Coastal Conversations Radio Program: Seal and Whale Strandings in Maine

Coastal Conversations show: March 27, 2015
WERU 89.9 in Blue Hill and 99.9 in Bangor
Host: Natalie Springuel, Maine Sea Grant

audio frequency iconListen to the show on WERU archives

Why do whales beach themselves only to get seemingly stuck on shore? And when are seals truly stranded?

From isolated seal pups to beached whales, marine mammal strandings are relatively common on the Maine coast. What causes strandings to occur? Which animals strand? And should we do anything to help them get them back into the water?

This is Natalie Springuel, from the University of Maine Sea Grant, host of Coastal Conversations. On our next program, we will talk about Seal and Whale strandings in Maine: Why they happen and why we respond.

With the help of marine mammal experts from Allied Whale at College of the Atlantic and others, we will learn about the whales and seals of the Gulf of Maine, recent marine mammal stranding events, their potential causes, and how a dedicated group of trained volunteers help these animals in distress.

As always, your insights, experience, and questions are welcome as part of the conversation. Make a note to tune in Friday morning, March 27, 10-11 AM, when this month’s Coastal Conversation is about Seal and Whale Strandings in Maine.

Only on WERU community radio, 89.9 FM in Blue Hill and 99.9 in Bangor, and all over our blue green planet at WERU.org.

Guests

Sean Todd, Director, Allied Whale at College of the Atlantic
Rosie Seton, Marine Mammal Stranding Coordinator, Allied Whale
Dr. Carissa Bielamowicz, Veterinarian, Harbor Road Veterinary in South Thomaston
Grace Shears, Marine Mammal Strandings Volunteer

More information about Whale and Seal Strandings in Maine

Allied Whale Marine Mammal Stranding Program
NOAA Fisheries Regional Marine Mammal Stranding Programs


audio frequency iconListen to the show on WERU archives
More information about Coastal Conversations Radio Program