they being harassed, are they moving to a hazardous location etc.) and provide updates to MARS Responders. Secure a carcass in its location until it can be picked up. Establish security perimeters for active incidents and assist with crowd control if necessary. Take samples from carcasses (only when trained and instructed to do so). Assist with MARS outreach events. Assist with data collection, taking photographs, sampling, refloatation, or other roles during large-whale necropsies or live stranding incidents.

Many of our volunteers join us in order to contribute to and participate in conservation efforts for marine animals. We have several online courses available for volunteers to learn more about volunteering with us and the various aspects of incident response. Our volunteer manual also details important information that volunteers need to know about marine animal response. As we continue to expand our volunteer program we hope to provide additional opportunities for learning.