Your weekly roundup of wildlife news from across the country.

Looking for Steller sea lion citizen scientists!
Scientists are trying crowdsourcing for the first time for a project called Steller Watch. Have some time to look through photos taken by remote cameras and report back if you see a sea lion?

Sign up to be a citizen scientists here >>>

 

The California Sea Otter Fund:
Tax Season is upon us and if you are in California, don’t forget that you can contribute to the California Sea Otter Tax Fund! Donations to the California Sea Otter Fund go to research into sea otter mortality, and programs to improve near-shore ocean habitats and protect sea otters.

Learn how this once-a-year opportunity makes a lasting impact >>>

 

Helicopter spots an Orca pod:
A news chopper spotted a pod of orcas swimming in the Puget Sound just in time for Spring!

Watch the video >>>

 

Jeff Bridges & the North Cascades Grizzly Bear:
Check out our updated blog on the North Cascades Grizzly Bear which includes a conversation with Jeff Bridges and how you can help during the extended comment period.

Watch the video and learn how you can take actions >>>

 

 Sea Turtles Released”
On March 9th, Michael Adams, one of our Senior Representatives in the Southwest region, got to witness the release of give Kemp Ridley’s and one Green Sea Turtle in St. Augustine, FL after their rehabilitation in Charleston, SC.

Find out more about the release >>>

 

East Coast cities affected by climate change:
Sea level rise is a growing concern for cities like Atlantic City and Miami Beach; and they are both dealing with the issue two different ways.

Watch how these cities are being affected >>>

 

Our Defenders in Action

Friday March 24th is the twenty-eighth anniversary of the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Alaska. Prince William Sound, home to diverse marine life including sea otters, humpback and sperm whales and the life blood of Alaska’s wildlife and its people- pacific salmon, endured almost 11 million gallons of oil from that spill. Sadly, there are still some places in Prince William Sound where oil is visible in and alone the shoreline. The communities and the wildlife have changed and continue to recover since that fateful day. Lessons learned and new preparedness practices and planning have been put in place in Prince William Sound to ensure that this tragedy is not repeated here.

Like the Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound, the Bering Strait is facing the same threat. The rapid increase in marine vessel traffic in the once ice-chocked Arctic waters significantly increases the likelihood of oil spills. In fact, no place is at greater risk or has as much as stake than the Bering Strait region. The region provides globally significant habitat for Pacific walruses, polar bears, ice-dependent seals, whales and sea birds and is home to many communities who rely on these resources.

Defenders is working with Bering Strait communities to minimize impacts to marine wildlife and people. We are engaging all stakeholders to participate in the development of spill response plans with state and federal agencies that are based on science and the unique local knowledge and experience of the communities most vulnerable to these spills. To learn more www.defenders.org/alaska

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