November’s Annual Fin-raiser a big success!
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MERR to conduct annual Dolphin Count
On Saturday, July 16, the Marine Education Research and Rehabilitation Institute will conduct its Annual Dolphin Count, an attempt to keep tabs on local Atlantic Bottlenose numbers.
The dolphin count will take place on the morning of July 16, from 9 a.m. To 11 a.m., with spotters distributed between 32 points along the coast from the southern tip of Fenwick Island to Woodland Beach, along the Delaware Bay, just west of Smyrna.
“For many who visit the beach in the summer, watching the dolphins swim by is a part of their vacation,” said Suzanne Thurman, executive director of MERR Institute. “And the dolphin count provides them an opportunity to help more; it makes volunteering very accessible to those who live out of the area or who have very busy schedules.”
During the count, volunteers will note not only dolphin activity, but other factors such as weather and water conditions, animal activity and human activity that could have an impact on dolphin presence in the water.
“Our goal is to heighten public awareness about this species through education and outreach,” she said. “And this count helps us gather critical information on our local populations.”
The numbers are also important for the species overall, as our beaches mark one of the northernmost areas the Atlantic Bottlenose will travel.
For those interested in volunteering a couple hours to watch dolphin for a great cause, call 302. 228.5029 or email merrinstitute@gmail.com.
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MERR a finalist for Toyota’s “100 Cars for Good” campaign
MERR is proud to announce we’ve been selected as a finalist in Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program. Now we need your support! Vote for MERR Institute at www.facebook.com/toyota on July 27.
MERR plans to use the vehicle for the important role of safe transportation of injured marine mammals and sea turtles.
Toyota’s 100 Cars for Good program will award 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 deserving nonprofit organizations based on votes from the public. A total of 500 finalists were selected based on their application as reviewed by an independent panel of judges who are experts in the fields of philanthropy and social responsibility. We are vying for the opportunity to win a new Toyota Tundra. Winning organizations will use the vehicles to help expand their reach and mission within the community.
Please support MERR on July 27. Voting will take place at www.facebook.com/toyota.
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Photos of the annual Sunest Dolphin Cruise sent to us from one of our volunteers.
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Behold the MERR license plate!
We are currently seeking 200 signatures in order to proudly drive around with a brand new MERR license plate, designed by local artist Karin Snoots. If you are interested in placing this plate on your vehicle, contact MERR and we will get you on the list to submit to the Delaware General Assembly.